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From the Executive Director
To Partners, Friends and Advocates,
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For more than 18 years, partners like you have invested in Refuge Ranch, making a tremendous impact in the lives of underserved, at-risk and special needs youth and families in our Central Illinois community.
Over the years, Refuge has experienced extraordinary growth. Now, God has placed an unprecedented opportunity in front of us, and so we are growing again. We are thrilled to share this news with you first!
With a wait list of more than 90 children who are in desperate need of services and an opportunity to offer expanded and more holistic care for our current families, we are prayerfully pursuing God’s next steps for Refuge. In this document, you will find a plan
for growth that encompasses both the new projects we are envisioning as well as current programs and funding.
As we launch this initial quiet phase, we are inviting you to be a friend in prayer and a partner in this dream! Inside you will find a gift table outlining the funds needed to successfully complete the 3 year plan laid out in this Case for Support. We are incredibly excited to share that as of today we have already raised nearly $2.5 Million dollars in gifts and pledges toward our need:
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$1.2 Million in Regular Projected Giving
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$1.3 Million in additional Pledges and Gifts for Expand Refuge
In May, we will launch our vision to the public. Our goal is to have reached 75% of our total need as we invite the broader community to help us cross the finish line. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us as we pursue this incredible opportunity to Expand Refuge to more hurting families in our community!
We are so thankful for your continued friendship,
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Chris Daniels
Co-Founder & Executive Director
The need
Too many children and families in Central Illinois are carrying trauma, loss, instability, disability and other challenges that can feel overwhelming. Refuge Ranch provides a safe, Christ-centered place where they can find support, build trust and begin to heal through consistent relationships and meaningful connection.
The approach
Healing takes time, trust and community. Through equine-assisted mentoring, adaptive riding and long-term relationships, Refuge Ranch helps children build confidence, empathy and healthy connections while experiencing the hope and love of Jesus. Every program is provided at no cost to participating families.
The opportunity
God has opened the door for Refuge Ranch to reach more children and families than ever before. Expanded facilities, increased program capacity and continued investment in staff, horses and operations will help strengthen the ministry for the future while preserving the personal, relationship-based care that makes Refuge Ranch unique.
The Expand Refuge Vision
Expand Refuge launched as a three-year, $3.445 million effort to strengthen the long-term future of Refuge Ranch, expand capacity and reach more children and families with the hope and love of Jesus.
Expansion 1: The Rochester Campus
$715,000 investment
The first goal was to acquire the 13-acre property adjacent to Refuge Ranch, adding more than nine acres of pasture, an eight-stall barn, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a retreat facility and direct access to approximately 15 miles of trails at Sangchris Lake State Park.
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>>>>>Reached: January 2026 - Refuge Ranch purchased the adjacent property in January 2026, significantly expanding the Rochester campus and creating new opportunities to serve more children and families.
Expansion 2: Secure the Ranch for the future
$515,000 investment
Since Refuge Ranch was founded, Chris and Stephen Daniels have provided the original 17-acre property for ministry use. The second campaign goal was to transfer ownership of that land to Refuge Ranch, securing the permanent home and long-term future of the ministry.
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>>>>>Reached: June 2026 - Refuge Ranch purchased the 17-acre property for longterm use in June 2026.
What comes next: Long-term sustainability
$2.2 M investment
As Refuge Ranch expands, continued investment will support increased staffing, new support initiatives, essential capital improvements, care for a growing herd and campus, and three years of operational needs. These resources will help ensure the Ranch can fully use its expanded facilities, sustain the ministry long term and continue providing programs at no cost to participating families.
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“Refuge Ranch has been part of my life since I was little. ..it’s where I am supposed to be. It’s just one of those places that feels like home...”
Participant
“The Ranch has shown me what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.”
Participant
“Thank you all for serving with such heart. Your work is making a real difference, and we are so thankful.”
Parent
“ This place has been a home for me, a safe space where I could heal, grow and discover joy again.”
Participant
Take the next step
There are many ways to be part of what God is doing through Refuge Ranch.
Whether you have been a longtime partner or are interested in seeing the mission in action for the first time - you are welcome to schedule a visit. Check out upcoming events or set up a personal tour.
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Read the complete Expand Refuge case statement to learn more about the vision, campaign goals and plans for the future.
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Contact us
Have questions about Expand Refuge, the future of the Ranch or how you can become involved? We would love to hear from you.
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There are many ways to give to Expand Refuge. Learn more and contact us if you would like to connect about your options and learn more about Expand Refuge.
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