Acres of Hope Youth Ranch Barn Party Fundraiser

On Saturday, June 6, Acres of Hope Youth Ranch will host its 6th Annual Barn Party Fundraiser, an evening dedicated to celebrating hope, healing, and the youth and families served through the program.

This event invites the community to visit the ranch, connect with supporters, and hear how Acres of Hope is working to positively impact the lives of adolescents in our community.

Acres of Hope Youth Ranch operates with a mission to share HOPE: healing, opportunity, purpose, and education, with adolescents who may be feeling HURT: harmed, unseen, rejected, or traumatized.

Thanks to generous contributions from community partners, our mentorship sessions are offered at no cost to participating families. Every dollar raised helps support program operations and ensures that youth can access the support they need without financial barriers.

The program serves youth ages 12 to 19, with a mission to create a world where teens live like they belong and love others like they belong. 

Through time spent outdoors and interactions with horses and mentors, youth are encouraged to build meaningful connections with nature, their instructors, their parents or guardians, and one another. One of the most important requirements for participation is simple: the youth must want to attend. We recognize that every young person faces unique challenges and we work intentionally to adapt sessions to meet individual needs.

Many of the young people we serve are navigating difficult experiences, including trauma, depression, anxiety, bullying, social isolation, addiction, homelessness, or struggles related to identity and belonging.

Our staff works to create a safe environment where youth feel seen, heard, and supported as they process these challenges and develop confidence and resilience.

The organization’s approach is guided by several core values, including a trauma-informed approach, active engagement, consistent mentorship, unconditional grace; we strive for community minded, responsible stewardship, and empowering youth with tools for growth.

The annual Barn Party Fundraiser helps ensure these programs remain accessible for families while strengthening the community network that supports the work of Acres of Hope Youth Ranch.

Guests who attend the Barn Party will experience an evening designed to celebrate the stories and relationships that make the work at Acres of Hope possible.

One of the most meaningful parts of the night comes when youth and families share their personal journeys of transformation. During these moments, the horses who have walked alongside them in their healing stand nearby, adorned with painted words that represent each youth’s “then and now” story. These powerful visuals help illustrate the progress youth have made as they move from hurt toward hope.

The evening also includes live music, authentic barbecue, and time for guests to connect with others who believe in investing in the next generation. A live and silent auction will offer attendees the opportunity to support the mission while bidding on a variety of donated items and experiences from local businesses and community members.

Organizers hope to raise $175,000 during this year’s Barn Party to continue offering mentorship sessions at no cost to families.

More than anything, the evening is meant to celebrate the youth and the community that surrounds them. Each seat filled and each paddle raised represents another reminder that young people in our community are seen, valued, and supported.

For more information about the Barn Party, please scan the QR code. 

Acres of Hope Youth Ranch

6665 Rickreall Rd, Independence