When entering the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, the road gently winds through a tree-lined path that opens to green fields, welcoming homesites, and a new way of life for boys in the Georgia Foster Care system arriving there.
With an eye on their goal of family reunification, the staff at Goshen Valley gets busy working on stabilizing the lives of their residents. Medical, dental, and therapeutic counseling appointments are top priorities as most have not had regular healthcare. Public school, church attendance, chores and recreational activities create a structured home environment. Dedicated house parents are there to be a constant source of dependability, transforming these lives through relationship. They believe children deserve better, and their new lives stand in distinct contrast to what these young men have experienced. But as hard as the Goshen team has worked to develop this transformational program, leadership shares they have set their sights on prevention.
Located in Waleska, Georgia, the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch has a well-deserved reputation for program excellence demonstrated by trauma-informed processes, qualified and caring staff and volunteers, and well-conceived, comfortable facilities on a sprawling property for their family groups. They’ve learned a lot since they began serving 20 years ago. Even so, the ranch is just part of the story of Goshen Valley. Other programs offered include sibling group foster homes, life skills training and therapeutic services which have been a natural outgrowth of their ranch program. But while committed to excellence in all their endeavors, they’ve turned their attention to making these services unnecessary according to CEO Zach Blend. And they have already begun laying the foundation to house family support solutions in one convenient resource center.
“After two decades of providing state-leading direct care services, Goshen’s leadership felt obligated to begin investing much of our resources and talent toward preventive services. We understand that the lack of accessible behavioral health services is a root cause of foster care. We want to equip men and women with a variety of counseling and therapeutic services to ensure they have the mental and emotional stability to parent effectively. The Goshen Family Resource Center will serve as a hub for those types of services while developing a sense of community for families at risk during this season of life. We’re excited for this new venture to launch in 2023 and welcome the investment of those affiliated with the Cobb Community Foundation.” – CEO Zach Blend
Look for more updates on how Goshen Valley will serve the families in our community to stay strong through adversity. Visit here to make donations to support the important work being done at Goshen Valley.
