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Mailing Address: Street Address: Phone: 770.967.8500

Eagle Ranch Eagle Ranch Fax: 770.967.3757
Post Office Box 7200 5500 Union Church Road E-mail: info@eagleranch.org
Chestnut Mountain, Georgia 30502 Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 www.EagleRanch.org
All photos for this publication were taken on site at Eagle Ranch by staff member Shannon Jackson.
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‘Even youths gro w tired and weary

and young men stu mble and fall. Excerpt from an
editorial in The Times
(Gainesville, Ga. newspaper)
But those who tru st in the Lord May 12, 1983

for hel p will find their strength rene wed. . . . He says he is led by
God in this venture.
They will soar with win gs as eagles.’
A In this belated spring

Crisisat Home Isaiah 40:30-31 season, Eddie Staub’s

dream is like a breath
of fresh air. Too few
pursue impossible
Never before in history have children and families – in North Georgia
dreams of selfless
and across America – faced so many destructive pitfalls lurking in the
shadows around a stable and loving home. service with intense

High divorce rates, low graduation numbers,
and teenage pregnancies are only symptoms.
The contagious threats to healthy American
families come from all directions, often
innocently cloaked in today’s version of
sheep’s clothing.
Twenty-first century technology, while
advancing communication to the highest
Even more destructive are the universal commitment to succeed.
temptations of drug and alcohol abuse. We have the feeling this
The latest rage in methamphetamines and
other drugs made from household items is no ordinary project.
has accelerated the spread of addiction
from the inner city to small towns. It certainly is guided by
No matter where they live, no family is no ordinary leader.
immune from the encroaching modern

Our Mission
level, ironically has stifled human contact world. And with the onset of a critical health
at the personal level. For some, the age of problem, death, or the loss of a job, hairline
e-mailing and “texting” only means Dad or fractures in home life may eventually crack
Mom never leaves work, even when they’re wide open. For many, the pressure is too
Eagle Ranch provides a Christ-centered home home. And the rest of the family hardly much to bear.
Eagle R anch provides a Christ-centered home
for boys and girls in crisis and in need of hope notices, so engrossed in their televisions,
computers, electronic games and cell phones.
for boys and girland
s inhealing.
crisis Partnering
— and inwith need
theiroffamilies,
ho pe
and healin g.family
we pursue Partneri n g with
restoration andtheir families,
reunification.
we pursue famil y restoration
We seek andequip
to influence and reunification.
others who theMiracle on Chestnut Mountain
We seekshare
to iansimilar
fluencecalling
and toe quip
impactothers
children,
who For children and families in crisis, there
is hope in a place called Eagle Ranch.
A miracle that is spreading across the
United States and overseas.

share a similarfamilies
callinand
g tofuture
impact generations.
children,
families and future generations.
those who tru st in the Lord
Tucked away in a corner of Chestnut
Mountain, Georgia, are 270 acres of beautiful
A miracle that surely comes from no
other place than above.
woods and pasture where a miracle was
born over two decades ago. A miracle that is
now changing hearts and bringing families
For children and families in crisis,
together again.

will find their strength rene wed. They will soar with win gs as eagles. there is hope in a place called
Eagle Ranch 2
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Where
Seeds are Sown
Eagle Ranch
It is here where good seeds are sown
in a patchwork of countless lives,
and the harvest is patiently
and prayerfully awaited.
for Better Lives
Eagle Ranch is a safe haven, a home, a school,
and a counseling center where children come
to live for a season of their lives while their
families learn to put their lives back together
again. It is here where good seeds are sown in
a patchwork of countless lives, and the harvest
is patiently and prayerfully awaited.
Based in a small, quiet community northeast
of Atlanta, the Ranch provides a Christian-
based home for up to 54 boys and girls
between the ages of 8 and 18. No more than
seven children live under one roof, and each
home is overseen by a loving houseparent
couple trained to teach life skills and model
a healthy family atmosphere.
The Ranch serves families throughout the
upper half of the state, from the mountains
of Northeast Georgia to more urban metro
Atlanta. All of them are in some stage of crisis,
seeking help for a difficult home life that may
be causing a child to exhibit poor behavior or
to struggle in school.
The children who come to live at Eagle Ranch
typically are referred by a wide range of public
and private sources – a school counselor or
teacher; a juvenile court judge; a church staff
member; a mental health professional; a state
official with Georgia’s Department of Family
and Children Services (DFACS); or often a
parent or concerned family friend.

Integration of Best Practices

Children receive help in virtually every aspect
of their young lives – spiritually, emotionally,
intellectually, socially and physically. This care
is systematically integrated daily among Eagle
Ranch’s houseparents, counselors and teachers
with the ultimate goal of healing the child and
reunifying his or her family.
Eagle Ranch is a melding of best practices
from some of the finest children’s programs
in the country. However, over the last quarter-
century the Ranch has evolved into its own
distinct program, one that is now recognized
even overseas as a model for addressing the
problems of children and families in crisis.

Defying an Easy Description Family

The Ranch may best be described by what it is not. Reunification
• It does not warehouse an assembly line of children. The small number is the Primary Focus
of children in each home allows individual attention and focus.
• It is not a custodial program. Fully licensed counselors regularly engage
children and families in therapy sessions. Today, one of the greatest
• It is not a program of independent or disconnected services. A holistic, distinguishing factors of
well-rounded approach is taken to ensure integration of all elements of
care – home life, counseling and education. Eagle Ranch is its primary
• It is not focused solely on the child. Family reunification is the ultimate goal. focus not only on the child –

where ho pe soars
Indeed, with its impact in so many areas of the child’s life, Eagle Ranch hardly fits but on the whole family.
into a single definition. Except to say that it is a place “where hope soars.”
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Then
Founded on Faith
Originally envisioned as a boys’ home,
Eagle Ranch was founded back in 1985
to quite a bit of fanfare. Founder Eddie Staub
captured the hearts and imagination of an
entire North Georgia region – and the media –
after moving there from Alabama with little
money, experience, or local ties to the area –
only a vision and the strong belief that he had
been called to a life of helping children.
Early into his uphill effort, Eddie found
inspiration from a message hanging on the
Eagle
was
Ranch office wall of an Atlanta minister. “Attempt
founded
back in 1985 something so great for God, that it’s doomed
to failure unless God be in it.” He wrote it
down on a scrap of paper and carried it
with him through his trials in starting the
Ranch. Today, it hangs in the Ranch’s
administration building.
Chance Meeting with a Legend
Along the way to raising start-up funds for
the Ranch, Eddie Staub was able to secure
a meeting in the fall of 1982 with the head
football coach of the University of Georgia,
the legendary Vince Dooley. The encounter
on a practice field ended with a handshake
and Eddie’s “first friend in Georgia.”
Dooley went on to become a key vocal
supporter of Eagle Ranch and still serves as
an emeritus member of its Board of Advisors.
Now
Wide Acclaim for Eagle Ranch
“I have found Eagle Ranch to be one
of the most unique and progressive
havens for children, not only in this
state but also throughout the country.
They are clearly on the cutting edge
of best practice for children.”
Normer Adams
Executive Director
Georgia Association of
Homes & Services for Children
Eagle Ranch “is the gold standard.
It’s a model . . . that actually works.”
Michael Thurmond
Georgia Labor Commissioner
Former head of Georgia Division of
Family & Children Services
“Many organizations spend much
effort making children behave, but
Eagle Ranch concentrates on the
heart change that can carry a child
beyond the rules and structure of
Eagle Ranch and into their homes
and communities.”
Earl N. Stuck
National Childcare Consultant
Former executive,
Child Welfare League of America
From an Eagle Ranch Graduate
“I don’t know how many lives have
been changed for the better all these
years because of Eagle Ranch. But
I can assure you I know of one:
mine. Eagle Ranch gave me an
opportunity to make a fresh start,
and now I am helping to give
other children the same hope.”
Shane Sullards
Founder and Owner of Lapdog,
a youth leadership program

Excerpt from
On Eagle’s Wings – The True Story of the Founding of Eagle Ranch
“Let me make sure I heard you right,” Coach
Vince Dooley said, his arms still folded as he
cocked his head slightly and studied Eddie
Staub’s face.
“You want to start a boys’ ranch, but you
don’t have any land yet?”
“No sir.”
“And you don’t have any money either.”
“No sir.”
“And you don’t have any friends?”
“No sir… unless you’re interested.”
Dooley chuckled. “It sounds like you have your
work cut out for you…What exactly
do you want from me?”
“Be on my board of advisors. Make a few
phone calls and open doors for me.”
Dooley paused, as if to reflect. The
seriousness had returned to his face.
Finally, he extended
his right hand.
“It’s Eddie, right?”
“Yes, sir.” They shook hands.
“Eddie, anything you need,
you just let me know.”
Eddie smiled back sheepishly.
He’d just made his first friend in Georgia.
Children are our
Messages to the Future
Since its inception, Eagle Ranch has been involved with more than 500
children for a season of their lives. And while not every child has been
a success story, the positive generational impact on children’s families
will continue to be felt well beyond the Ranch and our own lifetimes.
Like arrows shot from a bow, children are the messages we send
to a faraway place and time we may never see.
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our goal is for the children to return home

Home life at the Ranch after their time at Eagle Ranch
teaches structure, and for the family to be prepared to function in a
responsibility, and ho w to healthy manner
get along with others.
Eagle Ranch Program
Admission Home Life
Entry into the Eagle Ranch program begins While children may live at Eagle Ranch from
with a thorough evaluation of the child and elementary through high school, the program
parents (or legal guardian such as a grand- is structured to motivate them toward return-
parent). The entire family must embrace ing home as soon as possible. Consequently,
the program to ensure a lasting change. the average stay is about two years.
The screening and interview process is The girls and boys spend the majority of
conducted at the Ranch by a full team of their time at the Ranch, busily learning new
houseparents, counselors, and educational life skills. Home life at the Ranch teaches
staff. An assessment of at least three paternal structure, responsibility for chores, and
and maternal generations is performed in how to get along with others. Every other
order to identify patterns of dysfunction or weekend, and on holidays, the children then
what is termed “generational curses.” return to their natural homes to practice and
put these lessons into action.
Each member of the treatment management
team must agree that the child and family The discipline philosophy at Eagle Ranch is
would be a good fit for the Eagle Ranch pro- key in helping to reverse patterns of inappro-
gram. If accepted, an individual treatment priate behavior. Houseparents and staff
plan is then developed. follow a “choice-and-consequence”
model of discipline which establishes
During the admissions process, the child’s
specific consequences – such as losing
family identifies poor “old self” character-
certain privileges – for poor decisions.
Three Key Pillars of the istics in preparation to learn positive
Each child’s progress is measured
Eagle Ranch Program “new self” changes and to set goals toward
through a ladder system of reward
achieving them.
• Home life and privileges that starts at the “Crow”
• Counseling level and aspires to an “Eagle.”
• Education
These integral components are
coordinated and woven into
the care of every child, with
Giving Back Their Childhood (excerpt from Seasons)
the ultimate goal of family
restoration and reunification. The children at Eagle Ranch often tell me they feel younger here. To see our boys
and girls play softball, capture the flag, kick the can, and other simple games of
our own younger years, and actually enjoy them, is a wonderful fulfillment of
our desire to give them back their childhood. One day, they will see the value of passing on these
same experiences to their own children and giving them a taste of the simple pleasures they
“You accepted Billy and changed his life forever . . . enjoyed during their season at Eagle Ranch.
Tanks k al who have sew my precious son down the right road.” Eddie Staub
Founder and Executive Director of Eagle Ranch 8
Excerpt from a letter to Eagle Ranch
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Eagle Ranch Program { c o n t in u e d }
Counseling
The Ranch’s licensed professional counselors
provide individual, family and group coun-
seling. In addition, they lead the children
through a variety of creative exercises that
include equestrian therapy (particularly for the
girls) and play therapy (for younger children).
The counselors are involved in every
facet of the Eagle Ranch program,
working with the houseparents and
school staff to wrap each child in
continual assessment and counsel-
ing. They also fully involve the
child’s family as an integral part
of the overall program.
Education
Most children who enter Eagle Ranch are at
least two academic grade levels behind. This
unfortunate truth led the Ranch to establish
an on-campus school.
Accredited by the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the
Eagle Ranch school covers grades six to
nine, helping young students receive extra
attention during the middle school years,
a difficult transition period for most children
anywhere. The school provides an extremely
low instructional ratio of one teacher and
one para-professional for every 12 children –
a tremendous advantage.
Seeking a ‘Heart Change’ for Life
All three elements of home life, counseling
and education work in concert to promote a
“change in heart” for a lifetime as opposed to a
behavioral change that temporarily conforms
to a program’s requirements.
its builders labor in vain“
unless the Lord builds the house,
Page 9
As an on-campus school, there also is greater
coordination, accountability, and full integra-
tion of the Eagle Ranch treatment program.
For example, houseparents and counselors
advise teachers of any specific problems with
a child at home (and vice versa) so that issues
can be dealt with on a timelier basis.
To date, the Eagle Ranch school has
demonstrated remarkable success with
an average gain of two grade levels for
students attempting to catch up to their
academic age level.
But academic achievement is not the
only measure. In an analysis of the school,
a national education consultant made the
following observation: “Although academic
achievement is usually the standard of
relevance in educational programs, the
Eagle Ranch program seems to provide
an even greater benefit in the development
of self-confidence, study and social skills,
and the instilling of the value of education
in the students.”
Eagle Ranch also maintains a close partner-
ship with the neighboring Hall County
School System, working with an excellent
elementary and high school team of teachers
and school counselors to support students
from Eagle Ranch with their academic
performance and behavioral skills.
Psalm 127 reads that “unless the Lord builds
the house, its builders labor in vain.” In this
same spirit, the Eagle Ranch staff strives to
make every action in its program relational
and filled with the love of God.
Psal m 127
Nine Most Frequently Asked Questions
About Eagle Ranch
1) What are the ages of the children
at Eagle Ranch?
Ages 8 to 18 for boys and girls.
2) What are some of the criteria
for acceptance into the program?
• Entry age of 8 to 14 for girls;
8 to 16 for boys.
• Mild to moderate emotional and/or
behavioral problems.
• Minimum I.Q. score of 70.
• Reside within 80 miles of Eagle Ranch.
• Parents or extended family must agree
to be involved in counseling.
• Child must be alcohol and substance-
abuse free at time of entry.
3) Where do the children come from?
The majority come from the Ranch’s base in
Northeast Georgia. However, children have
been referred to the Ranch from more than
20 counties in the region within an 80-mile
radius. Referrals typically come from
schools, churches, concerned friends or
family members, the juvenile court system,
and the state Department of Family and
Children Services (DFACS).
4) How long do the children stay?
The average stay is between 18 months
and two years.
5) Where do you get your money?
Almost entirely from private sources,
which include individuals, corporations,
foundations and churches.
Girls’
Homes
Located on 270 acres of
wooded land four miles
off Interstate 85, in Eagle Ranch
southern Hall County,
Chestnut Mountain,
Georgia, about 50 miles
Georgia
north of Atlanta.
6) Do you receive any public funding?
Very little. The state of Georgia does
provide a monthly stipend for children
referred by its DFACS office, but that
represents a very small percentage
of the children at Eagle Ranch. Also
Title I funds are available for the
Eagle Ranch School.
7) Do you charge the children’s families
for your services?
Yes, but there are no set fees. To encourage
full participation, the Ranch charges families
on a sliding scale based upon income.
8) What is the operating budget?
$2.7 million or approximately $50,000
per child. The cost per child is higher than
most children’s homes because of the addi-
tional program components of counseling
and education.
9) How is Eagle Ranch different from
other children’s homes?
Eagle Ranch is not solely a custodial
or residential program. It provides an
integrated program of counseling and
education. Also, houseparents have no
more than seven children per home,
allowing much more focused attention
for each child.
Future Girls’
Homes
School
Boys’
Homes
15% General and
administrative
9%
Fundraising
76% Children’s
programs
Our financial
stewardship
of charitable gifts
To maintain our program’s
Christian principles and inde-
pendence from government
influence, Eagle Ranch relies
almost solely on private
donations to support a
$2.7 million annual budget.
More than 76% of contribu-
tions goes directly to children’s
programs, a percentage that
far exceeds the 65% standard
set under national ethics
guidelines for U.S. charities.
Every dollar of every gift to
Eagle Ranch – a 501(c)(3)
organization and member of
the Evangelical Council for
Financial Accountability
(ECFA) – is carefully moni-
tored. Our financial records
are audited annually by an
independent accounting firm
with additional ongoing
review by the finance com-
mittee of the Eagle Ranch
Board of Directors.
Debt-free Philosophy
Eagle Ranch spends no money
on new capital projects (such
as construction of a children’s
home) until all funding is
secured. That means not one
penny of contributions ever
goes toward interest pay-
ments on debt.
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The Wings
Mission
–
Wi
n gs
Wings
The
“ The Wings Initiative derived its name from the concept of
giving ‘lift and wings’ to the visions of others
seeking to rescue children in need.

Exporting Eagle Ranch

to Children Everywhere
”
Initiative
Initiative
The Wings Initiative is In recent years, word of Eagle Ranch’s twice a year at the Ranch, where they learn
a global initiative of reputation and success in helping children firsthand about the Eagle Ranch model –
has spread far outside its North Georgia base and how it can be replicated or adapted.
Eagle Ranch to equip to distant locales across the country and
Beyond the seminars, the Wings program
even overseas. Consequently, the Ranch
others in starting and its full-time director also provide one-
has received an ever-increasing number of
on-one mentoring and consulting services
inquiries from others seeking guidance in
Christ-centered, starting or reshaping their own programs to select groups in the start-up or fine-tuning
for needy children. of children’s homes.
holistic homes for
Recognizing an opportunity to expand its Though still in its infancy, the Wings Initiative
hurting children. services and help even more children, the already has helped establish children’s homes
Eagle Ranch Board of Directors established throughout the United States – and even
Its focus is to provide
The Wings Initiative in 1997. Since then, abroad in Latin America and other areas of the
information and hundreds of inspired people have attended world. The potential is truly global in reach.
instructional Wings seminars conducted
assistance in the birthing
or retooling of children’s
homes worldwide,
thereby significantly
expanding its reach
in the healing and
restoration of children
Taking flight across the world
and their families. “Eagle Ranch’s Wings Initiative was God’s answer to prayer “With big hopes and bigger ideas, I was blessed to find exactly
for My Father’s House (a children’s home in El Salvador)... what I needed in order to help spread my wings and learn to fly
They have come along beside us as a big brother to guide into unchartered territory. Wings gave me not only a reality check
us through the steps necessary to develop the ministry.” but hope and a belief...”
Gary Powell Joan Smith
Executive Director Executive Director
My Father’s House in San Salvador Noah’s Ark
El Salvador Jeffersonville, Indiana

Exporting Eagle Ranch

to children every where 12
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“Even youths grow tired and weary

and young men stumble and fall.
But those who trust in the Lord
for help will find their strength renewed.
They will soar with wings as eagles.”

Isaiah 40: 30-31

those who tru st in the Lord tru st in the Lord

will find their strength rene wed. They will soar with win gs as eagles.