History

Connie and John Blend of Atlanta, Georgia established the Goshen Valley Foundation in 1997. By 1999 the Foundation had initiated and chartered the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, located on 400 acres in the Appalachian foothills of Northwest Cherokee County, Georgia. The purpose of the Ranch is to provide hope and a family-model home for boys who do not have either.

In the fall of 2002, the first residence opened for six boys. In 2004, the second residence opened for six more boys, and the Ranch's Respite House was remodeled. In 2005, the third and fourth residences opened on the Ranch, bringing a total of 24 boys to the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.

“The positive results of our Ranch ministry are apparent every day,” says John Blend, Chairman of the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. “We hope you see that as you learn more about life at Goshen Valley.”

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Facts:

60 Boys Served, Our First Boy was in 2002
21 Boys Currently Reside on Ranch, Ages 9-19
5 Residences, 32,000 Square feet
45 Bedrooms, 56 Bathrooms
150 Acres, 15 Cows, 3 Horses, 2 Ponds
Cherokee County Schools, Local Colleges
$65,000 Proceeds from 2007 Golf Classic
$100,000 Proceeds Goal from 2008 Golf Classic
$400,000 Annual Philanthropy Goal

Ranch Environment

The Ranch’s beautiful natural setting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains gives boys many opportunities to learn, grow and heal. Boys learn how to care for animals such as horses and cattle; they work together in teams to help maintain and beautify the land; and they enjoy the great outdoors through hiking, horseback riding and swimming.

“I love learning to ride the horses and being around all the fun people.”
-Dillion

“I had never owned dogs, rabbits, horses or cows before.”
-Shadow

Each group home at the Ranch comfortably houses six boys, a houseparent couple, and their children. The home’s design encourages personal responsibility: each boy is responsible for maintaining his own private room and bathroom. Boys learn to do their own laundry and dishes and complete rotating house chores.

Through good behavior, boys can earn access to game areas and other rewards. Boys also enjoy daily homework help, family-style meals, theme nights, group outings and community events. During the summer, boys form a “work crew” three days a week and tackle the many projects that need implementing on the ranch, such as clearing trails, mending fences, and building small bridges.

“After our first work project, the boys were showing off their blisters. Like they were proud of them. Like they were earned.”
-Virginia Curtiss, Ranch houseparent

Visit the Ranch at www.goshenvalley.org.