The Extended Hands Foundation

PHASE 4

          Joshua House Ranch Complex

The Joshua House Ranch complex will specialize in high-risk teens which need an alternative long term residential placement to facilitate transition into a self-supporting role in society.  JH ranch will be dedicated to removing at-risk teens from an inner city environment in order to provide a place of hope leading to a restored lifestyle.  Joshua House Ranch will consist of multiple Ranch-Bunk Houses with a PIL (Preparation for Independent Living) education concept of developing within the student the necessary life skills to be successful in society.  Each house will be supervised by experienced parents providing a necessary family environment.  By providing nurturing examples of caring for each other, the animals and the facility; Joshua House will foster a community mind-set rather than a societal self-preservation ideal.  By specializing on reaching students ages 15 to 18 (the most difficult ages to place), JH Ranch will focus on those closest to adulthood who need direction at this most difficult stage.  

Included in JH Ranch’s core structure will be student development through a PIL (Preparation for Independent Living) Program.  Not only will the Ranch homes provide a safe environment, the home parents will help the student develop real world skills while in placement.  This program will assist students in interviewing and holding part time jobs while still maintaining appropriate grades in school.  While enrolled in the program, half of the student’s paycheck will go into a savings account to be held until the student’s commencement.

Through the foundation’s partners, each student, upon completion, will receive assistance in finding housing and transportation.  Additionally, students will earn support in finding, applying and financing college.  (The state of Oklahoma currently provides tuition for youth from the foster system to attend a state college.)