Will Roger's said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that gets on the inside of a kid".

The philosophy of Shining Light Youth Ranch is that young people can learn practical life skills by caring for their own horse. Each person's relationship with the horse teaches elements of self discipline, responsibility, teamwork, a caring attitude, commitment, dedication, ownership and achievement.

The goal of Shining Light's rehabilitation program is to help young people reshape negative patterns into new healthy habits. The ranch shows young people that there is a world where people care and where violence is not pervasive. Yet we recognize that many of the youth we serve come from broken homes, under performing schools and tough neighborhoods.

In order to address these needs, first we work to strengthen the whole person. We teach and build the godly confidence (Psalm 139:14 - I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...) each youth needs to succeed in any setting. We also teach values, self discipline and responsibility to others. Ranch life is regulated life. Young people who struggled to get up and get to school are forced to get up for early breakfast and a day full of activities. Whether it's in the barn, kitchen or at the swimming pool, instructions must be followed. In addition, the young people are respected and in turn encouraged to respect others. Through Shining Light Ministries, they are given a values framework to fall back upon in the midst of the chaos that often surrounds them in their home life.

Most important in the process of strengthening the whole person is the exposure of young people to positive caring Christian role models. Many of the people in the lives of these youth are a failure and a disappointment. Others don't really believe in the youth's potential to escape their circumstances. At the ranch, youth learn that there is a future beyond gangs, prison, drug use or teen pregnancy. Graduating from high school, attending college, having a family and entering a career become an imaginable future. This future is guided by a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Since 1995 many young people have graduated from this 12 month residential program, beating addictions, reconciling with family members and returning to school or gaining employment. It cost an average of $18,000 to work with a youth. Shining Light accepts clients with or without the ability to pay. Youth are generally referred to the program by pastors, probation officers and former graduates of Shining Light  Youth Ranch. Acceptance is based on the youth's desire to change. Once accepted, youth are required to invest a minimum of one year in the program.