Holiday Newsletter 2013

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KIRBY THOMPSON, Chair Senior Vice President, Community/Government Affairs, SunTrust Bank ERIC ANDERSON Consultant, Egon Zehnder International TIM AYRES Partner, Moore Colson & Co. BRIAN BRODRICK Partner, Jackson Spalding JIM COPELAND Retired Senior Director, Human Resources, Wrigley DAVID FARMER Vice President, Product Strategy and Development, Chick-fil-A TOM FULLER Chief Financial Officer, 22squared, Inc. ROY JONES Managing Director, Walton Opportunity Fund KATE MAINE Director of University Relations, University of North Georgia MICHAEL MOHR Managing Director, Wilmington Trust DAVE POLSTRA Founding Partner, Brightworth LYNN PRICE Chief Financial Officer, Compliance Services, LLC JIM WEBB Chairman of the Board, Triaxia Partners

You are made in the image of what you desire, said author Thomas Merton in the early 20th century. I would expand on Mertons quote and suggest that we can also be made in the image of our circumstances or failings so much so that we can become stuck or paralyzed in old ways. In my time with some of the children at the Ranch, I have come to realize how important it is that we confront the lie that they are destined for a life of disappointment and heartache, based solely on past hurtful experiences. Its interesting that all of us, regardless of our relative successes in life, can be deceived into believing old voices that continually call out from our past. We can readily believe these lies that say, This is the way its always going to be and you cant change. This falsehood is so contrary to the life that Jesus has for us. Our ultimate hope for our children is simple, and hearkens back to Mertons quote: that they will believe and embrace a God who is for them and has a wonderful plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11). Thank you so much for investing here. God bless you and your family.

R eflections

BOARD OF ADVISORS
VINCE DOOLEY, Emeritus COURTNEY AMOS DAN CATHY NICK CHILIVIS ELIZABETH HARRIS EARL LEONARD DAVID RATCLIFFE DAN REEVES KATHARYN AND MARK RICHT MIKE SMITH WENDELL STARKE JOHN WIELAND PHILIP WILHEIT

EAGLE RANCH FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOE HAMILTON, Chair MIKE CALLAHAN LYNN PRICE KIRBY THOMPSON DEE ANN TURNER ROBERT WYNNE

Faithfully,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDWIN J. STAUB

EAGLE RANCH, INC.

Edwin J. Staub Founder and Executive Director Eagle Ranch

Post Office Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502 t: 770.967.8500 f: 770.967.3757

O ur M ission

Eagle Ranch provides a Christ-centered home for boys and girls in crisis and in need of hope and healing. Partnering with their families, we pursue family restoration and reunification. We seek to influence and equip others who share a similar calling to impact children, families and future generations.

EagleRanch.org

I dentit y
A New Identity
By Trey, 14, Grace Home

In addition to educational, social and physical development, spiritual development is an essential part of the Eagle Ranch program. By placing their trust in Christ, children are able to focus beyond their burdens and excel in all aspects of their lives. During the past year, Trey has grown significantly in more than one way. He first learned about dedication and commitment when he trained for, and won, the first Eagle Ranch triathlon. Recently, he made another commitment of the life-changing kind to be baptized.
Trey with his father at his baptism (pictured above). Trey training for the first Eagle Ranch triathlon, which took place earlier this year (pictured to left).

I grew up in church, but I never really cared or paid any attention. I had no clue who God was! But, my houseparents took our home to church, and the message was about decisions. I heard the pastor and felt like he was talking about me. I really related to the message. I felt that it was Gods calling for me. My houseparents and the other guys in my home, my counselor and assistant counselor were at my baptism, along with my whole family. After I was in the pool of water, I was really nervous, but I was also happy that I was doing this and proud of going in front of the church. At the end, I was really pleased with my decision.

Im much happier. Im not depressed or stressed. I just ask God to take everything and trust Him more. My relationship with my family is better. I feel more comfortable talking to them. My anger is gone, and were able to talk about things. Were all more happy with each other now. I hope to keep going. For people who have been through the same type of situation as me, I want to be able to spread Gods word and help them out.

their past is forgiven and their futu re is secu re

When children come to Christ, their identities move from their current circumstances to the reality that they are beloved by Jesus. Their past is forgiven and their future is secure.
Eddie Staub

Learning to Give through Service

Eagle Ranch School students

participate in a number of community service projects each year to learn the value of serving others. Among the organizations the children visited this past year were the Hall County Humane Society and the GainesvilleHall County Senior Life Center.

A generous person will prosper; whoever Proverbs 11:25

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

A New Year Opportunity

Have you ever wanted to tell the State how to spend your tax dollars? Now you can. Eagle Ranch participates in the Private School Tax Credit Program. This program allows you to designate part of your Georgia State Income Tax to benefit students at Eagle Ranch School. Individuals and businesses can take part in this program. Limits have been increased in 2014 for some businesses. Signing up is easy, but its important to act now. This program is very popular, and the funds the State sets aside each year are expected to run out early in 2014. For information on the Private School Tax Credit Program, visit EagleRanch.org or contact Bob Baker: 770.967.8500 or bbaker@eagleranch.org.

refreshes others will be refreshed.

Supporting our Children

This

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

$1000 $

$500

$100

$50

$25

Post Ofce Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502

GAINESVILLE, GA PERMIT #82

PAID

gift supports Eagle Ranch children.

This gift is made by: Name Address City This gift is: Name City Please send honor/memorial card to: Name Address City State Zip Relationship to honoree/deceased: State In honor of State Zip In memory of

HD13

Honor a Loved One. Bless a Child.

The Eagle Ranch Honor and Memorial Program is the perfect way to honor or remember a loved one this holiday season. A beautiful acknowledgment card is sent to the person of your choice. Gifts are processed and acknowledged within 24 hours and directly benefit our children. For more information or to make an Honor or Memorial Gift, call 770.967.8500 or visit EagleRanch.org.

EAGLeRANCH.OrG