Q: How long has Youth Haven been in existence?
A: Youth Haven was founded in 1968 in Rives Junction, Michigan. The Arizona campus was founded in 1982.
Q: How was the property acquired?
A: Several parcels of land were purchased in Michigan. The property in Arizona, including a 1,500 square-foot building, and some additional funds were donated to Youth Haven by Palmer Miller and the Joshua Foundation of Arizona.
Q: How many acres of land does Youth Haven own?
A: Youth Haven owns approximately 390 acres in Michigan, and 85 acres in Arizona.
Q: How many buildings are on Youth Haven's property?
A: There are 30 year-round buildings at the Michigan campus, and 12 year-round buildings in Arizona. Each campus has a “Deer Lodge” children’s dining room, a children’s chapel, a petting farm, a swimming pool, dormitories, a “Chicken Coop” gymnasium, an office building, and staff housing. There is also a nature building at our Michigan campus, as well as a Family Ministries Center. Youth Haven staff members and volunteers built most of the buildings in an effort to keep costs minimal.
Q: Is Youth Haven non-denominational?
A: Yes, we are non-denominational Christian organization.
Q: What children are eligible to come to Youth Haven?
A: Disadvantaged boys and girls between the ages of 7-13 are eligible to attend. These are children who are experiencing economic, emotional, family, and/or social problems. Many come from single parent or foster homes.
Q: How are the children selected to attend?
A: Children are referred to Youth Haven by social services, health departments, schools, welfare agencies, social workers, juvenile court systems, churches, and individuals.
Q: How do I schedule children to attend Youth Haven?
A: We simply ask that you write a letter of request to our President, Larry Carlson, explaining your children's situation and why you feel Youth Haven could help them. Please include their names and ages in your letter and mail it to our Corporate Office at PO Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277. If you represent an agency and would like to schedule many children, please simply share general information about the children in your care and the types of situations they are in. There is no charge for the children to attend our programs; sponsors pay for their stay here, so the letters we receive help us to ensure that we are scheduling those children who could best benefit from our free programs. Once Mr. Carlson receives your letter and approves the children to attend, he will put our scheduling coordinator in touch with you to get them scheduled for a time at Youth Haven.
Q: How long do the children stay on your campus?
A: A different group of children come to our campuses each week, all throughout the year. We offer weekend and weeklong programs, depending on the time of year. Many children come multiple times a year, and all children become part of our on-going follow-up program.
Q: Do you work with children of all races?
A: Yes! Children come from all racial backgrounds, and we welcome them all with love and care!
Q: What are the activities of a typical day?
A: Daily activities include flag raising, cabin clean-up, swim time in the summer, sledding during the winter (MI), arts & crafts, team activity time, group games, chapel, hiking, biking, hayrides, singing, devotions, meal times, visiting the petting farm, and much more! Click on our "Programs" tab for more details.
Q: Do you have contact with the children after they leave Youth Haven?
A: Yes. All the children who attend our programs will continue to receive birthday cards, letters, and updates. The “Ranch Review” is sent to children between the ages of 7 and 12, and the “Teen Trails” is sent to teens. These publications contain fun games and interesting stories and projects to help encourage the kids.
Q: Do the children pay to come?
A: All children come FREE! Caring people like you make all this possible through financial love gifts.
Q: How is Youth Haven supported?
A: Youth Haven is 100% privately supported. Interested organizations and individuals provide the necessary financial support to keep Youth Haven in operation. We receive no State or Federal funding. Youth Haven is a 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. For all donations received, receipts are issued for tax purposes.
Q: How can I become involved?
A: Many people volunteer their time to help with our monthly mailings, on construction or maintenance projects, or for special events. Others help by sponsoring children through their financial support and prayers. Click on the "Get Involved" tab to learn more!
Q: How can I be better aware of Youth Haven’s needs and activities?
A: Watch our website for updates or go to the Contact Us page and request to receive our free monthly updates and special event invitations.
Q: Haven't I heard about Youth Haven on the radio?
A: Yes! If you listen to Family Life Radio, you have probably heard the "Moment of Hope" daily radio broadcast, a daily broadcast consisting of updates, testimonies, and personal thoughts from the Ranch. The programs, heard several times daily on the Family Life Radio Broadcasting Network, are hosted by President, Larry Carlson or Vice-President, Lars Carlson. Special guests each day usually include some of the many disadvantaged boys and girls whose lives have been changed by this miracle ministry. Ranch staff can also be heard sharing up-to-date progress reports.
Q: What is the relationship between Youth Haven and Family Life Radio?
A: Youth Haven and Family Life are separate corporations, but sister organizations with common goals and objectives, and some of the same board members.
Q: Are visiting groups and tours welcome?
A: We encourage people to come see what God is doing! If you would like to visit the Michigan Ranch, call (517) 569-3328. For the Arizona Ranch, call (520) 466-3093. We would also be happy to visit your church or organization to share more about our outreach with your group.
