Making Room – October Edition
A Note from Amy
On September 19, we gathered at the historic Telico Gin to launch our new two-year campaign, Making Room. What an incredible evening it was! From the first moments to the final conversations among friends, we could see God’s hand throughout the evening. At the heart of our gathering were the stories of Runnin’ Free Ranch and the mission God has entrusted to us.
Through testimonies and storytelling, guests caught a glimpse of the work God is doing here at the ranch. They heard stories of hope renewed and healing experienced through real relationships between clients, counselors, and horses. For me, it was a beautiful reminder that behind every session is a person with a story—and the possibility of finding their way back to hope.
We were humbled and grateful to raise $23,204 during this kickoff event, taking an important first step toward our initial goal of $100,000 by the end of March 2027. But the heart of Making Room is the people we will be able to welcome. Hiring another counselor will allow us to serve more individuals and families who are waiting for care.
I look forward to sharing their stories, updates from the ranch, and our progress through this new newsletter. Thank you for being part of what the Lord is doing through Runnin’ Free Ranch and for partnering with us as we make room for life, hope, and freedom.
With gratitude,
Amy Dojahn, M.Ed., LPC-S
Co-Founder & CEO, Runnin Free Ranch
MENTAL HEALTH HEADLINES
Today, mental health is a topic we see in the headlines almost daily. We hear statistics and read reports, but behind every headline is a real person. There are children struggling to process trauma, veterans carrying invisible wounds, grieving families trying to put the pieces of their lives back together, and first responders who witness the unimaginable while continuing to serve their communities.
Traditional therapy can be life-changing, but for many families it is simply out of reach financially. In other cases, traditional approaches have not been enough, and families find themselves searching for another path toward healing. That's when many of them find Runnin' Free Ranch.
One of the most humbling parts of our work is answering the phone when someone reaches out for help. On the other end of the line is often someone taking one of the bravest steps of their life. It may be a parent calling on behalf of their child, a veteran looking for relief, or someone finally deciding they can no longer carry their pain alone. They are vulnerable, hopeful, and courageous.
And right now, we have to place them on a waiting list.
Those moments are incredibly difficult because we know the courage it took to make that call. We know they are ready for help. We know they are searching for hope. Having to ask them to wait is heartbreaking.
That is exactly why we launched the Making Room Campaign.
Making room for the next child who needs a safe place to heal.
Making room for the veteran searching for peace.
Making room for the first responder carrying the weight of another difficult day.
Making room for the family that feels like they have run out of options.
Making room for every person who reaches out and asks for help.
At Runnin' Free Ranch, we offer trauma-informed, equine-assisted counseling that creates opportunities for healing unlike anything many of our clients have experienced before. Time and again, we have watched God work through Amy and other counselors, our horses, and the unique environment He has created here. We have witnessed breakthroughs that seemed impossible, confidence restored in children who once lived in fear, and families finding hope where there once felt like none.
The stories of healing continue to prove that this ministry is making a difference not only for individuals, but for families, schools, and communities throughout our region.
