Golden Heart Ranch

Golden Heart Ranch provides a wonderful opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities to learn and create through classes such as art, cooking, fitness and gardening in their beautiful ranch setting nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains.

One of my clients has been attending GHR (Golden Heart Ranch) for about a year and a half. The staff continue to be absolutely amazing open for communication and accommodations. The program continues to meet and adapt to the various needs of all the Ranchers who attend which include low support to increased needs. If you have a qualifying adult in the Agora Hills adjacent area SFV (San Fernando Valley), Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley I highly highly recommend GHR. After working in the field for over 30 years I would give GHR as many stars as possible ++! GHR is a rare standout find! Go follow GHR on Instagram and see for yourself!

Golden Heart Ranch is a wonderful community that provides recreation, fitness, life skills and friendship for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Spending time in nature benefits physical and psychological well-¬being by lifting our spirits and calming our minds. This is particularly important for neurodiverse individuals who are more likely to experience stress and anxiety. “Ranchers” can garden and take care of animals further immersing themselves in the natural world while giving them a sense of purpose and pride.

Highly trained staff and volunteers focus on the goals of each individual and their family. Goals can range from developing friendships to independent living skills and employment. While activities are based in this beautiful setting, there is a strong focus on community participation. When individuals with disabilities thrive, so do their families. Families can feel secure that their loved ones are increasing their independence in a safe environment. After all, Rose Hein founded Golden Heart Ranch for families just like hers.

The Golden Heart Ranch provides an incredible opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities to live productive and joyful lives through classes in art, cooking, fitness and gardening. Beautiful hiking trails are accessible, as well as interaction with ranch animals. The programs are thoughtful and carefully designs to engage participants of all interests and ability levels. Demand is increasing for the programs provided here, and the GHR steps up to all challenges. 5 plus stars!!

In a circumstance where the diagnosis is fraught with despair there is Golden Heart Ranch. A sanctum encompassing the development of the individual within the spectrum of the broader world, Golden Heart Ranch does not wallow in the orbit of limitations. Here, “campers” and their loved ones discover a boundless array of opportunities to develop skills that promote self reliance and empowerment within the context of friendship and community. Prepare the fruit that you grew on the cutting board that you hewn to make the jam that you made. Feed a cow, tend to chickens, teach others things you know. Upon meeting the founder of the Ranch, Rose Hein, you will understand where the vitality and air of possibility stems from. She is truly a beacon on the hill, bringing a bleak pronouncement from three decades ago about her own son through seemingly insurmountable roadblocks and challenges to create this haven in the golden hills of Agoura. Hundreds of volunteers and specialists have answered the call, offering their time and expertise to enrich lives and to promote the spirit of this magical place that knows no bounds. Every time I go to the ranch I see how much the synergy of so many impact the lives of these lucky campers!!

GHR is amazing! What they're building will be a shining example of what a special needs community should look like! I can't say enough.

The Golden Heart Ranch is such a fun, loving and excited place. The warmth of the team is simply amazing. They have lots of programs to choose from and each with it's own fun component. The ranch staff goes above and beyond on any activity. They strive to teach skills and have fun at the same time.

I have had an incredible and rewarding experience working at Golden Heart Ranch. I have been lucky enough to witness the ranchers develop and strengthen lifelong skills that can range from caring for the many farm animals at the ranch, to cooking, and gardening. The ranchers here have also created lasting friendships with one another. With hearts of gold, the ranchers learn how to care for themselves, others, and the community around them. I am so grateful to be a part of the ranch and watch as these ranchers gain this invaluable experience.

We are so happy to be part of the Golden Heart Ranch! My son absolutely loves all of the programs and friends he has made at GHR. We are excited to continue our second year with everyone!!

When I was asked to write a review of Golden Heart Ranch my first thought was, "How do I adequately describe what this special place has meant for our family in just the short time our son, Zachary has been attending?" So here, I will try, but please know that it is much more special than I can begin to explain. So, here goes...
Our son has one more year left in the traditional education system, and we'd been looking for a day program for him to attend once he graduates. The Golden Heart Ranch came across our radar, and so I called, as well as researched it online. I remember clearly the day that Rose, the founder of the ranch, returned my call. I was actually taking a walk in the park that day, trying to shake off the anxiety of the "unknown" that we were facing as far as Zach's future. This very kind voice on the other end of the line began explaining the philosophy of the ranch. She said that it wasn't like a traditional day program that was exclusively community based, which meant that the clients would be driven around to different locations everyday...all day, with no home base should they need a break or some time to decompress. She explained that the ranch did indeed offer many community based activities, but that they began and ended each day back at the ranch. She explained the wonderful activities such as animal care, yes, they have chickens, goats, and a lovely cow named Rosie, as well as art, music, sports, gardening, and swimming when the weather permits. She explained that the "ranchers" take part in preparing their lunch each day in the bunk house kitchen and are involved in the clean up after. She said that each rancher is valued and cared for and together, with the ranch staff or the client's individual aide, they learn valuable life skills in the beautiful, natural setting. As she was speaking, I felt like I was hearing myself on replay as I had so many times expressed that we didn't want our son in an exclusively community based program. So...my husband and I met Rose there one Sunday back in March, and that is when the magic began. She drove us around in the Gator (I'd never been in a Gator before) and we experienced the feeling that the ranch offers. Wanting to be able to spend more time in that beautiful setting, I asked if perhaps I could volunteer once a week. Fast forward...through my volunteer time at the ranch, I have witnessed how professional, organized and caring this program is. The facilities are so clean and well cared for. Every detail of everyday is so well thought out. The staff is patient, caring and accepting. Our son Zach, attended their summer camp and it was just about the best experience we have ever had with him attending any program.
So there... I have tried to adequately describe just how much we love Golden Heart Ranch... I hope I hit the mark! And thank you to the outstanding staff for giving Zach such a wonderful experience this summer! We can't wait for him to become a regular there. :)

Our family is continually amazed by the opportunities provided by Golden Heart Ranch for adults with special needs. These individuals are surrounded by and immersed in creativity, challenges, community, responsibilities and fun activities, all infused with kindness, support and love. They bloom in this incredible environment. It’s a truly remarkable place, staffed by equally remarkable employees and volunteers.

Golden Heart Ranch is an amazing organization and facility. They take care of Special Needs young adults with intellectual disabilities when this population can no longer receive services from the school system. They serve dozens of young adults during the week and have sleep over programs on the weekends which enables parents like us to catch a break with our child close by and in great hands.

GHR fosters confidence and high self-esteem by offering unique art and exercise programs, field trips, dinner outings, which provide socialization opportunities for our special community in this time of division. .

My family and I are huge supporters of Golden Heart Ranch and have been since the very beginning when it was a dilapidated abandon summer camp for children. The GHR founder Rose Van Weir Hein put her Golden Heart to work along with her staff, volunteers and our wonderful community to make GHR what it is today. Fast forward a decade or so, Golden Heart Ranch is absolutely beautiful. All of the structures have been rebuilt to high standards, the grounds are immaculate. The staff and volunteers are friendly amazing and love what they do giving back our Ranchers (special need loved ones) on a daily basis. We love knowing that every dollar we donate to Golden Heart Ranch goes directly into making it the best place for our Golden Heart Ranchers to make friends, enjoy the beauty of naturel They have a cow named Rosie, chickens, goats a turtle and who knows what other friendly animals. Feel free to contact Rose or her team for a tour of this magical Ranch with a Golden Heart. It is a wonderful asset to our special needs community with day programs, outing to eat, museums, hikes and much much more.

The Golden Heart Ranch is an amazing organization that offers the special needs community an opportunity to learn and socialize with their peers in the same way that typical individuals do. My son loves attending their programs especially "Dinner with Friends" and the famous Halloween Bash. They have just started cooking classes and Matt can't wait to get back in the kitchen again creating fun and healthy meals with his friends. We are grateful to the GHR and their amazing staff for all that they do for our community.

My son Alex has been active with GHR sponsored programs. Not solely has he been welcomed by staff and counselors, but he has also been welcomed by other participants. Any GHR program that Alex has been involved with has been stimulating and participatory. The GHR friends are going on outings, to dinners, swimming, sailing, etc... Alex really enjoys the activities and the friendships he has made. There aren't many places or organizations where Alex feels included--GHR is an exception to that. A beautiful organization and environment which allows these young adults to blossom and grow!

The best thing about Golden Heart Ranch is the community building. I feel like every person that is apart of the ranch feels that Golden Heart promotes deeper social connections. This place is so meaningful to its participants.

I love GHR! GHR has a beautiful property with animals, overnight cabins and more. GHR serves people who have both intellectual and developmental disabilities. They run various programs that include onsite activities and community based outings. The support system surrounding GHR is amazing. If you are looking for a great non-profit to get involved in, I would definitely check out GHR!

Wonderful organization with amazing staff and great programs. Much needed in the area!

Golden Heart Ranch is a wonderful place for our ID/DD community. The staff is caring and nurturing with amazing programs and fun events!

Golden Heart is a place where children, adults families and fri ends can be included in a wonderful experience.. There are people there to make sure everyone has fun. To let every moment be special that also includes educational information about life. It is a place for my son to be close to nature but get personal assistance to grow as a person.

So fun, had a great stay at one of the cabins. The animals are so cute and Rosy the cow!

What an amazing place with the most wonderful and caring staff. Golden Heart Ranch is truly a gem for the community!

Golden Heart Ranch is a wonderful organization that fosters a fun and caring environment. There are many excellent activities for the Ranchers to enjoy such as archery, learning to cook, and swimming. Plus there are plenty of opportunities to go on great outings in the community. I highly recommend checking out Golden Heart Ranch!

Golden Heart is a fantastic organization. All of the staff are so welcoming and genuinely care about the ranchers. Golden Heart also has many great amenities like a swimming pool, archery and animals. The ranchers at golden heart learn many independent life skills like cooking and cleaning. The camp also does outings with the ranchers which are a ton of fun. GHR has done outings like the museum of illusions, the beach, the Santa Monica pier and much more! If you haven’t checked out Golden Heart Ranch I highly recommend!

Golden Heart Ranch has been a game changer for my son and my family. The staff,
facility and activities have well exceeded my expectations. Every time my son is there, he asks when he can go back again on our way home. We've tried several special needs programs in Southern California and Golden Heart Ranch is by far the best program out there. Everything about The Ranch is amazing!

Our family absolutely adores Golden Heart Ranch and each and every individual who works or donates their time to the ranch. It is great knowing each time we drop our daughter at the ranch that she will be well-cared for while challenged. Our daughter loves to spend weekends at the ranch and will be very conversational after the weekend discussing everything from what she ate to what she enjoyed doing.

GHR’s social and life skills programs are so badly needed in our community. Their art, cooking, fitness, camps and other programs they provide are run by a wonderful caring staff as well as volunteers. They hold several special events such as a Halloween carnival and annual pool party that our guys and gals with special needs really enjoy! Thank you GHR!

The Golden Heart Ranch is a fantastic foundation where young adults with special needs can thrive in an inclusive environment conducive to learning and development. In addition, GHR offers a supportive community with programs that help the “Ranchers” develop social skills and lifelong friendships.

The property is located in beautiful Agoura Hills, California. It is home to Rosie, the cow who loves watermelon, three darling goats named Mama, Hazel, and Butterscotch, plus a slew of chickens that roam freely. They also have a pool for supervised pool parties in the summer and a variety of activities including a Sport Court, Art Center, Cooking Center, Sleep Away Camp, Woodworking, Pottery, Livestock, Farm Animal Center, Outdoor Amphitheater and Outdoor Cooking Center

Rose Van Wier-Hein and her staff are truly a loving family who spend their lives caring for the Ranchers, and we are so fortunate to have them.

The Golden Hearts Ranch is a wonderful organization that helps young adults with special needs to reach their full potential. The property is a beautiful backdrop for them to gain valuable life experiences, learn new skills, and meet new friends in a safe and inclusive environment. I have attended one of their many annual events to see this special community first hand and the valuable service they provide to so many young adults and families with intellectual or development disabilities.

Golden Heart Ranch is a lovely place to visit! It has livestock, chickens, a pool and beautiful buildings for gatherings and meetings. GHR has a wonderful mission - to provide a safe place where parents can know that their children are well cared for by the loving staff. There are so many activities that keep them busy - cooking, painting, and caring for the animals are just a few of the things that the ranch offers!
GHR rocks!

Golden Heart Ranch has been an amazing life changing experience. The Staff Jeni, Carrie, Debbie and Sarah have such an amazing work ethic. Jeni is a great leader and works well with all the clients.

I loved being at the ranch so much with my one on one client that I actually took interest in helping with the summer camp program and it was amazing.

The ranch is unique because not only does it provide therapeutic animal activities it also gives the clients a chance to work on valuable life skill when taking care of the animals.

Golden Heart is very much a blessing to the lives of not only the clients but eh staff that get to be apart of it.

Amazing place for individuals with special needs to learn and grow in a safe and fun environment. A lot of work has been put in to it and it shows.

I was an art intern with Golden Heart Ranch (GHR) for the Summer of 2021. I am studying art therapy, so I helped plan and coordinate art activities with the ranchers. The staff is deeply thoughtful and dedicated to the well-being of their ranchers. The activities they plan in daily are greatly healing and foster independence in the population we serve. I felt that I received a well-rounded and insightful education in the field of special needs and providing individualized instruction.

Golden Heart Ranch has been a godsend for my son. It brought him out of the depression of the COVID lockdown and he started smiling again. He loves being in the outdoors, meeting friends, swimming, yoga, art class. He says, “The staff always look out for me”

Golden Heart Ranch, is set in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains on an idyllic property.
They offer a unique opportunity for special needs young adults to commune with nature and learn life skills in a safe and loving environment. The staff and volunteers are wonderful and caring people who work so hard to create a special environment.
We are proud to have them as part of our community.

I am forever grateful to Golden Heart Ranch for their dedication, inspiration and tireless efforts in providing such incredible resources for my dear, sweet nephew Daniel on a day-to-day basis...without fail. I have watched him thrive, make new friends and grow so much over the many years he’s been fortunate to be involved with them. It is a tremendous relief and comfort knowing there’s such a special place in this world where Daniel is accepted without judgement, nurtured and feels safe and cared for. I cannot imagine what he and his family would do without all the programs, understanding, compassion and support they provide, allowing him to feel part of such an awesome community of people and enabling him to reach his fullest potential. We need a lot more places like GHR!!!

What a stunning location, well educated staff and caring volunteers who create exceptional experiences for their young adult participants. Also, we love the animals!!

The moment I step onto the Golden Heart Ranch property, the peacefulness encompasses me. It is a wonderfully welcoming place. My tween-age children and I volunteer at cooking classes where alongside special needs young adults and staff, we have such a fun time of sharing, laughing, learning from and with each other as we make and eat a meal together. The sense of community and the friendships that bloom at the ranch are inspiring. The encouragement and safety for the ranchers to learn life skills is incredible. The staff is warm, knowledgeable and patient. The location is relaxing and beautiful and the animals are active and well cared for. Needless to say, we love our time at Golden Heart Ranch!

The minute we stepped onto the Ranch property, I knew we had found a very unique place! And I’d visited many programs! From the energy of the program aides, the different project areas (art studio, outdoor stage, swimming pool, playground etc) to the animals and comfort of the general room (including kitchen), they had it all. I knew my autistic daughter would love it, and she adjusted right away. The aides got to know her very fast and we love it that they tire her out with physical exercise. Thank you Golden Heart Ranch for all you do for the special kids we have!

From the second I stepped foot on site at the Ranch I knew just how special it was. Golden Heart Ranch provides programs for those with special needs but it is so much more than that. It is the definition of kindness and community. Some of my favorite recent memories are because of the Ranch and I am happy to be part of such an incredible organization!

Golden Heart Ranch is a special place. Their philosophy of nurturing the whole family, while providing services to one special needs member, is apparent in every event. Rose Van Wier Hein has created a place that equips its attendees to live fuller lives beyond its borders. I've visited and volunteered there multiple times, and each time I am amazed at the sincerity and passion that all the staff brings to the ranch. GHR is the epitome of a 'human-centered' nonprofit.

Golden Heart Ranch is an awesome place ! Nestled in a canyon just 10 minutes from the 101 Freeway off of Kanan in Agoura Hills, this Ranch is a very peaceful place to visit. The staff are very knowledgable and friendly and the programs they put on are very fun and inclusive. The animals are all well taken care of and are very fun to be around. If you have a chance to participate in any activities the Ranch has to offer, I would highly recommend it!

I love golden Heart Ranch. When my daughter Keri the director of the facility first took me to the Ranch I fell in love. The ranch is magical. It provides a place for people with disabilities to learn to cook, socialize, learn art or music, CPR, care for animals like nosey Rosie the resident cow, collect eggs from the chicken coops, feed goats and tortoise , as well as, bunnies. They have many events and outings and are planning to expand to have permanent housing for residents. The young people that have attended Golden Heart Ranch have gained many skills. But I think most of all they gain many friendships that last them a long time. I know my grandkids love the ranch especially my granddaughter. Please consider donating to Golden Heart Ranch it is a very special place.

Golden Heart Ranch has been a God send for my nephew Tyler and our entire family. It's like having a second home. Golden Heart Ranch provides a safe environment where Tyler can spend time and share a multitude of experiences with others. The smile on Tyler's face when he's at the ranch says it all. The joy we see in Tyler brings joy to all of us. Thank you for being there for our boy. It has changed all of our lives!

Our daughter enjoys visiting the ranch with her friends from the SouthBay.She has spent the weekend and always wants to return. The pool and multiple activities including music, arts and crafts provided by the awesome staff are outstanding. Looking forward to and excited about the October carnival. Wish we lived closer so our daughter Erin could spend more time at the ranch.

From the moment we arrived at Golden Heart Ranch, we felt like family. Its staff and volunteers radiate a culture of genuine love and respect for their ranchers. It’s not the kind of artificial family-feel dictated by some carefully crafted mission statement. This is the real deal! My son is thriving in their program. He feels safe, confident and bolstered by his leaders, who approach everything they do with contagious joy and enthusiasm. We are so grateful to be a part of this remarkable community!

Golden Heart Ranch is a great company to be part of and work for. It provides an environment that helps young special needs people develop positive relationships with there peers. It provides enriching, creative activities that they can participate in. Golden Heart Ranch gives the youth opportunities to develop leadership and decision-making skills as well as life skills.

Golden Heart Ranch provides opportunities for learning life , social, recreational skills, and much more in a unique mountain setting. Ranchers with and without disabilities are working alongside each other building an inclusive environment to care for all the animals (cow, chickens, rabbits, tortoises, goats). The variety of program activities led by professionals ensures that each individual will find a program that aligns with their goals and personal interests: cooking, fitness, art, community outings, to just name a few. If you are looking for a program for an individual with a disability Golden Heart Ranch is a MUST!

Golden Heart Ranch is such a special place. The property is amazing, serene, peaceful and well cared for! The animals who live there are extremely docile and calming to the kids. Rosie the cow is so friendly and the goats, chickens and rabbits sure do love the ranchers. The pool is beautiful and very inviting. The best thing about Golden Heart Ranch are the people that work there. Loving, caring, kind, nurturing, understanding, and thoughtful. Golden Heart Ranch is awesome.

Golden Heart Ranch provides amazing programming for my brother and so many people like him. I am grateful for the sense of belonging that Golden Heart Ranch provides to my brother and his friends, and the community that has built up among participating families.

Golden Heart Ranch provides wonderfully rich opportunities for special needs young adults. Camp Coyote Ridge, sponsored by GHR, was my son's first sleep away experience and he had a blast. The staff is amazing, they're always looking for ways to facilitate meaningful interactions with peers and the community.

We adore Golden Heart Ranch! This grass roots program started by Rose van-Wier Hein, supported by a small tight-knit group of parents with the same desire , launching programs to support all kids/adults in the different abilities community. Rose has been the visionary and the drive to get this to the point it is today. Programs in both the South Bay (SoCal) and Agoura Hills. Camps, Stay-overs, holiday parties & events, family pool days. Amazing this has come so very far in a short amount of time.
My son participates in many of their activities (track club, Supper club, cooking classes, outings and camps). Its wonderful to know that your child is able to go on excursions, be safe, and enjoy with people who will guide & support the group with a range of abilities. Love GHR!

I have served the ASD community for 20 years. It has been such a humbling experience to see a place that is dedicated towards building lifelong friendship and recreational activities fit for a community that truly needs it the most. GHR brings heart to many families across the Ventura County area.

Golden Heart is an excellent place for parents to leave their special needs young adults. There are a variety of great activities and the staff is great. Highly recommended. Prices are decent and I actually believe the prices should be raised since the quality is just that great.

After hearing about this special needs ranch I began volunteering my time working with these wonderful young adults. Everyone involved is caring, loving, and giving individuals. Many have degrees and education needed. Everyone is trained to be able to handle issues from the smallest to bigger issues that come up. I loved working with everyone involved and if I didnt move to another state I would still be there . I can't say enough to tell you what a wonderful place this is, not only for the young adults attending, but the peace of mind it gives the parents..

Golden Heart Ranch is an amazing organization. Their beautiful ranch located in Agoura offers kids/young adults with special needs a variety of fun and engaging things to do. Some examples include the Art Center where the kids get to try their hand at arts & crafts. There are cooking , fitness and gardening classes. They also have a number of special events for kids and their parents to meet other families.

My wife and I can't say enough about Rose and her terrific organization. Keep up the great work team!!!!

I have had the privilege to work as a volunteer for the last two years with this amazing organization! The Golden Heart Ranch is well deserving of this honor!

There is simply not enough room to tell you how beyond appreciative and grateful our family feels about Golen Heart Ranch. Our son started attending programming at GHR when he was in middle school and it was a BIG struggle just to get him out of the car at drop off. Fast forward (since he will soon be 18 years old) Zach would often remind me that it was his day to go to one of his GHR after-school activities. Unfortunately, we have moved out of the area but it's not too far where we can easily jump right back into the swing of things. The seasonal camps offered when school wasn't in session was a huge plus because it provided the much-needed respite for the caregivers and parents while providing an enriching, purposeful and fun opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. So many skills were introduced, reinforced and modified depending on the level of functioning of the participant. In addition, no two days were the same and the environment put the safety and well being of all the participants as their number one priority. My son came home everday from happy, tired and looking forward to what the next day would bring. Golden Heart Ranch will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you GHR and staff for setting the gold standard.

Golden Heart Ranch offers wonderful activities to keep our daughter healthy. She enjoys exercising with her friends weekly. Programs like this aren't common and we are blessed to have it in our neighborhood.

This is a fantastic place helping the most beautiful people.

We are so thankful for this community of special families and the amazing work they do and support they provide!!! We love Golden Heart Ranch!!!

My son Alex has been active with GHR sponsored programs for @ 5 years. Not solely has he been welcomed by staff and counselors but he has also been welcomed by other campers.
Any GHR program that Alex has been involved with has been stimulating and participatory.
The GHR friends are going on outings, to dinners, swimming, sailing etc..... Alex really enjoys the activities and the friendships he has made. There aren't many places or organizations where Alex feels included----GHR is an exception to that. A beautiful organization and environment which allows these young adults to blossom and grow!

I am the Mother of identical twin boys with Down Syndrome. You can imagine the effort it took to raise not one but 2 special needs children. With the help of our community of Manhattan Beach, I was supported in raising the twins to be incorporated into our culture by fully including them in sports, socialization, education and the programs necessary for their continued growth and development. The Golden Heart Ranch is a place where they feel welcomed and understood. It is where they will continue to be part of another community and live and flourish as independent young adults. I can honestly say that I feel very confident about the decisions to empower them to live on their own in this wonderful environment.

My young adult son attends Golden Heart Ranch track club, cooking club, supper club an numerous other social activities. He so enjoys going out with his friends and often waits by the front door ready to go. GHR has helped my son access his community with purpose. Our kids shop in local supermarkets, eat in local restaurants, take public transportation to other destinations, and participate in community events. The GHR coaches work so hard to give our young adults a life they so deserve. Thank you Golden Heart Ranch for being so important to us all!

Golden Heart Ranch is a fantastic organization who seeks to serve and meet the needs of their community. They have a heart and desire to see their participants grow as they learn new skills, meet new people, and make new memories. You will be so happy that you joined this group!

As a fundraising consultant, I have partnered with Golden Heart Ranch on several projects. This organization has a compassionate and inspiriting vision to support individuals with Autism and related special needs as well as a dedicated team of caring staff members. I appreciate the wonderful programs and impact that they have here in Los Angeles County.

We live in the neighborhood, and feel very honored to have Golden Heart Ranch nearby. We recently attended an event there and met some of the people running the program, and were very impressed with their commitment and vision. We hope to be able to help them continue to grow and thrive.

Golden Heart Ranch has been on the cutting edge of developing intentional communities for teens and adults with a variety of disabilities. Through the FRED Conference, they brought together people from all over the country and the world, to talk about options for creating sustainable, creative living options for adults with special needs. Providing programs like their Supper Club, Social Club, hiking and track activities, Golden Heart Ranch is providing social and recreational opportunities for teens and young adults who frequently are isolated from their peers. Their plan for a future living community is a dream come true for so many parents who are looking for a safe, caring, nurturing place for their adult children who need a supportive living environment. Rose and her team have worked tirelessly to make this dream come true, and have done an amazing job of finding community partners to help build the dream.

This amazing organization is building a safe, beautiful, forever home for adults who have developmental disabilities. As a parent of a 22 year old with multiple physical and developmental disabilities, I am looking for a place that my son could live and be happy, healthy, fulfilled and safe. Golden Heart Ranch is it!

Golden Heart Ranch is an amazing community for young adults with special needs. Everyone hopes to live in a safe and caring community, and GHR provides that along with opportunities to establish life long friendships, work opportunities, and a lovely environment for recreation.
I have been lucky enough to volunteer at Community Days and watch this beautiful ranch blossom for these wonderful people.

My son Cole went to his first Supper Club event at Johnny Rocket's in Calabasas. There were about ten attendees, plus staff from Golden Heart Ranch. His friend who also joined Golden Heart Ranch went with us and the boys had a nice time. They got to see friends from school and eat their heads off! I left them at the table a couple of times and aside from asking when I was coming back, Cole did really well! The staff were very friendly, patient and seemed to enjoy the group as much as the group enjoyed doing something new and different ... eating outside with a bunch of new friends!

The FRED Conference hosted by Golden Heart Ranch was a transformative event that brought leaders together from across the country. Their efforts started a ripple which is now a wave of innovators who know they are now alone- the FRED Conference also introduced me to my now Fiance! I can't wait to visit and hang out with friends again at GHR :)

We have never had anything in our area for my daughter to meet new friends. This program is a chance for her to do activities with new friends and also to grow socially. The different classes like cooking, art, gardening, etc... is so much more fun if you are doing it with friends and in an environment which is safe and understanding. It's amazing!!!

Thank you Golden Heart Ranch

I donated my time and skills as a contractor after a friend with an autistic daughter told me about this non-profit. They needed help developing a property near me in Ventura County Calif. It was once a youth camp and needs all the help any older property does to bring it up to modern codes etc. The GHR plan is to transform it into a safe and happy home for young special needs adults. I met the Founder, Rose, after having looked over the GHR website the night before I was to work there.. Her story deeply moved me, and meeting her was very inspiring. I met other kind and decent folks who had come to do anything they could to help GHR. I also met a very impressive group of young Americorps members who were living onsite for a few weeks while doing fantastic work around the ranch. Most importantly I had the privilege to meet and interact with some truly wonderful young adults with special needs. The whole experience has changed the way I think, feel and from now on, act when it comes to the issue of Quality of Life for our special needs citizens. I have never felt as appreciated as I did helping GHR . Every single person I met seemed authentic and genuine in the support of GHR, I believe that the overall commitment and level of dedication to seeing the GOLDEN HEART RANCH reach it's goals is present in everyone involved with this non-profit.They cherish even the smallest of donations and thanked me again and again. There is no doubt in my mind that this project and it's people are honest, earnest and absolutely worthy of investment. The GHR is not merely a "good cause", it's THE RIGHT THING TO DO. We all have a responsibility to see that issues of importance such as this are supported universally. I urge anyone who can ,to contact, donate, volunteer and support Golden Heart Ranch.