Justin Arana, the Operations Director at Acres of Hope Youth Ranch, is a man deeply invested in the success of the organization. His journey to the ranch began in the construction industry, where he spent 20 years running a family business with his father and brother. Despite the challenges of working in a family-run business, Justin eventually left construction in 2020 to support his wife, Emmy, in realizing her vision for Acres of Hope.
Justin reflects on the decision:
“My wife had this incredible vision for the ranch, but I wasn’t originally part of it. I never thought I’d leave the business, but in 2020, I stepped away to help Acres of Hope get off the ground. It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding.”
At Acres of Hope, Justin oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the property is maintained and that the programs run smoothly. His role involves everything from property repairs and coordinating with volunteers to participating in mentorship sessions with the youth. It’s a hands-on job that requires dedication and a deep understanding of both the needs of the ranch and the children they serve.
Emmy’s Vision: The Heart Behind Acres of Hope
While Justin keeps the ranch running, the heart of Acres of Hope lies with his wife, Emmy. Her journey toward founding the ranch is one filled with personal struggle and a deep desire to help others. Having experienced significant trauma during her teenage years, Emmy turned to horses, God, and mentors to guide her through those dark times. She later became a teacher in the Salem-Keizer School District, where she saw first-hand how many of her students were struggling with similar issues.
Inspired by her own healing experience, Emmy envisioned a program that paired troubled youth with horses. What started as a simple dream—a weekend hobby to help kids in need—eventually evolved into a full-scale nonprofit. Today, Acres of Hope provides mentorship and therapeutic experiences for at-risk children, all at no cost to the families they serve.
Justin says of Emmy’s vision:
“She knew what it was like to feel lost, and she wanted to give these kids something more than just traditional therapy—a place where they could find healing through relationships with horses and people who genuinely cared.”
Healing Through Horses: The Core of the Program
The cornerstone of Acres of Hope is its equine therapy program, where kids are paired with horses to build trust, confidence, and leadership skills. Horses, as Justin explains, are naturally social animals that require a strong leader, making them the perfect companions for
children who often feel powerless in their lives. Learning to lead and care for a horse gives these kids a sense of control and responsibility that many of them have never experienced before.
The ranch focuses on addressing critical issues like suicide, bullying, and gender identity by giving children a safe and supportive environment to grow. Through working with the horses, the children gain more than just riding skills—they develop self-confidence, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Justin reflects:
“You can’t force a horse to do anything. That’s why working with them is so impactful for these kids. It teaches them patience, respect, and trust—things they may not have had at home.”
The Role of the Community and Volunteers
Acres of Hope thrives because of the generous support from the local community and its many dedicated volunteers. From mucking stalls to leading mentorship sessions, volunteers play a critical role in every aspect of the ranch’s operation. Justin and Emmy rely heavily on these community members to keep things running smoothly, ensuring that the kids always have a safe and welcoming environment when they visit.
The ranch is entirely community-funded, relying on donations and fundraisers to provide its services at no cost to the families it serves. The annual auction, a highlight of the year, has grown in popularity, with last year’s event raising nearly $200,000.
Justin emphasizes:
“We couldn’t do this without our volunteers and donors. They are the backbone of Acres of Hope, and we’re so grateful for their unwavering support.”
Looking to the Future
As the demand for Acres of Hope’s services continues to grow, Justin and Emmy are focused on expanding their programs while maintaining the personalized care that has made the ranch so successful. One of their upcoming goals is to develop a junior mentorship program, where former participants will mentor younger children, creating a cycle of healing and growth within the community.
Despite the growing need for their services—there are currently between 50 and 75 families on the waiting list—Justin and Emmy remain committed to quality over quantity. They believe that the deep, lasting relationships they build with each child are what truly make the difference.
Justin reflects on the journey:
“We’re not just here to run a business. We’re here to change lives. Every child who comes to Acres of Hope deserves the best care we can give them, and we’ll continue to do that for as long as there’s a need.”
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting Acres of Hope Youth Ranch, there are several ways to get involved. The ranch is always looking for volunteers, donors, and community partners who share their passion for helping at-risk youth. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate to the cause, or attend the annual auction, every contribution makes a difference.
To learn more about Acres of Hope, schedule a tour, or sign up for their newsletter, visit their website or follow them on social media.
If you’re moved by Justin Arana’s story and the powerful work being done at Acres of Hope Youth Ranch, don’t miss the full podcast episode. Hear the complete interview, dive deeper into the mission, and explore how this unique ranch is transforming lives. Plus, subscribe to our newsletter for future updates on Justin, Emmy, and more inspiring guests who are making a difference in Oregon and beyond.
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