Building a future where every individual is valued, purposeful, and deeply connected to community.
Our Story
Open Gate Ranch was created from a deep desire to build something different - a place where adults with disabilities are not simply cared for, but truly known, included, challenged, and given opportunities to thrive.
We believe meaningful work, relationships, community, and purpose should not disappear after graduation or adulthood.
The idea for Open Gate Ranch began while working in special education and within a transition program. Through those experiences, I witnessed both the incredible potential of our students and the overwhelming fear many families carried about what comes next after 18+ transition services end when these individuals turned 22.
I saw firsthand how limited the options often are beyond public education - and how many individuals are left without opportunities that provide true purpose, dignity, belonging, and growth. Too often, families are forced to choose between places that simply provide care rather than environments where their loved ones can genuinely live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Open Gate Ranch was born from the belief that individuals deserve more than just somewhere to go. They deserve a place where they can continue learning, working, contributing, building relationships, and taking pride in their lives and accomplishments.
Our vision is to create a ranch-centered community where individuals can continue growing through daily life, vocational opportunities, connection, and belonging - a place filled with purpose, peace, safety, and joy.
This mission matters deeply to families because they want to know their loved ones are not only safe and cared for, but truly valued, happy, and living with dignity throughout every stage of life. Open Gate Ranch aims to provide an intentional community where families can find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported, included, and given opportunities to thrive for years to come.
Our Why
I’ve spent 15+ years working with individuals with disabilities - and I’ve seen something that just doesn't sit right with me time after time.
Families keep asking the same question:
“What happens when school ends?”
Because when individuals turn 22, the structure, support, and community they’ve always known often disappear.
And what’s left is uncertainty.
I’ve seen young adults who want to work, want to belong, and want to have purpose - but don’t have a place to go.
That’s why I’m creating Open Gate Ranch.
A place where adults with disabilities can continue to grow, work, and live with purpose - and where families can have peace of mind.
We’re just getting started, and I’d love for you to be part of this journey.
The Vision
Residential Living
Safe, intentional housing where residents experience independence, support, and community.
Meaningful Work
Vocational opportunities through ranch operations, agriculture, produce, crafts, storefront items, animal care, baking, pottery, woodworking, animal/pet treats, greeting card creating, jewelery making, and community partnerships.
Life Skills & Growth
Developing confidence, responsibility, communication, and independence through real-life experiences.
Community & Belonging
Creating a place where individuals build friendships, routines, purpose, and lasting relationships.
Who We Serve
Open Gate Ranch is being designed to support adults with disabilities by creating opportunities for continued growth, purposeful work, and intentional community living.
We welcome adults of all ages with special needs and believe every individual deserves opportunities to continue learning, contributing, building relationships, and living with purpose beyond traditional school years.
Open Gate Ranch is intended to serve individuals with a wide range of support needs. For participants who require one-on-one support, families or state-provided caregivers/job coaches are welcome to accompany and support them within the program.
As the ranch grows, our goal is to continue expanding opportunities based on the unique needs, strengths, skills, and interests of our residents and participants. We believe every person has value, abilities, and potential worth investing in, and we hope to create programs that allow individuals to thrive in ways meaningful to them.
Our long-term vision includes vocational opportunities, life skills development, community involvement, recreational activities, and ranch-based experiences that foster confidence, belonging, and independence.
Open Gate Ranch plans to begin as a day program/day habilitation program, with future goals of developing intentional residential housing and long-term living opportunities as the organization grows and resources allow.
Open Gate Ranch is being designed to support adults with disabilities by creating opportunities for continued growth, purposeful work, and intentional community living.
We welcome adults of all ages with special needs and believe every individual deserves opportunities to continue learning, contributing, building relationships, and living with purpose beyond traditional school years.
Open Gate Ranch is intended to serve individuals with a wide range of support needs. For participants who require one-on-one support, families or state-provided caregivers/job coaches are welcome to accompany and support them within the program.
As the ranch grows, our goal is to continue expanding opportunities based on the unique needs, strengths, skills, and interests of our residents and participants. We believe every person has value, abilities, and potential worth investing in, and we hope to create programs that allow individuals to thrive in ways meaningful to them.
Our long-term vision includes vocational opportunities, life skills development, community involvement, recreational activities, and ranch-based experiences that foster confidence, belonging, and independence.
Open Gate Ranch plans to begin as a day program/day habilitation program, with future goals of developing intentional residential housing and long-term living opportunities as the organization grows and resources allow.
Why This Is Needed
Many families face an overwhelming lack of options after their loved one ages out of school programs at the age of 22. Opportunities for meaningful work, safe community living, and continued development are often limited.
Open Gate Ranch exists to help fill that gap by creating a long-term, purpose-driven environment where individuals are valued for who they are and empowered to continue growing.