How We Started

Imagined as a space that provides a safe environment for children to grow, develop, and share healing experiences with their families, Heart Ranch was first opened by Tony and Fronda Harris in 2012. We are a non-profit corporation in the state of Hawaii and a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity. We are funded by donations and grants, and are primarily run by volunteers. As our programs grow, we are hopeful to open positions for staff. We started with our Mentorship Program after learning from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, and grew from there. We demonstrate God's love and the gift of Christ through our actions. We now have a separate Veteran's Program and a growing EAP/EAL Program to work with groups, a therapist, and horses to focus more on mental health.

We have worked with individuals from many organizations and a variety. of independent mental health therapists in the community. A few of these organizations include Hawaii Island Social Worker Association, Lili'uokalani Trust, The Institute for Family Enrichment (TIFFE), Hawaii Behavioral Health, Hawaii Easter Seals, the Hawaii Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Services, Bayada Home Health Care Hawaii, Hale Kipa, Hope Inc., and Hilo Missionary Church.

Mission

To build confidence,

develop leadership, and provide trauma informed care to the community

Our Founders

The founders, also two of the directors; Tony and Fronda Harris have owned horses in Hawaii for nearly two decades, and prior to that, lived on a ranch in Southern Oregon. They are also owners of a successful post-secondary career school in Southern Oregon. They have been around horses and livestock for over 30 years and have attended a variety of horsemanship functions over the years to continually expand on their knowledge of horsemanship and safety.

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