Houseparent at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch

Our goal is for every young man to know the safety of a home, the love of a family, and the hope of a future.

Are you a married couple who wants to make a difference in the lives of our youth?

The Goshen Houseparent program is a faith-based, live-in position for married couples. Each Houseparent couple lives in a house with 7 young men in foster care ages 12-18.

Houseparent couples work a 3 week on, 1 week off rotation, receive a full-time salary with paid health benefits, and receive paid housing.

You have what it takes to change their world forever!

We don’t expect you to come in as a childcare expert. If both of you are energetic, mature in your faith, and have a solid relationship with your spouse, we will equip you with the rest.

Becoming a houseparent is one of the most rewarding jobs in Georgia! Download the houseparent guide to find out more.

You could call this place home for the next 2+ years!

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, located on 160 acres in northern Cherokee County, is home to 40 young men in foster care ages 12-18. All boys participate in therapeutic counseling, public school education, and our comprehensive recreation program, all while living in a unique, faith-based home.

Check out the virtual tour of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. Located on a 300 acre former horse farm, you would have access to all of the beauty and features of The Ranch while you change the world for the boys in your home.

Primary Houseparent Spotlight

Shannon and Ana Lilly are primary houseparents for multiple boys and live in one of the houses on our beautiful Ranch. Have more questions about houseparenting at Goshen? Download our Houseparent guide to learn more!

WHY DID YOU BECOME A HOUSEPARENT?

Initially, we felt called to find an opportunity that would allow us to serve in ministry together. We started looking at opportunities and realized house parenting would allow us to merge our background and experiences to serve youth who need adults who are willing to walk with them through their storm and be willing to stand in the gap.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF HOUSEPARENTING?

Getting to do life with the boys that we serve! Some days that may involve fishing at the pond, movie nights, playing sports or video games, and doing project together. Other days it may involve helping someone learn a new skill, helping a kiddo through a challenging behavior, or just sitting with someone who is processing tough news. We get to go through everyday moments together and help them try new things and challenge themselves in ways they didn’t know were possible. Day to day, house parenting is never the same and will keep you on your toes, but it is also an incredible honor to have the opportunity to walk alongside some of the strongest kiddos we’ve ever met and model the love of God through a life lived together.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF HOUSEPARENTING?

The kids we serve are going through an incredibly challenging season of life, many of whom don’t know when that season will end or what the outcome will be. As house parents, we willingly enter that journey with them which means preparing our hearts and minds to endure challenging behaviors and emotions as they navigate their own situations. In many instances it may feel like those behaviors are pointed at you for something you did, when the reality is, you just happen to be the one who is there, present in the tough moments. Though it’s challenging, continuing to walk with kids when behaviors are big provides opportunities to demonstrate grace, forgiveness, and compassion in ways many of our kids haven’t experienced.

It can also feel like the job is never done. There is always something more that could be tackled, but learning to prioritize and manage life with the boys and the running of the home in a way that is effective but also allows time for refueling is crucial. It is not an easy call, but a worthy one!

WHAT WAS THE MOST UNEXPECTED OR SURPRISING?

How much we have learned from the kids we serve! When you enter this type of position you are often thinking about what you bring to the table, and while that’s important and valuable, if you are willing to learn FROM the boys in your home your heart and mind will be opened in ways you could not have expected. Sometimes that comes in lessons and stories shared, and other times it’s actual skills and talents that the boys invite you to join.

Also, we were surprised by how exciting it is to experience “firsts” with kiddos and get to be part of them making new memories! First time on a boat or at the beach (house vacations), first time riding a go-kart or going to the zoo, even things like the first time riding and escalator or going to a movie theater. Watching kids light up when they try something new is so special!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING HOUSEPARENTING AT GOSHEN?

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! House parenting has so many facets and if you BOTH feel God calling you to serve youth, this could be an incredible opportunity to make difference in a meaningful way that is so needed. You will have the opportunity to share your unique gifts, talents, and make a profound difference in the lives of others. At the same time, you will learn so much from the kids in your home and be changed in ways you could never imagine. Seek God in prayer and discernment. Ask LOTS of questions as you connect with people at Goshen. Learn more about the needs of kids in foster care. Regardless of where the path leads, this is an arena that needs more people aware and informed! If you believe God is opening the door, run through it.

Have more questions about houseparenting at Goshen?

Download our Houseparent guide to learn more!

Respite Houseparent Spotlight

David and Michelle Piotter are respite houseparents for multiple boys and live in one of the houses on our beautiful Ranch. Have more questions about houseparenting at Goshen? Download our Houseparent guide to learn more!

WHY DID YOU BECOME A HOUSEPARENT?

After 32 years in healthcare and raising our 6 children, 3 of whom joined our family through Foster to Adopt, we became involved in mentoring with Waymark Foster. This organization supports youth from hard places. Being involved with this population of youth was challenging and enjoyable. We realized helping these youth move forward, learning how to give and receive love was our purpose and passion. We enjoy meeting them where they are and supporting them as they wrestle with complicated issues. They need people who can provide a feeling of safety and connection, while navigating complex emotions. House parenting has been a very good fit for us over the past 4 years, and especially our 2 years at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch!

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF HOUSEPARENTING?

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF HOUSEPARENTING?

WHAT WAS THE MOST UNEXPECTED OR SURPRISING?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING HOUSEPARENTING AT GOSHEN?

Interested in becoming a houseparent? Fill out the form below and we will start the process.

The more we do for them while they are in foster care, the more we can change 3 staggering statistics

Former foster youth are 5X more likely to develop PTSD

25%

Of former foster youth will experience homelessness within 4 years

Former foster youth are 7X more likely to develop a drug dependency

Houseparent at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch

Our goal is for every young man to know the safety of a home, the love of a family, and the hope of a future.

Are you a married couple who wants to make a difference in the lives of our youth?

You could call this place home for the next 2+ years!

Primary Houseparent Spotlight

Have more questions about houseparenting at Goshen?

Download our Houseparent guide to learn more!

Respite Houseparent Spotlight

Interested in becoming a houseparent? Fill out the form below and we will start the process.

The more we do for them while they are in foster care, the more we can change 3 staggering statistics

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