About:

Sweetwater Youth Ranch was born out of a calling to minister hope and healing to children and families in our own back yard. Our experience with horses and our faith led us to what we call Faith Based Horsemanship. 

Volunteer Staff

Founders – We are Phillip and Beverly Hughes, both native to Asheville, N.C. With each of us having 60+ years behind us, we’ve learned there are four things humans need to thrive- trust, communication, boundaries, and leadership. With this knowledge, and taking Job 12:7 literally when it says “Ask the animals, and they will teach you”, we’ve found that horses teach these exact four things. Fortunately, we learned this before our children became teen agers, and first hand witnessed the results of being able to help them make this connection. This experience, our love for horses, and our faith led us to begin this faith based natural horsemanship ministry in 2012 . Our goal is to help students make this connection on a personal as well as spiritual level.

Session Mentors

Devona (Dedy) Finley, LCSW
We are fortunate to have Dedy volunteer with us at the ranch. A wife and mother of two beautiful girls, Dedy has a strong background with special needs children. Her certification is in social work and is licensed in Child and Family Therapy. As well she is trained in EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy).

With over 20 years experience with horses, Andrea brings her knowledge and kind, calming spirit into every session. The horses love her, as do the students.

How you can help

There are several ways to help…

Volunteer:

Work days/help with maintenance/landscaping projects

Donate:

MONETARY: Unless designated for special use, monetary donations will be allotted for the general operating fund which covers program expenses, horse care, and Ranch maintenance.

 ITEMS: Brushes, combs, manure  forks, buckets, fly spray, grooming products, (Parelli natural)Ropes and halters                                                                                                                            

GROUNDS DEVELOPMENT: Granite screenings, Gates, Fencing materials, Building materials, Gravel for the parking area, Fertilizer and ground nutrients

All donations are tax deductible and appreciated.