Our Team
Executive Board Members:
- Mary Ellen Fraser
- Don Fraser
- Jerry Taber
- Jay Crews
- Joe Raburn
Board Memebrs and Associates:
- One Year Term:
- Sheila Acevedo
- Dan Kolenda
- Greg Wilcox
- James Woolems
- Two Year Term:
- Gary Esch
- Rev. Marvin Nemitz
- Patti Palusis
- Merle Raburn
- Lovina Taber
- Three Year Term:
- Georgia King
- Jerome Pinder
- Madge Pinder
- Associates:
- Rosealee Brennan
- Tracy Downing
- Rev. Mickey Evans
- Sara Fraser Maldonado
- Rev. Terry Raburn
- Donald "Jack" Smith
- Dr. Barbara Watts Richert
Staff Members: | |
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Mark and Darlene Mayers Prior to their return to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Mark served on the state team of a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice provider overseeing mental health and substance abuse services. Darlene provided therapeutic services through their private practice, Caleb Center for Counseling and did Community Relations for Reach FM, a statewide Christian radio station. Mark and Darlene have two children, Hannah – age 11 and Noah – age 8. Mark and Darlene are excited to be back at Real Life Children’s Ranch. After many years of praying for an opportunity to be in full time ministry, Mark and Darlene believe that their return to the Ranch is truly an answer to prayer and a homecoming, as well. |
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Rosie Brennan Prior to joining the Real Life Children’s Ranch staff, Rosie worked as both a bookkeeper and a secretary. Rosie is joyful that the Lord brought her back to the Ranch and looks forward to the ministry opportunities God brings with each new day. |
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Bob and Mary Young Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Bob worked full time at their church and had various responsibilities. Mary also worked full time at their church as a kindergarten teacher. Bob and Mary have four children, Jennifer – age 26, Troy – age 24, Kacie – age 18, and Crystal – age 16. Bob and Mary feel blessed to be a part of the ministry of Real Life Children’s Ranch and have learned that there are no limits to how God can use you if you will lay your life down for Him. |
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Eric and Tracy Gruber Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Eric served for eight years as a Christian counselor to terminally ill individuals for a local AIDS ministry. Tracy had a successful career working for a leading Christian publishing company. Together, they worked in their local church as Royal Ranger leaders, Children’s Church leaders and coordinated many youth and children’s activities. Eric and Tracy have 4 children, Kindra – age 18, James – age 17, Josh – age 15, and Moriah – age 9. The goal and passion of their hearts is for the well being of the children at the Ranch and to be used in any way necessary. Eric and Tracy take joy in knowing that God has used them as part of the team at Real Life Children’s Ranch to effectively touch the lives of hurting children, turning sorrows into joys and hopelessness into bright futures. |
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Denny and Margo Davis Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Margo worked in the field of childcare and Denny worked in the field of law enforcement and is presently the Chief of Police for the City of Okeechobee. Denny and Margo have three children, Chris – age 17, Kayla – age 15, and Wesley – age 9. Denny and Margo are excited to be living out their lifelong calling to work with children and to have the opportunity to watch as God uses them to minister to underprivileged children and assist them, not only in overcoming their difficulties, but living a victorious life in Christ, as well. |
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Jim and Elaine Wood Prior to coming to the Ranch, Jim and Elaine worked for over seven years in their New Hampshire Church. They continued their ministry work at the Teen Challenge Program for five more years. Jim and Elaine have three children, Jenny – age 22, Josh – age 21 and Marie – age 5. Jim and Elaine are excited about the new challenges and blessings God has in store for them as they continue to follow His call. With years of experience working with children, they are delighted by the way God is using them to touch and change the lives of the children at Real Life Children’s Ranch. |
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Paul and Peggy Vedder Paul and Peggy Vedder, after hearing the call of God, have together, lovingly and faithfully ministered to children for over fourteen years through the AWANA program, church planting, clowning ministry, 4-H, missions trips and more. Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Paul left the United States Postal Service after 19 years to fulfill a ministry calling on his life. Paul was ordained as a Pastor in 2005. God allowed him to be a full time staff member at a church and manage a restaurant before coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch. God has truly shown Himself to be a God of provision and faithfulness. Peggy has home schooled their children for 11 years. God has given Paul and Peggy an incredible love for children and a desire to point them to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their goal and passion is to love the children God places in their care as their own and to offer them an opportunity to be a part of a loving and healthy family. Paul and Peggy are excited to be at a place where God can truly utilize the gifts and talents with which He has equipped them. Paul and Peggy have been married for over 25 years and have six children, two of which they adopted from China: Paul Jr., 23, who is married to Robin, Timothy, 21, who is married to Betsy, Joshua, 19, Sarah, 13, Lily, 5 and Benjamin, 3. Timmy and Betsy have also blessed them with their first granddaughter, Isabella. |
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Real Life Children's Ranch is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization
© 2008, Real Life Children's Ranch
