Missions

Founded in 1896, Salem4Youth Ranch has always been rooted in a Christ-centered mission. The King family generously dedicated this land to care for orphaned and struggling youth—meeting their physical, educational, and spiritual needs. From the very beginning, the founders believed that if Christ remained at the center, the Ranch would always be able to serve well and faithfully care for the young lives entrusted to it.

Today, that same foundation guides everything we do.
Salem4Youth Ranch provides a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment where young men ages 12–17 can learn life skills to thrive in everyday life. We care for each student holistically—physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually—with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and maturity.

Our commitment to being Christ-centered is not just a value—it’s the heartbeat of our mission. Like Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14, we know that if we take our eyes off Christ, we risk sinking. As staff, supporters, and board members, we remain focused on Jesus in everything we do.

If we ever lose sight of that central truth, we risk becoming ineffective and drifting from the purpose God gave us. That’s why keeping Christ at the center is—and always will be—essential to the life and legacy of Salem4Youth Ranch.

The Jacksonville Food Center serves individuals and families in our community by providing access to food during times of need. Their mission is to ensure no one in our area goes hungry by offering support with dignity, care, and compassion.

Through food distribution and community partnerships, the Food Center helps meet immediate needs while offering hope and stability to neighbors facing financial or personal challenges. Their work plays a vital role in strengthening our local community and caring for those who need it most.

By supporting the Jacksonville Food Center, we are helping meet practical needs and showing the love of Christ in real, tangible ways right here at home.

Faith of a Child Ministry exists to share the love of Jesus with children and families around the world, especially in places where resources are limited. Their mission is to care for the whole child by meeting physical needs while also nurturing spiritual growth through the gospel.

Through child sponsorship, education support, nutrition programs, and discipleship, Faith of a Child partners with local churches and communities to provide hope and stability for children in need. They focus on building long-term relationships that help children grow, learn, and experience God’s love in tangible ways.

By investing in children today, Faith of a Child Ministry is helping shape strong families, healthy communities, and a future rooted in faith and hope.

The Good Samaritan Inn provides shelter, meals, and compassionate care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to offer more than just a safe place to stay. They walk alongside guests with dignity and respect, helping them move toward stability, employment, and long term hope.

Through daily meals, safe housing, and supportive services, The Good Samaritan Inn creates a pathway forward for those facing difficult circumstances. Their work reflects the love of Christ in practical ways by meeting immediate needs while helping restore lives and rebuild futures.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that shares the love of Jesus with children around the world through simple yet powerful gift-filled shoeboxes. Each box provides toys, school supplies, and personal care items to children in need, many of whom have never received a gift before.

More than a gift program, Operation Christmas Child opens the door for children and families to hear the gospel and experience God’s love. Shoebox recipients are often invited to participate in ongoing discipleship programs, helping them grow in faith and connect with local churches in their communities.

Through this ministry, practical generosity becomes a pathway for hope, joy, and the message of Jesus to reach children across the globe.

The Beraca Foundation exists to bring hope, healing, and practical support to individuals and families in need through Christ-centered care. Their mission is focused on serving vulnerable communities by meeting real needs while sharing the love of Jesus in tangible ways.

Through community outreach, support programs, and partnerships, the Beraca Foundation works to restore dignity, encourage spiritual growth, and help people move toward stability and wholeness. Their approach is relational and compassionate, walking alongside those they serve rather than offering one-time solutions.

By supporting the Beraca Foundation, we join in work that brings lasting impact through service, faith, and love lived out in everyday life.