If you wish to visit please call for an appointment. Go north on Highway 55 from Boise for approximately 37 miles. Turn right at a small community named Banks at the 79 mile marker. Go 10 miles. You will see the Project PATCH Ranch sign on your right just prior to entering Garden Valley, Idaho. www.projectpatch.org 13455 SE 97th Avenue Clackamas, OR 97015-9798 (503) 653-8086 (503) 653-8265 fax patch@aracnet.com e-mail
history Project PATCH began in January 1984 as a foster home referral program, the dream of Tom and Bonnie Sanford. Since the Project PATCH Ranch began operations in 1990 it has been providing therapeutic programs for youth-at-risk. This Christian treatment center became possible through the generosity of many people who shared the Sanford s dream. How the program works The Project PATCH Ranch is a licensed treatment facility, which houses around thirty residents, ages twelve through seventeen. PATCH employs over forty dedicated staff members among whom are a core of professional counselors. Project PATCH provides a residential treatment program of approximately eighteen months. During this time the young people are guided through different levels in a life-skills and behavior modification program. These levels help the youth gain the skills they will need for the rest of their lives. As the young people progress they are given more responsibilities and privileges and fewer restrictions. One of the ways the young people learn to change their individual behavior is through cooperation and working in a team. The entire group learns to encourage appropriate behavior. The young people learn to have a positive self-image, behave in appropriate ways, be responsible and have respect. They also learn to forgive. The young people are given opportunities to succeed and grow through group and individual counseling, recreation, education and work opportunities. Project PATCH Ranch provides a stable caring family-like environment. A wilderness-oriented experience, which emphasizes cause and effect, is an integral part of the therapeutic program. This experience moves the residents from the complexity of everyday life to the simplicity of living outdoors. It allows the young people more time to work on their personal growth and behaviors. All the staff participating in the wilderness program are trained in wilderness medicine.
Project PATCH staff adhere to the following principles. we believe in the uniqueness and value of every young person, including those that have become troubled. that every at-risk youth deserves an environment within which they can find reclamation. in the necessity of a program dedicated to the individual needs of each resident. in the necessity of teaching responsible living to every troubled youth. healthy relationships between adults and youth are indispensable for at-risk youth to achieve healing. assisting troubled youth in cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most effective means of achieving healing. spiritual activities Project PATCH is a Christian program. Young people succeed best when they recognize God cares about them as individuals. All young people are encouraged to participate in spiritual activities regardless of their religious preference. It is our belief that these activities are inherent in healing. The staff embodies Christian values as they interact with the young people. A full time chaplain directs the spiritual emphasis. Project PATCH accepts children regardless of creed, religion, gender or race. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate religious practices other than that which we specifically provide. project patch ranch The 169 acre Project PATCH Ranch is located in Garden Valley, Idaho. It is nestled in the secluded valley surrounded by mountains with the South Fork of the Payette River flowing behind it (for a map & directions see back). The central building houses the dining room and kitchen along with two guest suites. This building is flanked by the boys residence on one side and the girls on the other. Bedrooms in the residences can accommodate up to three young people and each has its own individual bathroom. The newest building contains the gymnasium, schoolrooms, counseling rooms and staff rooms. Some staff housing also exists on the premises.
frequently asked questions WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS CAN PATCH ADDRESS? Project PATCH is willing to consider any child (12-17 years old) regardless of race, creed, national origin or need who fit the licensing criteria for behavior modification treatment. We take young people with issues such as ADHD, ADD, oppositional defiant, rebelliousness, authority issues, minor runaway, petty theft or shoplifting, anger control problems, poor decision making skills and poor peer choices. We also take young people who use thinking errors such as blaming or rationalization to manipulate those around them so that they do not have to take responsibility for their actions. Project PATCH is neither a treatment program for young people with compounding mental health issues, nor for the emotionally disturbed. It is also not a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility. It does not accept those with criminally violent behavior or sex offenses. We do not accept fire starters, severe bulimics or anorexics, nor are we a home for pregnant teens. HOW OFTEN WILL I SEE MY CHILD? The residential environment allows the distance and separation sometimes needed for a child to gain focus on personal issues. Therefore outside contact is limited for therapeutic benefit, however, regular family visits are an important component of treatment. Ideally family sessions will be scheduled every six weeks to three months. WHAT SCHOOLING WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE? Trained staff offers a basic educational program
IS THERE A WORK PROGRAM? All the young people are required to work. This includes doing chores in the kitchen and the residences as well as working in the garden. A work-study program is not available. ARE THERE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED? The residents have recreational activities most days of the week. These include volleyball, basketball, soccer, the rock climbing wall, hockey, cycling, white-water rafting, hiking, camping skiing, snow shoeing and frisbee golf. HOW CAN I AFFORD TO SEND MY CHILD TO PROJECT PATCH? The program costs around $4000 a month per resident as there is a low ratio of young people to staff members. We understand that not all parents are able to afford this amount so this fee is on a sliding scale based on family income. Further sponsorship is often sought from relatives, friends and home churches to reach this amount.
CAN I TELEPHONE OR WRITE? All phone calls are governed by level privilege. For the first two weeks after intake you will not have any contact with your child. After the first two weeks your child may send mail through their counselor and can talk on the phone after four weeks. The program manual provides more detailed information as to communication according to the program level. WHEN DOES GRADUATION TAKE PLACE? When young people meet the goals set in the different levels they complete their program and are released to return home and re-enter their community. WHAT CLOTHES WILL MY CHILD NEED? The young people are issued with T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hooded/lined sweatshirts, sneakers, shorts, bathrobes, aqua socks, jeans, gloves, flip-flops, rain gear and caps. A packing list of personal items will be sent with admission information. Project PATCH, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, operates through personal contributions. These gifts allow PATCH to provide treatment on a sliding fee scale based upon family resources. Project PATCH s administrative office is in Clackamas, Oregon. All the administrative functions including admissions, accounts and fundraising are processed through this office. If you would like further information please telephone, fax or e-mail the Project Patch Office. You can also obtain more information from our website including application forms and the handbook. www.projectpatch.org 13455 SE 97th Ave Clackamas, OR 97015-9798 503-653-8086 telephone 503-653-8265 fax patch@aracnet.com e-mail