Youth Horizons

Our Mission: To empower children and their family to become healthy and productive members of our community and to create a nationwide awareness of the needs of at-risk youth.

Our Vision: To Break the Cycle of Fatherlessness.

History of Youth Horizons

Prior to 1989, the Youth Horizons building at 1601 E. Douglas served as the Dandelion, a Christian coffee house for young people; an outreach ministry to the homeless; and a place for Christian concerts and movies. It was called Christian Community Services, and was directed by Bob and Jacque Ward, Ken Canfield, and Steve Weldon. In 1986, this ministry was taken over by Jeff Wenzel and Earnest Alexander.

Three years later, Earnest and Jeff changed the name to Youth Horizons and changed the focus of the ministry from weekly Bible studies and discipleship for young adults to providing mentors to at-risk children in the community.

Throughout the years, the work of Youth Horizons grew. Earnest and Jeff recognized there was a need for a group home where boys could live who were unable to be raised at home. In April 1996, the Martin House opened, and full-time residential care was added to Youth Horizons' programs.

In 2005, a relationship was developed with the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM). Youth Horizons was one of the founding members of the association that was committed to training and developing Christian mentoring programs across the United States.

A generous gift was given in 2006 to purchase property on the outskirts of town and to begin developing the new group home, the Kinloch Price Boys Ranch.

Youth Horizons has experienced much growth in its relationship to the community, local churches, kids, and families. God has certainly blessed our history, and we eagerly look forward to the future.