Students accepted in the program:
We work with young people who are aware of their need for help and are between the ages of 16 and 25. Our primary focus is to assist people in the development of responsible behavior patterns and to confront weaknesses which prevent adequate adjustment. We believe the key element in responsible living is one's relationship to God, and we strive to provide an environment where a genuine commitment to Christ can be fostered. A wide variety of problems may be addressed at the Ranch, including substance abuse, academic failure, recovery from abuse and emotional trauma, and family dysfunction. In all cases, the individual must be willing to participate in all phases of Ranch life.
Benefits of the program:
The Ranch is situated on 86 acres in the country between the old gold towns of Auburn and Grass Valley, about 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The living situation is co-educational, family oriented, and designed to promote honesty, empathy and effective interpersonal communication. Students are provided with 24-hour supervision in a loving and safe atmosphere. They receive discipleship, professional counseling, education, and social interaction with staff, trainees and a small group of students (not more than 18 in number.) Studying the basics of Christian faith, worship, supervised work experience, academics, recreation, and a ropes course and wilderness camping experience are all parts of the Encounter Ranch program.
Length of commitment:
A minimum stay of one year is required to complete the program. Many students stay longer. A high level of motivation and commitment from the individual is required if the program is to be successful.
Financial considerations:
Many people are making sacrifices to make the CEM program affordable. Financial support from individuals and churches make it possible for CEM to offer tuition assistance, based on the family's annual adjusted gross income. Families may apply for this financial assistance, which may cover up to 90% of the full tuition, this includes the costs for housing, three meals per day, discipleship, counseling, education (tutoring and classroom teaching), work experiences, supervision (24 hours/day, with an average ratio of one leader to three students), and transportation for CEM programs. Tuition will be between $300 and $3,000 per month.
Financial assistance information will be sent with the student application.
An applicant must be:
- between the ages of 16 and 25.
- personally motivated to come to CEM.
- desiring to develop a closer relationship with God.
- free from pending legal action.
- not required to participate in probation or a diversion program.
- able to benefit from a more structured, less complicated environment.
- desiring to work toward emotional and spiritual health.
- desiring to complete academic goals if still in high school.
- capable of participating in rigorous physical activities.
- free of addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, or willing to detox prior to admission.
- not a physical threat to self or others. Does not have a history of violent behavior.
If you were able to answer yes to all of the above, you are a potential candidate for the residential program of Christian Encounter Ministries. Applications are currently being accepted. To request a complete application and further information, please complete the online questionaire. You may also contact CEM by phone, mail, or email and indicate that you have completed the online questionaire and would like to receive a full application. Please note that we are not able to consider emergency placements. Our intake process typically takes four to six weeks once we receive an application.
We realize the seriousness of your situation and hope we can be of assistance to you. We pray with you for God's guidance and provision for all of your needs in the days ahead.