Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Cooper.
Stacy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 15, I felt a calling to work with teens and that is the journey I have been on since that time. I had a brother who made some poor choices in high school and I watched as my family loved him, supported him and helped him through this very difficult time. The result of this support and a tremendous amount of effort on his part was that he came out on the other side, a successful person with a family that he loves and cares for deeply. I also watched another individual go through the same process of poor choices. However, he did not have the support and his life just fell apart and really never came back together. It made me realize that there are many children who will not come out on the other side of the challenge without having the support and advocacy of those who love them. I realized at that time that I wanted to stand in the gap for those who are lacking that in their lives.
My first job was at the Boys and Girls Club. I then interned with my church youth group. After college, I moved to South Africa and worked with teens for two years and moved back to the United States, got married and moved to Cherokee County. Here, I have worked with youth who have dropped out of high school, helping them earn a GED and find employment and finally made my way to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch 6 years ago. Goshen Valley is a 300-acre ranch in North Georgia where we have six homes with houseparents who live in the home with seven boys ages 8-18 who are in foster care. Our goal is to share the love of Christ and stand in the gap for these boys while they either wait to reunite with their families, be adopted or move into our Independent Living Program at 18.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have known since 15 what I was called to and have been on that journey ever since. For that, I am incredibly grateful. I love the work I do and have rarely doubted that it was where I would be for life.
However, I will most certainly say that this type of work comes with a lot of needed self-examination and growth. When I started this work, I thought it was all about solving a child’s problems in the moment and giving them what they are asking for. What I have come to learn is that it is much more about being there to cheer them on and guide them, but allowing them to learn to resolve their own problems long-term. This may look like them struggling. It may look like them feeling the pain of their own choices. However, at the end, they will be far more equipped for life than if I jump in and fix it for them. I have met so many kindred spirits and many of my closest friends in this work. It is hard work. There have been many tears, frustrations and heartaches. However, there have also been joys, victories and proud mama moments that I would not give up for anything! It has been a bumpy road at times, but one I would choose over and over again.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Goshen Valley Boys Ranch – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch is a 300 acre Ranch in North Georgia. We work with 42 boys in foster care ages 8-18. The youth placed at Goshen Valley are in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Typically, their parents are attempting to work through their own challenges in order to regain custody of their children. Goshen Valley cares for these boys in the meantime. Some youth are not able to return home and are up for adoption. Others remain in our care until 18 when they can transition to our Independent Living Program, where they live in apartments being supported up to age 21 while they attend college, work or both.
Goshen Valley provides support to these boys academically, therapeutically, recreationally and spiritually. The unique aspect of Goshen Valley is that we are a family model. This means that we have houseparents who live with the youth we serve teaching them about what it means to be a healthy family. This gives our boys the opportunity to make long-term, lasting connections with a family who will love them well.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Cherokee County specifically because it is where Metro Meets the Mountains. In the northern end of the county, there are opportunities for hiking, camping and kayaking. In the southern end of the county are all of the urban conveniences you could ask for. It is truly the best of both worlds.
I also love that we are a large county, but still very much have a feeling of community. Goshen Valley works hard to serve the youth in our care well, but we could not do it without such an incredible community. It truly does take a village and I would not pick any other one!
Pricing:
- You can donate on our website at www.goshenvalley.org.
- To help with Christmas gifts for our boys you can go to www.goshenwishlist.org and click on “Christmas List for Goshen Valley Boys Ranch”.
Contact Info:
- Address: 387 Goshen Church Way
Waleska, GA 30183 - Website: www.goshenvalley.org
- Phone: 770-796-4618
- Email: scooper@goshenvalley.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goshenvalleyfoundation/
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