For many of the youth at Edgewood
Children's Ranch, life in their assigned cottage presents the first opportunity
to observe a functioning, happy marriage. Their behavior problems often stem
from circumstances in their home lives - divorce, abuse, alcohol, drugs -
frightening factors that can leave families devastated and children broken.
Most children arriving at Edgewood are sadly lacking in social skills, self
esteem, sense of responsibility and cooperative attitude. They have never
learned about personal hygiene, manners, courtesy or respect for others. They
don't understand what it means to be part of a community.
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While at Edgewood the children live in
cottages of up to ten children, with married Christian couples. The couples
serve as house parents, living on the premises full time and often with
children of their own.
The house parents' children help in the transition, serving as younger
“brothers or sisters” to play with or help care for. This is
especially valuable for the boy or girl who has been an only child, as they
learn to adapt and share. In addition, most cottages have a dog, cat, bird -
some animal to love and talk to.
The overall result of cottage life is that the young people are exposed to
strong, loving, Christian role models and experience true Christian family
living. They learn what it means to be part of a functioning, supportive family
with responsibilities.
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