Our Team

The Way Ranch is under the stewardship of Jaco Booyens Ministries (JBM)

JBM Senior Leadership 

  • Jaco Booyens

  • Tami Barrier

  • Dan Funk

The Way Ranch Senior Leadership 

  • Sophia Pengra

  • Kelley Inman

  • Mark Burger

Why We Exist

The Way Ranch is a mission-driven initiative born out of 31 years of global, frontline experience in combating human trafficking. Rooted in the biblical conviction that every child is created in the image of God—and therefore deserving of dignity, safety, and hope—The Way Ranch addresses one of the most critical gaps in care: meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. 

This includes not only survivors of human trafficking but also children who are at risk or have experienced trauma such as abuse, neglect, sexual exposure, and/or sexual exploitation. 

Statistics show that nearly 90% of children in foster care have experienced some form of trauma, including abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. Up to 80% meet the criteria for a significant mental health issue. Trauma recognition and mental health treatment are vital for this population. Yet historically, most states have failed to adequately address the psychological and behavioral health needs of these children. Their level of trauma has often gone unrecognized, and appropriate services have not been offered, leaving their wounds unhealed. 

Additionally, trafficking victims within the foster care system are rarely identified due to inconsistent screenings and a reliance on self-reporting. Without proper identification, victims’ unique trauma-related needs remain unmet, and exploitation often continues. 

Trafficking victims outside of the foster care system who have been identified and rescued have immediate care needs that may include treatment for physical injuries, malnutrition, substance dependency, and emotional trauma. These needs must be met in a stable, secure environment. However, applying for residential survivor recovery programs can be a lengthy and frustrating process, often involving multiple rejections before a safe place is found. The pain of these rejections can reinforce feelings of unworthiness, extinguish hope, and even drive survivors back into exploitative situations. 

The solution is The Way Ranch. 

We welcome the most vulnerable. 
We identify their unique needs. 
We provide a safe, nurturing, family-like environment where trust is carefully built, the love of God is felt, and each child receives the trauma-informed care they need. 

At The Way Ranch, children can finally feel safe, be valued, begin healing, and find hope. 

Who We Serve

We serve children and youth who are at risk or are survivors of human trafficking.

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking happens when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to make another person perform some type of labor or commercial sex act. Under U.S. law, causing someone under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act is considered human trafficking even if it doesn’t involve force, fraud, or coercion.

What is at risk?

An individual is most at risk if they have experienced one or more of the following:

  • Abuse

  • Neglect

  • Early childhood sexual exposure

  • Sexual exploitation

Children in need of our services may be placed through the state welfare system, law enforcement or by parents, guardians, or self-admission. 

The Way Ranch will never turn away a human trafficking survivor or an at-risk child or youth whose needs we can meet.   

How We Serve

Residential Programs 

Short-term emergency care and long-term trauma recovery programs for children and youth who may be experiencing one or more of the following:  

  • A personal or family crisis 

  • A need for foster care placement

  • Pregnancy or parenting at a young age

  • Recovery from human trafficking or exploitation

Program Services 

  • Christ-Centered Care & Support  

  • Medical & Health  

  • Treatment & Therapy 

  • Education  

  • Assessment  

  • Case Management  

  • Life Skills 

Program Goals

Graduates from The Way Ranch will demonstrate specific measurable accomplishments in the areas of:

  • Emotional Regulation & Coping  

  • Social Skills & Relationship Building  

  • Triggers & Trauma Responses  

  • Self-Esteem & Identity 

  • Education & Academics  

  • Medical & Medication Management 

  • Nutrition & Physical Health  

  • Future Planning  

After graduation from one of our programs, the goal is family reunification, placement in a foster or adoptive home, or independent living.

What Sets Us Apart

  • we will never turn away a human trafficking survivor or an at-risk child or youth whose needs we can meet, including sibling groups

  • emergency placement, short-term residential, long-term stabilization, job training & beyond

  • art, dance, animal-assisted, garden & outdoor, individual and group counseling, daily devotionals & a biblically-informed self-paced 12-step trauma recovery program

  • on-site K-12 education, facilitation of enrollment in post-secondary education & industry-recognized certification programs

  • access to resources, mentorship & guidance long after leaving our care through relationships built within days of program entry

  • regular prayer time, breaks, flextime, paid time off beyond state requirements, access to mental health support