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Double J Respite Ranch
Welcome to
Double J Respite Ranch
At Double J Respite Ranch, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassion focused, care to children and their families. Our mission, as a family owned and operated respite ranch, is to bring the benefits of nature and animal based care to children with challenges. Through gardens, animals, and open space, we offer an inclusive environment where growth feels natural.
Our model blends hands-on, outdoor experiences like gardening, animal care, and sensory-based interventions by our onsite respite camp specialists. While participants will have access to an indoor space, most of our learning will take place outdoors, using nature and animals as both a setting and a tool for healing and growth.
Whether it’s tending vegetables, feeding chickens, or engaging in structured farm routines, our respite camp promotes self-regulation, responsibility, and genuine connection—especially for kids who thrive outside traditional settings.
Why Choose Double J Respite Ranch
We have 52 acres of wonderful farmland to share with children in need of respite care services. We are committed to providing a nature-based experience with creativity, compassion, and excellence.
As more families seek alternatives to traditional respite settings for their children, nature and animal based care offers a powerful path to healing through connection with animals, the land, and purposeful work.
At Double J Respite Ranch, we believe every child deserves access to skilled, thoughtful, and compassion focused providers that deliver meaningful, farm-based care that meets kids where they are at.
We hope you and your child will join us at Double J Respite Ranch for our special respite camps. We proudly accept CLTS partnership.
Experience healing through nature and animals at our respite ranch
Children ages 7 on up will learn important social/emotional skills while enjoying a day of mingling with the friendly animals, learning about nature, gardening, creating arts and crafts, and so much more.
Our trained respite care specialists, Jerry and Jenny Meiners, utilize their ranch to help kids in need. As parents of six children, and their love of helping others, Jerry and Jenny decided to open their hearts and their ranch as a respite camp for those kids that need a safe and therapeutic environment for days when they aren't in school.
Double J Respite Ranch is a CLTS supported program and accepts children with all abilities.
Our Story
Double J Respite Ranch was born from a deep love of nature, family, and the belief that every child deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, and empowered. Inspired by childhoods spent exploring family farms, surrounded by animals and the outdoors, we knew early on the healing power of these experiences. Years later, that passion became a purpose.
With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, combined with a lifetime of nurturing our own, we recognized a need for a space where kids could learn, grow, and just be themselves, especially on the days when they’re not in school and might need a little extra support.
At Double J Respite Ranch, children ages 7 on up can connect with animals, explore nature, garden, craft, and gain vital social-emotional skills in a setting that feels more like home. Our program is CLTS-supported and welcomes kids of all abilities. We believe strongly that healing happens in the fresh air, in the dirt, in the laughter of a goat, or in the quiet confidence built while working with your hands.
The heart of our ranch is simple but powerful: every child who comes to our ranch is safe, accepted, and deeply cared for. That foundation, paired with our unique blend of nature and animal based experiences, is what makes Double J Respite Ranch not only special, but successful. We’re honored to welcome your family into ours.
Our Mission
At Double J Respite Ranch, we provide a safe and structured sanctuary for children who have experienced severe emotional and behavioral challenges, trauma, and complex family dynamics. Many of the children we serve come from backgrounds involving intense mental health struggles, family instability, and disrupted home environments. As a working ranch, we offer a unique therapeutic setting where healing takes root through daily routines, animal care, hard work, and compassionate, trauma- informed support. We believe that every child deserves a chance to reset, rebuild trust, and rediscover their strengths in a space that’s both nurturing and purpose- driven. We understand that entrusting your child to our care is a major step, and we are always happy and willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have. At Double J, families are not alone—healing is a shared journey, and we’re here to walk it with you.