Causes: Children & Youth, Foster Care, Group Homes, Human Services, Residential Care & Adult Day Programs

Mission: Real Life Children's Ranch was founded in 1957 by the late James P. Fraser and his surviving spouse, Mary Ellen Fraser, from the metropolitan Detroit area of Michigan. James and Mary Ellen realized the desperate need for a Christian home when two small children were deserted at the nursery school operated by James and Mary Ellen. After being dropped off for a regular day at pre-school, the parents of the children never returned for them. After two weeks of frantic searching for the parents, the Frasers decided to find a Christian children's home for the children. Every place they contacted, they were told the beds were all full, so arrangements were made to place the children in a county juvenile home. Upon seeing the conditions at the crowded juvenile home, which looked more like a jail, Mr. Fraser found it impossible to leave the children there. This experience brought into sharp focus the desperate need for homes for abandoned children. After visiting his parents in Florida, James Fraser decided to locate a home there where the children would have year round outdoor activities. The Frasers pioneered, developed and provided the initial financing for the Real Life Children's Ranch. Now, after over forty years of ministry to abused, neglected and abandoned children, Real Life Children's Ranch continues to help many children who are in need.