Heartland Youth Ranch Ministry Retreat

Heartland Youth Ranch is hosting a Ministry Retreat on August 7-9, 2015. Saturday evening, August 8th, will be open to the public with a free will donation barbeque starting at 6:30 pm with Kim Meeder from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Meeder will be sharing her story during the barbeque. 

Kim Meeder's Bio
Kim Meeder's life was torn apart at the early age of nine by her parents' murder-suicide. She has since chosen to rise above the pain and become a powerful influence in the lives of many disadvantaged youth. On the day of her parents' funeral, Kim experienced the special emotional comfort a horse could provide. This healing refuge became the foundation for all that was to follow. Through the love of a little mare and a merciful God, Kim's life was saved.

In 1995, Kim and her husband Troy made the decision to transform their 9-acre cinder quarry into a ranch for kids. Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch (CPYR) was born. This unique non-profit organization rescues abused and neglected horses and nurtures them back to health. These same horses are then used in the ranch's riding program for children. Approximately 85% of the children who come to CPYR are disadvantaged in some way. The ranch focuses on individual instruction for each participant with one leader, one child and one horse…free of charge.

Having assisted in the rescue of more than 300 horses, CPYR currently supports 25 to 30 horses and welcomes four to five thousand visitors every year. The ranch also works closely with nearly all local youth and family organizations. Although the ranch activities are designed for "at risk" youth, all children are welcome.

In 2003, Multnomah Publishers released Kim's first book, Hope Rising. Her book has been well received nationwide and abroad and has been translated into German, Chinese and Slavic. It has spurred numerous requests for magazine, television and radio interviews. Her radio interview on Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson was rated their number one show of 2004. Bridge Called Hope, Kim's second highly anticipated book was released September 2006.  It was also featured on Focus on the Family and became one of the top five shows of 2007.  Her third book Blind Hope, an unwanted dog and the woman she rescued was released in 2010.  Her Blind Hope interview with Focus on the family became one of the top five shows for 2010. Her interview with Family Talk Radio was chosen as their premier show in 2010. The message of hope through this book has continued to spread nationwide and abroad and has been translated into Korean as well.  Her fourth book, Fierce Beauty, choosing to stand for what matters most, released in October 2011 is rapidly gaining notoriety and praise, some of which comes from endorsements by Dr. James Dobson and Luanne Craine—Family Talk Radio, Dr. Julie Slattery—Focus on the Family, Meredith Andrews—Recording Artist, and Chris Telfer—Oregon State Senator.
   
Kim Meeder is an accomplished speaker and has addressed audiences across the country from churches and book clubs to U.S. Government policy councils and a portion of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.
In 2005, Kim's service was acknowledged through a Regional Red Cross Hero's Award.. In April 2004 Kim was nominated for the Regional Jefferson Award, an award to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. Kim then went on to be awarded the National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting Local Communities at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

In addition to her writing, speaking and duties at CPYR, Kim is also a gifted athlete. She competed on a national level in Nordic ski racing and participated in the U.S. Olympic biathlon trials. She has also set two world records in power lifting. Kim has climbed many of the highest peaks in Oregon, Washington and California. One of her newest interests is surfing. If the sport will take Kim into the great outdoors, you will probably find her there!