HopeWell Ranch: A Place Where Hope, Healing, and Purpose Take Root
Q&A Success Story with Founders Ty & Jodi
Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Weidman, Michigan, HopeWell Ranch has become a sanctuary for children, veterans, families, and individuals seeking healing, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. Founded by Jodi and Ty, the ranch blends the power of nature, the gentleness of horses, and a deep belief in transformative love of animals to help people rediscover hope.
In this conversation with Jodi and Ty, we learn how HopeWell Ranch began, how its programs create meaningful change, and how community support—including a major Matching Grant from United Way—helps sustain its mission.
A Mission Rooted in Healing
Q: For those who may not be familiar, what is HopeWell Ranch and how did it begin?
A: HopeWell Ranch is a therapy farm dedicated to creating a loving environment of hope, healing, and purpose. Our programs serve children, families, veterans, and individuals. The ranch was born out of a deeply personal experience—after losing a baby during pregnancy, we felt called to transform our grief into something life-giving. We wanted to create a space where others could find the healing and comfort we needed ourselves. That call became HopeWell Ranch.
Q: What types of services do you offer?
A: We provide a wide range of equine-assisted programs and therapeutic activities designed to support emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Horses play a profound role in this work—they are honest, present, and able to mirror what people are feeling. They often become metaphors for relationships, challenges, or strengths within a person’s life.
Lives Transformed Through Connection
Q: Who benefits most from the ranch’s programs?
A: Truly, everyone who steps onto the ranch is impacted. Participants and volunteers alike find peace in the natural setting and fulfillment in being part of something bigger than themselves.
Q: Is there a moment that captures the heart of your mission?
A: One of the most powerful things someone ever shared with us is that they chose to live—rather than turn to suicide—because of their experience at the ranch. That moment affirmed everything. We’ve seen children grow in confidence, self-regulation, and maturity. Adults and veterans find peace, acceptance, and a sense of community. Horses don’t judge your past, your status, or your circumstances—they simply accept you. That acceptance helps people heal.
The Power of Partnership
Q: How has the partnership with United Way supported your mission?
A: Our partnership with United Way has been absolutely wonderful. Many of the programs we offer are gifted to the community at no cost, so financial support is essential. One of the biggest boosts this year came through United Way’s $10,000 Matching Grant, during the month of August. The community rallied behind it in a huge way—donors contributed $21,319.48, turning the grant into a successful $31,319.48 impact. This support helps fuel programs like Project Solomon and Unbridled Potential, which are funded in part through United Way.
Q: What does this kind of support mean to HopeWell Ranch?
A: It means everything. Donor support allows us to continue offering services to people who could not otherwise afford them. It also affirms the credibility of our work—being an affiliate agency with United Way helps show the community that what we do matters and makes a real difference.
Q: What’s next for HopeWell Ranch?
A: We hope to launch a capital campaign in the next year to build a new office that will better support our growing programs. As our impact expands, so does our need for functional spaces that help us serve people well.
Q: How can community members get involved?
A: There are many ways to join our mission—volunteering, donating, spreading the word, or learning more through an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) demonstration. Anyone interested can give us a call at (989) 644-5965 or visit our website for more information.
HopeWell Ranch continues to be a place where lives are changed—through faith, connection, and the remarkable bond between humans and horses. With the support of community members and partnerships like United Way’s Matching Grant, Jodi and Ty’s vision of hope and healing continues to grow and flourish. You can support them today by visiting their website at www.hopewellranch.org.
