Caring, sharing, hospitality hallmarks of Hopeful Rancho
(Photos by Jennifer Newsted, Illinois Valley News)
The old adage, “Friends are the family you choose,” holds true at Hopeful Rancho, an adult foster-care facility offering services in a homelike setting, currently serving the living needs of four individuals with capacity for one more.
When visitors turn off Takilma Road onto the driveway, a sense of peace comes over them, and they are greeted by Sweet Pea, the resident dog.
The home itself is set in scenic Takilma on approximately 5 acres that currently houses the owners, Lyn & Mark Berry; one of the care-givers, Teresa Cox; and several horses, chickens, ducks, a cat, a dog, two birds and a resident pig.
The residents are able to take short walks on the property and enjoy spending time with the animals. Time spent with the horses is affectionately called “horsing around.” Other activities include cards, Yahtzee, bingo and Scripture reading.
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The Berrys have dedicated their lives to caring for their residents with dignity and respect, as well as sharing the Gospel. At Hopeful Rancho, residents with needs for medical and personal care receive it in a manner that encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
Hopeful Rancho was opened in 1997 by Lyn, a resident of Illinois Valley since the late ‘70s. Mark had been living in Hawaii when he felt he was called to come home to Oregon. At the time he returned, he was plagued with severe sleep apnea, bedridden with injections, but has since enjoyed a physical and spiritual healing at Hopeful Rancho.
Residents Lloyd and Al are easily recognizable to longtime residents. Lloyd volunteers at Illinois Valley Senior Center, and he and Al are members of Bridgeview Community Church.
The gentlemen also lived at the former James Boys Home. Al has enjoyed the benefits of recovery since coming to Hopeful Rancho. The medically supervised care provided for Al at Hopeful Rancho also alleviated speech problems.
Although Al’s sister had written and visited with him before, Al never was able to communicate with her using speech. In Al’s 60th year he was able to enjoy his first telephone conversation with his sister. Residents are constantly encouraged to discover new matters, maintain as much of their independence, and not give up hope.
Cox elaborated on what she finds most rewarding about working at Hopeful Rancho. “The resident-to-care-giver ratio makes it possible to tend to the caregiving needs and spend time with the residents too.”
Added Mark, “We are given to hospitality. Out of all the roads between here and everywhere else, this is the least likely road that a person would turn down. On average we get about five to 10 people per day who are drawn down this road.
“It’s not even a paved road, but people are drawn down it just the same.”
Valley residents are encouraged to see the facility and visit with residents.
“We love them until the end,” said Lyn. “We provide the very best, most peaceful loving abundant life while they are here, and we make it a priority to share with them God’s plan for eternal life.”
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