Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch- Kim Meeder

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. 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.

– Where did you grow up?

– Who influenced you most in your growing up years?

– What happened when you were nine years old?

– When did you experience the comfort of a horse?

– How did you become a Christian?

– What difference has Christ made in your life?

– How did God give you the vision for Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch?

– What are you most passionate about?

– Why is the mission of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch so important?

Matthew 12:33 says “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good,…for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”