From Parents:

“My husband and I would highly recommend SHF to any parent with a teenager who is having self-esteem, anger, disrespect for authority and academic/social skill problems.  The wilderness program helped our boys to learn valuable life lessons such as planning ahead, cooking/cleaning, respect for rules/boundaries, respect for themselves and others, the consequences of bad decisions, problem-solving and communication skills, and that they were loved no matter what their problems were.  The transition program continued the supervision, but added the dimensions of more freedom, accountability sessions, re-integration into the family, college plans, job applications, budgeting, etc.  We were impressed with the dedication of the SHF professionals, who were committed to helping our boys succeed.  A family friend who has been our educational consultant since the boys were in grade school has visited SHF on two occasions, and was impressed with the quality of the academics offered by SHF Academy. Trace and Beth Embry are wonderful Christian role models, and ensure a positive, encouraging, therapeutic environment. ”
Linda

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“Shepherd's Hill Farm (SHF) has become a part of my family. I have seen Josh transform from a self serving, self gratifying boy to an appreciative man willing to serve others. Trace, Beth, Rebecca, Eric, William and the staff are without a doubt doing God's work. The Holy Spirit's presence is all over SHF. Not only has my son Josh grown in the Lord for being at SHF, my entire family has also. I am very thankful for the opportunity to become a part of SHF.”

Eddie

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"We felt like we lost our youngest son Randall to the drug culture and the lifestyle that goes with it at the young age of 15. He had decided to drop out of school and leave home. My wife and I turned to God and prayed for the answer on what to do next. We felt led to find a Christ based program for our son and we prayed for guidance. Even though we looked at several options we felt most comfortable with the staff and approach of Shepherd's Hill Farm. We took Randall to Shepherd's Hill against his will and he did not want to be there for quite a while. Through it all he did know that the staff loved him and once the drugs were out of his system you could see God begin to change him. Each month we could see him getting stronger in his walk and we began to really enjoy being together. Randall was there for 14 months and when he finished the school year we were all so excited to have him home. Shepherd's Hill was definitely the turning point in Randall's life and we thank God each day for getting our son back. What the devil has meant for evil God has turned into something very good. Our whole family is much closer to God and to each other through this experience."

God Bless.
Mitch and Rhonda

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I've thought about writing this more times than I can count, but I can't ever seem to get what's in my heart on paper! At the therapist's recommendation, I searched for a therapeutic boarding school for several weeks. Everytime I spoke with someone I was literally sick to my stomach. When I finally gave the search to God, told Him I couldn't do this, I needed Him to show me - boy He showed me! A new website pulled up - I had done the same search word for weeks! Trace answered and spoke with me the first time I called. I knew God had answered my prayers. Leaving Jessica at the farm was one of the hardest things I have ever or will ever do in my life. I realize that although Jessica is my daughter she is really Gods and He knows far more than I do and is very capable of taking care of her without me. Well, He used each of you to do just that.
Thank you for allowing God to use you in the lives of these kids! I know that you sacrifice much of your personal time, and lives to minister to the kids and their families.
Have you ever seen the show Extreme Makeover? Where a family is really struggling and the show comes in and tears their house down and builds them a brand new beautiful one? They usually get a few more surprises throughout the show. Well, I think God has done an Extreme Makeover on (or in) Jess's heart-He got to all of the yuk-cleaned it out and began to build it again with things of Him. The time in the woods-away from the world, away from us-allowed that to happen. She's not perfect never will be and I don't expect her to be. She will stumble but she is striving to honor God in all that she does, in her thoughts, speech, actions and attitudes. She is now humble enough to admit when she's wrong and ask for forgiveness to extend mercy and grace to others as Christ has offered it to her. We communicate- not always agreeing, but communicating in love. She accepts instruction and correction with a very respectful and submissive heart attitude. God not only worked on Jess's heart, but the time away from Jess allowed Him to work on mine and Stuarts-Well on a lot of people in our family. There was much healing that took place. God showed me I had some pride issues I needed to get rid of. He really revealed to me areas of my life I needed to work on-how and what I communicate, extending the same love that God extends to me to others-Even when it's really hard! Being a better listener-The list could go on and on.
I feel like I'm rambling anyway. We are all much more spiritually and emotionally healthy. Jessica has come home off of all the medication she was on-(Rebecca ripped that in the bud real quick) Sometimes it's hard to grasp how much she has changed! She knows how much each of you truly love her-it was very difficult for her to leave you! She loves you all very much.
She knows that God will use her past and her experience in some way for His Glory and she is willing to be used by Him.
Know how grateful to God I am for bringing SHF to our lives.
Much love, Tami

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From Residents:

“This camp has changed my life. I was really violent and had behavioral and rage problems and didn’t see myself as who I was, which was a child of God. Being at Shepherd’s Hill Farm showed me what I put my family an friends through, and it strengthened my walk with God!”
Emily

“Shepherd’s Hill Farm helped me to get to where I am now in my relationship with God.”
Ray

“It was really good!”
Russ

“When I came to Shepherd’s Hill Farm I was rude, disrespectful, and manipulative. I hated this place and myself. The people here never gave up on me nor did they ever stop loving me! They led me to Christ which gave my life a new outlook. THIS PROGRAM SAVED MY LIFE!”
Sam

“My experience at Shepherd’s Hill Farm really showed me what God really could do and was real. The people here had something that I wanted, so I became part of God's flock.”
Abel

“ If you knew me before I came here, you would thank God for this place!”
Anthony

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From Staff:

“The hand of the Lord is at work changing the lives of the residents here. It amazes me that He will take a kid who appears to be nothing more than a lump of coal and transform him into a diamond.”
David

“When I was led to the ministry at SHF, I had no idea what the Lord had in store. I’ve always been involved with state and secular child care, but since August of 2001 I’ve watched the healing love of God at SHF work to permanently transform more hurting young people than in any other season of my career.”
Ian!