Where is SCR located?

We will have a rural ranch property and an in-town location for teens. Once we achieve funding and are able to purchase land and develop property, our ranch property will be located in rural Lane County. Our in-town home will be located in Eugene, OR creating a blueprint that can be duplicated in communities across the country. 

 

What is Scorpion Creek Ranch (SCR)?

Scorpion Creek Ranch will be a non-profit committed to ending youth homelessness, built on a simple but radical idea: homeless teens will need more than just shelter; they will need the tools to build self-sustaining, meaningful lives. By offering housing, education, life skills, and emotional support all under one roof, we will provide teens (ages 14-18) with the critical resources they need to heal and thrive. Our mission will be to break the cycle of trauma and homelessness, meeting the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of youth actively seeking help to create stable, fulfilling futures.

 

Will you be partnering with other non-profits?

Yes! Collaboration is key to our success. We are building partnerships with youth-focused organizations such as 15th Night and Connected Lane County. We’re also working with local government agencies to create a strong network of support and opportunities for our teens.

 

Are you duplicating services?

In some ways, yes. We will offer food, shelter, medical care, and education. What sets us apart is our holistic, all-under-one-roof approach, which combines these services into a cohesive and supportive environment, specifically for teens who are ready to take control of their lives. We call it Comprehensive Care.

 

How is SCR different than what’s currently available for homeless youth currently? 

We will redefine how support is offered to homeless teens. Here’s how:

• Voluntary Participation: We will serve teens who are actively seeking help; nothing will be forced.

• Empowerment over Prescription: We will provide options and opportunities, empowering teens to help themselves.

• Comprehensive Care: Housing, education, health care, and life skills—all will be available in one place.

• Holistic Approach: We will focus on intrinsic motivation and trauma-informed care to meet each teen where they are.

• Student-Centered Education: Our education model will adapt to each teen’s unique needs, helping them take ownership of their learning.

 

How many kids will you serve?

• Our initial vision for this pilot model is to cap out at 20 kids within the first 6 months and anticipate a waitlist due to high demand. Given 12-18 months, the data will confirm what reason and decency already dictate: when homeless teens get what they truly need to thrive, the return, both human and economic, is undeniable. This is not charity; it’s an investment in a future where we don’t merely manage suffering but end it. And once we prove it, the SCR model will become a blueprint for communities across the country. 

 

What’s the age range of the youth you serve?

We will serve youth ages 14 to 18.

 

How will you connect with teens?

We’ve established referral partnerships with existing youth-oriented organizations, which helps identify teens who align with our mission and connect them to SCR.

 

What are your policies on alcohol and drug use?

Drug and alcohol use is strictly prohibited. Our approach is parental, not punitive.

• We’ll enforce clear boundaries with consequences while focusing on understanding the root causes of behavior without creating power struggles.

• Our goal is to provide a safe space for healing and growth.

 

How will you address behavioral challenges?

We will take an authoritative parental approach—firm but supportive.

• High involvement and high expectations will guide our relationships with the teens.

• Rules and boundaries will be clearly explained, balancing expectations with care and affection.

• We will prioritize safety, listening, and empowerment to help teens rise to the occasion when given the right opportunities.
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What proven models will you use?

Our program will draw from several evidence-based models to create a comprehensive approach:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): Proven to improve academic achievement, cooperation, and higher-order thinking skills.

• Stabilized Housing: Provides security and stability, improving mental and emotional well-being.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizes and responds to the effects of trauma on youth.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps teens explore and integrate different aspects of their emotions and experiences.

• Power of Community: Encourages positive social interaction and relationship-building.

 

What will it cost?

• $10 million startup cost, including purchasing and retrofitting rural properties.

• $2.5 million in annual operating costs.

 

How will you fund SCR?

We’re focused on private funding through donations, sustaining memberships, and grants.

 

What about potential challenges?

We recognize there are many barriers, but we believe that building a new system, not limiting ourselves by existing constraints, is the only way to truly move forward.
We’re working with local government and partner organizations to address challenges as they arise, staying adaptable and solutions-focused.

 

Is SCR a religious organization?

No, SCR is a non-religious, secular organization. We will welcome youth from all backgrounds and beliefs.

 

What happens when a youth graduates from the rural SCR location?

They will move to the in-town SCR residential home with a live-in mentor where they will have the ability to reacclimate back into society with a newly discovered sense of self-worth and newly developed skill sets.

 

How do you measure success?

Success for us is more than just numbers. We will look at:

• Youth graduating from our program with the critical skills and confidence to live independently and thrive.

• Significant improvements in emotional, physical and mental well-being.

• Educational and career progress.

 

What happens if a youth decides to leave?

Participation at SCR is voluntary. If a teen chooses to leave, we will work with them to ensure they have a safe transition plan. Our goal is always to maintain open communication and support their decisions while keeping their best interests in mind.

 

Will parents or guardians be involved?

When possible and appropriate, family involvement is encouraged. We will offer family support services to help rebuild relationships when it aligns with the youth’s goals and safety.

 

How can I get involved?

• Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.

• Become an SCR Sustaining Supporter and become a part of the SCR tribe, building a new pathway forward.

• Become an SCR Ambassador and spread the word, actively.

 

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