About Us

Mission
Residential Program
Our History
Facility
Video

Mission

The overall mission of the Salem4youth residential program is to teach the students that God has a plan for their life, and that God requires them to live by His rules, if they desire His blessing. Through a program of accountability, hard work, academics, athletics, and counseling, they are shown that there is a better way to accomplish the goals they have in life. The following pages contain a description of the various programs offered for the young men who come to Salem. Back to Top

Residential Program

Salem understands that a one-size-fits-all program is not right for everyone. And yet, any facility that spreads itself too thin by offering many programs runs the risk of not being as effective as they could be. At Salem, we endeavor to reach the maximum benefit in all we do through a two-program approach; a long-term program for youth with more serious problems, and a short-term program for those whose problems are not yet extreme, but are debilitating enough that it could escalate to extreme behavior, if not dealt with quickly. Back to Top

Our History

Salem4Youth, also known as Salem Children's Home, was chartered by the state of Illinois on December 22, 1896 with the stated purpose "to build and maintain a home for orphans and other worthy, destitute children, and for giving them industrial and religious training, and a common school education." This purpose grew out of the Biblical faith convictions of the founding churches, then known as Defenseless Mennonite churches.

Salem Ranch continues as an affiliate corporation of this family of churches, now known as the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC).

The idea of providing services to children in need came to fruition through the generosity of Daniel R. King (1828-1902) and his wife Mary (Claudon) King (1844-1897), childless members of the local FEC congregation. The Kings provided their 100 acre farm as a site for what was originally called Salem Orphanage.

Displaying the glory of God by presenting the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been a hallmark of the ministry of Salem Ranch since the first child arrived on June 22, 1900.

For many years children were cared for in a dormitory setting with a curriculum of education, work skills, and religious instruction. The changing reasons for the placement of children at Salem resulted in the change of the name from Salem Orphanage to Salem Children's Home in 1944.

In 1945 Salem began to offer high school education and in 1956 students began attending the local high school. In 1964 cottage living with house parents began which was reinstated in 2006 after a hiatus of several years. In 1967 all students from Salem were attending the local schools.

As clientele and their needs changed Salem became licensed as a boarding school under the Illinois Board of Education in 2006. All class room instruction is given on campus with a curriculum structured to meet the needs of each student.

Foster care and a variety of community-based services expanded Salem's ministry over the years. Today the ministry focus is on the core boarding school ministry to teen-age boys. An equine program became part of Salem's ministry in 1985 followed by the introduction of an annual Arabian horse auction in 1992. In 2001 this led to the development of the current Salem Ranch Program which integrates academic and industrial arts education with life skills training, equine experience, and spiritual formation.
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Facility

Facility notes

1. Located on a 100 acre campus.
2. Two brick cottages with as many as 15 youth per cottage.
3. Gymnasium
4. Equine Center w/ heated indoor riding area.
5. Large heated maintenance and wood working shop.
6. Large two story brick administration building.
7. Ball field
8. Park area
9. City water with water tower.
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May the Lord of All, Jesus Christ, be with you today and always!

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When I got home, people all around me said I had changed


BY DAVE

Before I went to Salem my life was a mess. I stole from my family and was a disrespectful person. I was not a Christian at the time and hid a lot of things inside my heart and from my family. I always caused trouble at school and never paid much attention to my education. Almost everybody either thought I was weird or hated me. My life was a total mess.


Then on January 7, 2005, my Dad and my youth pastor brought me to Salem Ranch. At first I didn't want to go, but I finally went. During my stay I learned lots of things like respect, social skills, and family issues. It seems like every problem I had at home was fixed, but it wasn't very easy. I got mad at the other boys and staff, but there was always somebody to talk to. One time when I was really mad Steve said, "David, it's just another hole in the road. Your car hasn't crashed yet." I always remember that.


When I got home people all around me said I had changed. Salem changed my life forever. Without Salem I would not be where I am today. I have more friends from the church, and everybody knows me as a better person. I think that while you are there you grow to like the Ranch so much that when a boy is ready to leave he doesn't really want to.


The teaching at Salem helped me understand Jesus, and when I came home I became a Christian.


Dave

Brett and Carrie's Story

When things were at their worst and we didn't know what else to do with our son, God provided us with a light. We heard about Salem from an acquaintance whose son had also been through Salem's programs years ago. We drove down and toured the facility and spoke with several of the staff.


We knew even before leaving that this was the answer to our many prayers and cries for help. We knew a short term rehab would not be successful and we didn't want to send him to a long term program in another state because we wanted focus on family therapy as well. Salem was only a short drive from our home, it was a long term program based on Christian philosophy, and it would provide healing for our son as well as our whole family.


As tough as things were at home it was still hard to say goodbye to him that first day. The following weeks were full of challenges for all of us. Our son had to deal with many emotions and confront the reality of what was happening in his life and we had to learn who we were as parents all over again. We had been dealing with all the problems for so long we almost didn't know what to do when we were not bombarded by them daily.


Through all of these difficult days the staff at Salem was wonderful. Even though we didn't directly speak with our son those first few weeks the staff made sure to stay in touch with us, gave us frequent updates, and were there to listen to us and support us. It took time, but as the weeks and months went by we saw the program begin to really work.


There were frustrations as well as many days showing us there was hope for recovery and change of heart. Through all the good and bad the Salem staff continued to be there for him and us. The true commitment the Salem staff has to the boys, their families, and the program as a whole is evident in all they do. We thank God for such a wonderful place and are forever grateful to Salem staff for all they have done for our son.


Brett and Carrie