Exciting News from Peace Ranch
Peace Ranch founders, Jackie and Paul Kaschel are excited to announce the transition to a new Executive Director, John Cox, to continue the legacy of the Peace Ranch mission.
This new chapter allows Jackie and Paul to remain involved in the ranch and to focus on their passion of the mission, which is to serve those in need, while handing off day to day administrative duties to the new Executive Director, John Cox. This is all part of a 10-year succession plan to assure Peace Ranch remains strong and pertinent to the community.
In December, 2022 Jackie wrote in the newsletter regarding the 10-year succession plan for her and Paul and Peace Ranch: “This year I write with such nostalgia as I consider our journey to this landmark year in our history. The 17.5- acre ranch campus, much of which had been privately owned, now belongs in its entirety to Paraklesis dba Peace Ranch. On August 1st, we (Paul & Jackie) moved off the ranch and our new resident Caretaker, Cortney Moguel with her family successfully moved in to assume responsibility for the care of horses, facility, and volunteer coordination. This transition has positioned Peace Ranch securely to continue to serve our community into the future. Of course, we (Paul and Jackie) will continue to serve the ranch as long as we are able. Life challenges brought us to discover the life changing impact of equine assisted psychotherapy. What began as the “crazy horse thing” is accepted broadly as an effective therapeutic intervention for people struggling with complex trauma. Looking forward, our focus is Growth, sharing what we’ve learned, training younger, community minded people and passing the torch to ensure this important work continues long after we are gone. Peace Ranch must grow to meet the tremendous need for those whose lives have been ravaged by abuse, neglect, violence, and war.“
The Board of Paraklesis, Inc. (dba Peace Ranch) would like to introduce you to John Cox, our new Executive Director. John joins Peace Ranch with both a strong administrative and non-profit background including extensive local, 20+ years in the health care industry, and international non-profit project work. Some of the non-profit projects include establishment of new programs including rural healthcare access, creation of nursing and Lab tech schools, community nutrition programs, and programs to create career opportunities for women. John raised his family on a horse farm and appreciates the healing aspects of a ranch environment
Q and A with John:
What drew you to Peace Ranch?
I enjoy working with others to create/grow community programs that will provide long term benefits. Over the last ten years that focus has been on international projects in Guatemala and locally through healthcare projects that I have been associated with. Peace Ranch offers an opportunity to work with a group of committed individuals with extensive expertise in utilizing the horses at Peace Ranch as partners during therapy to help clients overcome emotional traumas. There is something incredibly special about this approach and the results consistently lead to our clients living a happier life. I am excited to be part of this great team of special people.
What are you excited for this year at Peace Ranch:
Working at Peace Ranch allows me to witness our client’s journey to a better life. Although I am not part of the direct therapy team, my job is to support them, so they always have what they need for our clients. I look forward to each day at the ranch because I know every client that is coming today is going to leave in a better place. I saw a young girl come for the first time to the ranch. She exited the car with her arms folded across her chest and made it clear she did not want to be there. Two weeks later I saw the same girl exit the car and run to the barn excited to see the horses. I saw a similar experience with a veteran struggling with his anger. What excites me is the chance to watch many more of these life changing transformations this coming year. Our team of therapists partnering with our amazing horses are changing lives every day.
What is your vision for Peace Ranch in the next 5 years?
I think there are many opportunities for Peace Ranch to impact more lives. The ranch has always had a strong focus on children but many of our clients are veterans and adults who struggle with a variety of traumas. Children hold a special place in our hearts but funding for their therapy can be limited. We are working to promote opportunities for our community to sponsor a child’s therapy. $1,200 will cover a series of therapy sessions for a child and assure that child receives this life changing experience so they can live a happy life. We are also looking for community help to sponsor our adult clients and veterans. Our veterans have already served and the ranch honors that by never charging our veterans for therapy at the ranch. A similar sponsorship program would allow us to add resources so we may serve more veterans. Peace Ranch has a great donor base but we are always looking for new donors who want to have an impactful relationship with us and our clients. I will be working with the staff and our community so we may broaden our services and impact more lives.
Q and A with Jackie:
What do you see as your new role with Peace Ranch?
I see my new role evolving over the next few years as I continue to release the reins to younger and more capable hands. I hope to continue to help train people to do this work and continue with horses and clients as long as I am able. These encompass my passion toward restoring hope and transforming lives.
What is your vision for Peace Ranch in the next 5 years?
The need for effective trauma services we experienced when we started Peace Ranch has increased exponentially over the last four years. As a result, we have added consultation and professional mentoring services to help new programs in Michigan (and beyond) to get started. We also offer internships and professional support through training. Clinical services are expanding to include group and retreat style services. Going forward I envision:
continued Board development to support our Vision & Mission through excellence in governance, fiduciary accountability and planned sustainable growth.
expanding our Staff to supply quality clinical and educational services to meet the growing need.
a strong commitment to effectively help those suffering from the chaotic impact of complex trauma so they may reclaim their lives.
Email John at john@peaceranchtc.org to say Hi or to schedule a tour of Peace Ranch and to meet him.