MORROW, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Genesis Ranch has purchased 86 acres of land in Prairie Grove to build a mental health treatment facility for teen girls, with a focus on equine therapy to help girls struggling with addiction, behavioral issues, and mental health issues.

According to a press release, the future facility will include an 8,000 square foot barndominium with living space and a classroom, and a matching horse barn. The horse barn will also include a therapy space and a physical fitness center.

The project began after members of the team at Team Challenge Adventure Ranch (TCAR) decided they wanted to start providing their services to teenage girls. TCAR has been providing care to teenage boys who have faced addition, behavioral issues, and mental health struggles for 50 years.

“We developed just an amazing, we believe, a world-class program that takes the best of evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and also combines that with relationships and opportunity for spiritual formation,” Justin Smith, CEO of TCAR and Genesis Ranch, said. “We believe we’ve got 50 years of experience with young men, and we want to have that same offering for adolescent girls.”

The build will cost about $1.4 million, with about $400 thousand coming from a challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation in Midland, Texas.

According to the press release, Genesis Ranch must raise $443,505, in addition to the money they’ve already raised, by April 14, 2027, to receive the funds from the Mabee Foundation.

  • Courtesy: Genesis Ranch
  • Courtesy: Genesis Ranch
  • Courtesy: Genesis Ranch


Phase one of Greenwood Bypass to open, part of Highway 10 to close for bridge replacement

Joy Thomas, Executive Director of Genesis Ranch, has worked for TCAR for about 13 years before becoming Executive Director for Genesis Ranch. Her most recent position at TCAR was academic director.

“I figured I would probably end my career as the academic director. But in our Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch strategic meeting in 2024, we started talking about launching a girls’ program, and something just stirred in my heart,” Thomas said. “And thus, Genesis Ranch was born.”

According to Smith, who has been a part of TCAR for 30 years, the Genesis Ranch team is now working to finalize plans with architects. They are also seeking approval for a conditional use permit from the Washington County Quorum Court, which he hopes will be approved at their next regular Quorum Court meeting on June 18.

Currently, the TCAR can house up to 40 teenage boys. Genesis Ranch will be able to house 12 to 16 teen girls, according to Thomas.

“A struggling girl affects her whole community,” said Thomas. “We want to help them heal from that so that they’re not living their trauma any longer, but they’re living fulfilled lives. A healed girl changes generations. If she can come into her identity, if she can leave her trauma behind, work through her trauma, then that is going to affect generations to come. And that’s what Genesis Ranch is about.”

Smith stated that the team plans to open Genesis Ranch in early 2027. Updates to the project’s progress will be made on the Genesis Ranch website.