Youth Horizons

What Youth Horizons does

Youth Horizons is a faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986 (originally as The Dandelion in the 1980s and renamed in 1993) and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, that serves disadvantaged children and youth ages 5-22 and their families across the Wichita and mid-central Kansas region. The organization's core programs are organized into three areas: (1) one-on-one youth mentoring, delivered via community-based, school-based Lunch Buddy, and on-site models matching children with trained Christian adult mentors; (2) residential foster care through two purpose-built campuses — Kinloch Price Boys Ranch (77 acres, four homes, capacity 28 boys ages 10-22, 1:7 staff ratio) and Wren House for Girls (50 acres, two homes, capacity 10 girls ages 13-18, 1:5 staff ratio) — using a trauma-informed, evidence-based Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model and an average 12-month length of stay; and (3) community advocacy, including the 2025-launched Getting Ahead and Staying Ahead parent support programs that add family stabilization to the service mix.

The organization's underlying methodology is built on Christian principles layered with established youth-development frameworks, notably Search Institute's 4 S's (Sparks, Strengths, Struggles, Supports) and Developmental Relationships frameworks, and the proprietary Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model guiding residential care. There is no software or technology platform in the conventional sense; service delivery is human-led by trained staff and volunteer mentors. Approximately 200 youth and families are served annually through mentoring and advocacy programs, with 40 currently in residential care and 132 currently matched in mentoring (plus a 20-child waitlist), against a headcount of 51-100 employees and a broad management team spanning residential, mentoring, church partnerships, events, and training functions. Since 1996, more than 550 children have been served in residential homes.

The business model is donations-driven, not commercial: services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries, with revenue sourced from individual giving, 60+ church partner contributions, three signature annual fundraising events (Easter Sun Run in its 32nd year, Christmas Gala in its 27th year, and the Pickleball & Purpose Tournament), legacy/estate giving, and in-kind donations. Major capital expansions have historically been enabled by large estate gifts — the Price family's 77-acre land donation enabled the 2007 opening of Kinloch Price Boys Ranch, and Keith Wren's 2018 estate commitment enabled the 2022 opening of Wren House for Girls. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired in operational terms by CEO/President Dr. Robert Garner and is independently operated with no parent company or private-equity ownership.

Name

Youth Horizons

Legal name

Youth Horizons

Website

https://youthhorizons.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Youth Horizons is a Wichita, Kansas faith-based nonprofit providing one-on-one youth mentoring, residential foster care at two campuses (Kinloch Price Boys Ranch and Wren House for Girls), and parent support programs to disadvantaged children ages 5-22 and their families, funded by donations, church partnerships, and annual fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

Keywords

• Youth mentoring services
• Residential foster care
• Faith-based nonprofit
• Youth advocacy programs
• Parent support programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Financial gifts from individual donors, church partners, and community members. One-time and recurring donation options available through online portal.
2. Event Fundraising: Major annual events including Easter Sun Run, Christmas Gala, and Pickleball & Purpose Tournament serve as primary fundraising mechanisms.
3. Church Partnership Contributions: Financial contributions, volunteer hours, and event coordination support from 60+ church partners across mid-central Kansas.
4. Legacy Giving: Estate planning, bequests, charitable remainder trusts, endowments, and planned giving programs for long-term sustainability.
5. In-Kind Donations: Wish list donations of supplies, clothing, and necessities for residential program youth via Amazon and Walmart registries.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Youth Horizons is a faith-based nonprofit that provides one-on-one Christian mentorship, school-based Lunch Buddy mentoring, full-time residential foster care at two campuses (Kinloch Price Boys Ranch for boys ages 10-22 and Wren House for girls ages 13-18), a parent support program (Getting Ahead and Staying Ahead), and community youth advocacy. All services are provided free of charge to disadvantaged children, youth, and families in Wichita and mid-central Kansas.

Product overview

Youth Horizons is a faith-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of youth development programs including community mentoring, school-based Lunch Buddy mentoring, and residential foster care services through Kinloch Price Boys Ranch (for boys) and Wren House (for girls). The organization also operates parent support programs (Getting Ahead and Staying Ahead), youth advocacy initiatives, and hosts annual fundraising events including the Easter Sun Run, Christmas Gala, and Pickleball & Purpose Tournament. The organization serves disadvantaged children and youth in the Wichita, Kansas area through dedicated mentorship, transformative foster-care residential programs, and community advocacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Mentoring Program One-on-one mentorship program matching Christian adults with children and young people (ages 5-14) in the Wichita community who need guidance, individualized attention, and adult support. Includes community-based activities, school-based Lunch Buddy program, and on-site mentoring at residential locations. Services provided free of charge.
• Kinloch Price Boys Ranch Residential foster care facility for boys ages 10-22, featuring four homes on 77 acres outside Wichita with capacity for 28 boys and a 1:7 staff-to-youth ratio. Uses evidence-based, trauma-informed Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model. 12-month average stay with a goal of being the child's last out-of-home placement.
• Wren House for Girls Residential foster care facility for girls ages 13-18, featuring two homes on 50 acres near Wichita with capacity for 10 girls and a 1:5 staff-to-youth ratio. Offers early intervention programming, skill building, 24-hour surveillance, and mentoring services.
• Youth Advocacy Community advocacy initiative using collaborations, social media, training, and speaking engagements to raise awareness about challenges affecting children and families in Wichita. Amplifies the voice of children impacted by social and family dynamics they cannot control.
• Getting Ahead Program Parent support program helping parents strengthen social-emotional skills, build financial stability, and take practical steps toward healthier futures for their families. Supported by Navigators through the Staying Ahead program who provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
• Easter Sun Run Annual community fundraiser and run/walk event held at Sedgwick County Park. Features 10k race, Jeff Wenzel memorial 2-mile run/walk, family fun zone, and cash awards. Major fundraising event for Youth Horizons.
• Christmas Gala Annual benefit dinner featuring inspirational music, live and silent auctions, fund-a-need appeals, and celebration of faith. Major fundraising event held at Wichita Marriott.
• Pickleball & Purpose Tournament Annual pickleball tournament fundraiser at Chicken N Pickle. Features competitive and just-for-fun divisions with cash prizes. Proceeds support mentoring and foster residence programs.
• Lunch Buddy Program School-based mentoring program where Christian mentors meet students once weekly during lunch period for friendship and encouragement without requiring lesson preparation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 550+ children served in residential homes since 1996
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Youth Horizons is a founding member of CAYM, an organization dedicated to developing Christian mentoring programs and training Christian mentors to positively impact kids.
• National Safe Place Network (NSPN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth Horizons is a member of the National Safe Place Network, which provides quality training and technical support for youth and family service organizations across the country. This membership provides access to best practices, training resources, and a network of similar organizations.
• Church Partners (60+ churches)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor60+ churches across mid-central Kansas partner through financial contributions, volunteer hours, event coordination, and mentorship. Includes churches like Asbury Church, Calvary Chapel Wichita, Life.Church West Wichita, Pathway Church, Riverlawn Christian Church, and many others.
• Icon Structures, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Easter Sun Run as Event Sponsor tier.
• Smart Security Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Sponsor for Easter Sun Run.
• Pratt IndustriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor for Easter Sun Run; Packet Pickup sponsor.
• Riverlawn Christian ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Sponsor for Easter Sun Run; annual volunteer service at KPBR through Great Day of Service.
• Calvary Chapel WichitaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost of annual Fall Festival for Youth Horizons families with nearly 50 volunteers and 100+ attendees.
• First Evangelical Free ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer team replaced dozens of windows at Kinloch Price Boys Ranch, providing energy efficiency upgrades and creating budget savings for essential services.
• F3 WichitaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChristian fellowship group that regularly volunteers at KPBR with workouts, training sessions, and landscaping projects.
• Run WichitaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner/vendor for Easter Sun Run, providing race timing and expertise.
• Hutton ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilder of Hope - Event Sponsor for Christmas Gala 2025.
• Search InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloper of the 4 S's (Sparks, Strengths, Struggles, Supports) framework and Developmental Relationships framework used throughout Youth Horizons programs for assessment and relationship building.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boys Town: National nonprofit providing residential family-style care, in-home services, and youth mentoring, founded in 1917. Directly comparable to Youth Horizons' residential campuses (KPBR and Wren House) and community-based youth programs.
• KVC Health Systems: Kansas-headquartered nonprofit providing foster care, residential treatment, and behavioral health services across multiple states. Direct peer for Youth Horizons' foster-care residential operations in the Kansas market, with much greater scale and government funding.
• Youth Villages: Nonprofit providing residential treatment, mentoring, and family services for at-risk youth across multiple states. Comparable in its combination of residential care and intensive in-home mentoring, mirroring Youth Horizons' hybrid residential-plus-mentoring model.
• Mercy Multiplied: Faith-based nonprofit running residential recovery and life-skills programs for young women. Comparable to Youth Horizons' Wren House for Girls in residential faith-based care for adolescent girls.
• TFI Family Services: Kansas-based nonprofit providing foster care, adoption, and family preservation services. Comparable to Youth Horizons in serving Kansas foster youth through community-based care models.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: The largest youth mentoring nonprofit in the U.S., operating community-based and school-based one-on-one mentoring programs. Directly comparable to Youth Horizons' core Mentoring Program and Lunch Buddy school-based model, with a similar volunteer-mentor matching architecture.
• Youth for Christ: Christian nonprofit delivering mentoring, campus ministries, and youth development programs worldwide. Directly comparable in faith-based youth ministry focus and in building volunteer pipelines through local churches.
• Arrow Child & Family Ministries: Faith-based nonprofit operating residential group homes, foster care, and family services for at-risk children, rooted in Christian ministry. Closely comparable to Youth Horizons' faith-based residential model and Biopsychosocial-Spiritual approach.

Broad incumbents

• Lutheran Services in America: National network of 300+ faith-based Lutheran human-service organizations offering foster care, adoption, and family services. Comparable to Youth Horizons in faith-rooted child welfare work, but operates as a broad umbrella network rather than direct residential operator.
• Salvation Army: Large faith-based nonprofit offering youth services, residential care, and community programs nationally. Comparable to Youth Horizons in faith-driven youth and family services, but with a much broader service portfolio including disaster relief and adult programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/youthhorizons
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/youthhorizonsvideo
• Facebookfacebook.com/YouthHorizons
• Instagraminstagram.com/youthhorizons
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youth-horizons

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youth Horizons