History of Shine On Youth Ranch

​

Jolene grew up outside Eau Claire, where her love for horses began through hay and sleigh rides with her dad, raising ponies, and competing in speed events during high school. Horses have always been part of her story.

After graduation, Jolene pursued her passion for education and became a special education teacher. She loved teaching and watching her students grow, but later stepped away from the classroom to stay home and raise her children. Through substitute teaching and homeschooling, she saw how deeply kids long for connection, belonging, and purpose — and how much they need to know they are loved by a God who has a plan for their lives.

In 2020, Jolene walked through a difficult divorce that left her shaken, yet she experienced God’s steady presence in powerful ways. During that season, the vision for something new quietly began to form. Her family already had horses, a barn, and an arena where Jolene and her daughters enjoyed spending time together. What she didn’t yet realize was that God was writing a bigger story.

After the dust settled, several moments confirmed what was stirring in her heart — attending a youth ranch fundraiser, being asked to help a friend’s daughter grow in confidence through horses, and serving as a mentor at Scenic Hills Youth Ranch in Bloomer. Watching the Lord work through connection, mentorship, and horses made the calling clear.

Out of that calling, Shine On Youth Ranch was born — a place where kids can build confidence, find belonging, and discover that they were created to shine.