Darren and Deena Delin scanned the young man’s application, and their eyes widened. Although they, along with Les Price, oversee the one-year mentorship program for boys at Riverbend Ranch and Retreat in Normandy, they weren’t sure if this applicant would be a good fit. Besides being a year behind in school academically, he’d also had a run-in with the sheriff’s department and was wearing a tracking device around his ankle. But after a lengthy phone interview with him, they felt compelled to give him a chance, and so he became one of the boys to enter their program.
“He completed a lot of school in a short time and was quickly on track to graduate early,” said Darren. “He didn’t just pass — he excelled. He grew into a well-rounded individual who made plans to earn his welding certification. Opportunities such as the chance to work at Cooper Steel suddenly became available to him. When he came to Riverbend Ranch, he had never touched a horse, but he soon gained confidence. The relationship with his siblings also flourished, so we witnessed incredible changes during the year he spent with us. He went from being on the verge of a jail sentence, or juvenile detention, to graduating and choosing a career path.”
Deena said, “We don’t take troubled boys; we take boys from troubled homes. Many come from fatherless homes, and they each come with baggage. But these boys choose to be here. They want to make positive changes. They aren’t here because a judge ordered them to be.”
Before loading up their young family and moving to Tennessee from California in 2021, the Delins spent 15 years under the leadership of Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church, working in full-time ministry with students, youths, and families.
“Riverbend Ranch has provided us with a unique opportunity to live on a beautiful piece of property and to have a lasting impact on the lives of boys, which is something we were already passionate about,” said Darren. “Our program fosters growth, leadership, and personal development among boys who come to live with us. Participants live in a home under the guidance of our Christian mentor, Les Price, who ensures they receive the care and support they need and the spiritual nourishment that comes from attending weekly church services and youth group meetings. This structure helps them develop a solid moral foundation and a sense of belonging within the faith-based community.
“A cornerstone of the Riverbend Ranch experience is our comprehensive horsemanship training, which places a special emphasis on working with and understanding the wild mustangs from Wyoming. Under the direction of Price, the boys learn to care for, train, and build trust with these majestic animals, which, like them, are on their own journey of transformation. This unique aspect of our program draws powerful parallels between the challenges and breakthroughs of the mustangs and the personal growth journey experienced by each of these boys.”
With its panoramic views of low-lying mountains dotted with grazing cattle, a row of log cabins rising above a sparkling lake, and the Duck River meandering beneath a grove of trees at the edge of the property, the ranch has become much more than a home for boys. Because the Delin family experienced the ups and down of serving in ministry, their arms are wide open toward others in ministry, as well as nonprofits, and for anyone who is searching for the peace and tranquility they have found at Riverbend Ranch.
In 2023, they hosted 27 nonprofits. Groups such as Casting for Recovery, which helps women battling breast cancer, and Project Healing Waters that works with disabled veterans, were able to fly-fish in the river. The Center for Family Development has used the facility to temporarily house displaced families and various organizations, churches, preschools, homeschools, and youth groups regularly hold events on the property.
With the construction of several bungalows custom designed by Darren, plus the recent addition of an oversized barn that offers modern conveniences, the ranch has also become the ideal place to host corporate events, retreats, weddings, vow renewals, fundraisers, family reunions, and so much more.
Deena said, “Everyone who visits has some kind of peaceful experience from the moment they step onto the property. We are a nonprofit with a heart for other nonprofits, so we keep our prices affordable. Everything goes to support our ultimate goal, which is pouring into the boys who get to live here.” GN
