The Salem4Youth Fund
Salem4youth…A faith-based residential setting for young men who need encouragement and hope.
This fund was started in March of 2022 by Salem4Youth, Flanagan, IL, made possible through a generous donation to the organization. The annual grants generated by the fund are used for the following purposes: (1) to fund scholarships for financial assistance for the benefit of boys whose families may not have the resources or means to pay tuition fees and/or related expenses for Salem4Youth Ranch and/or other related Agency services, and (2) to fund Agency daily operations and expenses, and 3) to fund such other uses as determined by the Board of Directors of Salem4Youth.
In early 2022, Salem4Youth Executive Director, Terry Benge was approached by a long-time supporter of the organization with the news that he and his wife would like to make a substantial donation to the organization. He indicated that it was his desire that the money be managed primarily as an endowment,..initial principal gift would be invested and the proceeds of the investment would generate grants to support Salem4Youth Ranch. Terry contacted some trusted friends for advice on how to set up an endowment and was directed to entrust the endowment to the expertise of the Morton Community Foundation.
Video produced by Salem4Youth photography class students.
In 1896 a childless couple, the Kings, donated 100 acres of farm ground located in rural Flanagan, IL to establish a Christ centered orphanage for boys and girls. That ministry was called Salem Children’s Home. Fast-forward to today and that same ministry continues to serve families in crisis in the name of Christ. Now called Salem4youth Ranch the ministry works with young men, ages 12-16 years old, who are in a “season of struggle” with their families.
Salem4youth Ranch is a residential program where the boys live and attend their on-campus school. This school offers both academic and vocational training for the boys. While living on The Ranch the boys and their families are required to be involved in Biblical counseling. The typical stay for a student lasts between 12-15 months.
The goal of the ministry is familial reconciliation while introducing the boys and their families to the hope found only in Christ.
Salem4youth Ranch is a 501c3 non-profit located at 15161 N. 400 East Rd., Flanagan, IL 61740. To learn more about the ministry you can log onto Salem’s website at www.salem4youth.com. Salem4youth also has an active Facebook page, which is “salem4youth.”
To make a donation to the Salem4Youth Fund, a Component Fund of the Morton Community Foundation, you may mail a check made out to Morton Community Foundation, with the words Salem4Youth in the memo line, and mail it to Morton Community Foundation, 135 S First Ave, Morton, IL. 61550. If you’d like to make an online donation, click below to set up a one-time, monthly, or annual gift to the fund (Fees apply.) More complex gifts, such as gifts of marketable securities, Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA or 401K, or transfer of land, etc. may be made as well. Please call for more information: Scott Witzig, Executive Director - 309-291-0434.