Finding Freedom Ranch, a biblically based eating disorder clinic, founded to provide residential treatment not currently available in Michigan, seeks to help young women "find peace with God, peace with themselves, and peace with food." It's one of only a few Christian focused eating disorder clinics in the United States.
Ryan Burgess, a member at First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Mich., started the nonprofit in 2021 after he, his wife Kim, and their family lived through the grief and healing of an eating disorder with their daughter, Maci. Kim Burgess, who is also the prayer coordinator at Finding Freedom Ranch, said there was a spiritual piece that was missing at the clinics where they first tried to find help for Maci. This led the family out of state for in-patient treatment, and it was there that Maci found a more well-rounded support than the clinical aspect of healing from an eating disorder.
“It wasn’t all about me,” Maci said, finding she didn’t have to talk about the problem all the time. She learned that she’s more than the eating disorder, and in fact that God can work through these experiences for good. Ryan Burgess said that because of this experience, God put it on his heart to build a Christ-centered eating disorder recovery program.
“We are firmly convinced that through God we can provide a place of great comfort and healing,” Burgess said.
The vision for Finding Freedom Ranch began in January 2021, and they broke ground on eight acres of land in Moline, Mich., June 20, 2023. There are plans for three phases, eventually providing outpatient care, family support, equine therapy, and inpatient residential care.
The first phase, The Lodge, is complete, hosting transformation-focused Bible studies and creative craft nights as a start. It also will be the base of programs and clinical operations, aspects that Finding Freedom Ranch is still hiring for.
Burgess said The Lodge plans to also offer non-clinical programs for families who are supporting loved ones on their journey to healing from an eating disorder.
“I feel so strongly about incorporating faith into recovery,” said Jennifer Smith Lane, a recovery coach at Finding Freedom Ranch. “That’s the missing piece, and that’s what makes me excited about Finding Freedom Ranch.”
Phase two, The Stables, a facility that will house horses for equine therapy, is expected to begin sometime in 2026. The residential portion, The Bunkhouse, to provide full in-patient care for 12 adolescent girls, is a final phase expected to come after the outpatient treatment phase is fully established.
For Burgess, Scripture, faith, and hope in God are the foundation of what Finding Freedom Ranch is all about. Matthew 11:28-30 is a key passage for him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“This verse sums up what the vision of Finding Freedom Ranch is as we seek to heal the heart of an eating disorder with the mind of Christ,” Burgess said. “It is only in and through the love of Jesus Christ where we ultimately find true rest, and with the help of the Holy Spirit we at Finding Freedom Ranch seek to show Christ’s love to those struggling.”