News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Mustard Seed Ranch set to host its 14th annual Jakes Day Saturday to acknowledge the community’s support of its ministry.
The community-supported ministry works to heal children from childhood traumas. Executive Director Tammy Hogan said the 113-acre ranch has homes which provide children with a stable lifestyle, a nurturing family, and a future of hope.
“Our community is the very reason why Mustard Seed Ranch exists, (we are) 100 percent supported by our community,” Hogan said. “And so it’s our way of just sharing our heart and our thanks for everything that the community does to help us provide for our children and our families.”
Jakes Day will feature free food and some 25 free activities Saturday. Events include skeet shooting, bounce houses, riding a mule-team trailer, four-wheelers and fishing. Hogan said many civic organizations participate as well providing things like popcorn, cotton candy and other treats while educating kids on who they are and what they do for the community.
“It’s just a really awesome way for lots of people to come together to provide this day for families in the community,” Hogan said.
Mustard Seed ranch is one of the few children’s homes in the state that do not charge for children to live there. Hogan said it can cost anywhere from $150 to $650 per day for a child to be housed in a facility like Mustard Seed Ranch.
Hogan said the event is special to them because it teaches their kids empathy and giving back to those who give to them.
“It teaches our kids that its not about just, life is not just about receiving, especially when you come from a hard time…life is about giving,” Hogan said.
Hogan said Jakes Day at Mustard Seed Ranch has grown over the past 13 years, winning the award for the best in the nation three times. Hogan said the first Jakes Day had 75 kids attend, the most recent had almost 1,000. Hogan says she expects even more this year.
