2023 IMPACT REPORT

From our Executive Director

CherishAbility—our new forever name

As we mark our 40th year, I’m struck by how far this organization has progressed. From our early roots as a residential home called Rainbow Valley Ranch, to our current form as a nationwide organization offering enrichment programs and support, our core mission remains unchanged: serving Christian Scientists with developmental special needs.

In 2023, we realized that with all our progress, we’d actually outgrown our original name. It was time for a new forever name expressing who we are today, while conveying the spiritual purpose of our mission. Last fall, we unveiled our new name, CherishAbility.

The name CherishAbility, in fact, describes what we’ve been doing all along, cherishing the spiritual ability in each of God’s children. Indeed, in everything CherishAbility does—from vocational training and enrichment programs to community support and financial assistance—we cherish the spiritual perfection and God-given ability in every participant.

CherishAbility’s nationwide network still includes many of the beloved “original Ranchers.” It also includes all kinds of families—from single parents, to families with multiple children with special needs. Some have adult children who live and work in supported settings, and others have children at home who require full 24-hour care.

Forty years on, and there is much more to do. We are positioned to grow and serve more families, in more ways, long into the future. For every one of us at CherishAbility, board and staff alike, it is truly a labor of love!

Julie Finnin Day

Of interest: By my informal estimation, there are at least 400 Christian Scientists with developmental special needs in the United States. In our first three decades, we served about 2 percent of this group. In the last six years, as our mission expanded nationwide, we’ve reached more than 25% of them. In the coming years, we aim to reach the remaining 75% and beyond who may not know about us yet. ~Julie

CherishAbility Programs

In 2023, CherishAbility served more than 100 participants through our tailored programs. Inspired, adaptive, inclusive, and collaborative—these are the signature qualities that shape every program. Families tell us it means the world to have a community of like-minded Christian Scientists in programs fitted to their unique interests, likes, communication styles, and participation levels. The organizations with whom we collaborate to deliver programs tell us that our participants are blessing their programs too!

Adaptive Family Camp

In 2023, nearly 40 participants—20 loved ones along with 20 parents, caregivers, and siblings—joined our program in Buena Vista, Colo., for horseback riding, gentle hikes, cooking classes, respite care, and new friends …

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Vocational Training

CherishAbility expanded this program in 2023, hiring seven trainees to work with our caring job coaches and support staff as Lodge and Facilities Crews. Participants learned job-readiness skills, and developed friendships and life …

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Loved One Gatherings

Making new Christian Science friends can be challenging—but CherishAbility Loved One Gatherings are changing all that! In 2023, 30 loved ones joined our monthly gatherings, enjoying fun activities, friendship, and exploration of the Bible and Christian Science …

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Cherishing Progress

Three families share how our programs have blessed their lives.

The Barretts

“David and I were never ones to get involved in support groups,” Karen explains. But with CherishAbility, “it’s about seeing the abilities and not the disabilities, and just being around Christian Scientists who have that spiritual thought which uplifts the atmosphere. That, to me, is very comforting and supportive. Hopefully I am helping others, too.”

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Cindy Pritchard

“Attending CherishAbility’s camp session with other Christian Scientists has been “life-changing,” says Cindy’s sister, Liz. “Just being in the environment with such supportive and caring staff—and no judgment or ridicule—is indescribable. It carries her through the year.” At last fall’s session, Cindy enjoyed canoeing, cooking, painting pottery …

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The Schlatters

Participation in the regional event was really fun but more than that, Jenna and I felt embraced by CherishAbility – families and staff; and this showed us that we belong to something bigger, something that is making a difference in our lives and that we in turn can pay it forward and make a difference for others too. “What blesses one, blesses all!

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Watch this inspirational talk with Bobby Lewis, CS

Topic: “God Able Is”

Bobby’s talk explores the inherent perfection and ability of each of God's children—without exceptions.

This inspirational talk by Bobby Lewis, CS, was developed for CherishAbility and given at the 2023 Adaptive Family Camp. Bobby has served as a Marine chaplain, camp co-director of Adventure Unlimited in Colorado, a founder of 100 Elk Outdoor Center, and a co-founder of The Link School. He holds Masters degrees in Biblical Studies and Addiction Counseling. Now a Journal-listed Christian Science practitioner, Bobby explores the spiritual perfection and ability of each of us as God's reflection. Enjoy the talk!

2018 ~ 2023

The past six years represent a turning point in CherishAbility’s history. After decades serving a small number of former residents of Rainbow Valley Ranch, our mission broadened to include families across the U.S. In 2018, we began to see the impact of this shift, with a growing number of families, programs, and opportunities to collaborate.

Number of loved ones participating*
increased by

170%

*Attended one or more programs

Number of families
supported rose by

65%

Number of participants*
grew by

70%

*Including loved ones, parents, caregivers and siblings

Number of programs
grew by nearly

175%

Number of Christian Science collaborators increased by

170%

Working Together

At CherishAbility, we recognize the power of community and collaboration. In many wonderful ways, the following organizations are contributing to our mission of building a compassionate sense of community and support for Christian Scientists with developmental special needs and their families. We are grateful for each and every one!

Christian Science Camps