every life transformed
A HERITAGE OF HEALING
Look around at the beautiful, undeveloped hills around Green Oak Ranch and feel the spirit of this historic property. The 142-acre Ranch was part of the original 2,288 acre “Rancho Buena Vista,” Mexican Land Grant from the early 1800s. You can almost still hear the clatter of the stage coach rolling into the stop right here on the property, connecting people with the vital information of the day.
HOPE AND HELP DURING THE DEPRESSION
The Great Depression was a bleak time for Americans. Yet, hope and recovery rose out of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” – a massive public works program that sustained families, revitalized the economy and restored dignity to millions. The most popular “New Deal” program was the Civilian Conservation Corp, or CCC, which provided jobs to young men, veterans, and Native Americans. The CCC was launched under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur. Green Oak Ranch was home to the local CCC here in San Diego. The CCC is credited with improving the physical condition of these men, heightening morale and increasing their employability. It also increased public appreciation for the environment, and the need to manage and protect our natural resources. Original buildings from 1835 are still in use today at the Ranch.
GREEN OAK RANCH ANSWERS THE CALL
In 1942, the Ranch became “Camp Vista,” leased by the U.S. Army as a base for the Western Defense Command, responsible for protecting our coastline from attacks by land, air and sea. As many as 800 men were stationed here at one time. After the Allied victory, the Camp also housed the Navy while they worked on a local water conservation project. We are proud to be part of the history of the U.S. military and honor that history as we continue to serve veterans.
THE UNION RESCUE MISSION
The Union Rescue mission had a vision for not just rescuing men from a life of addiction and homelessness, but to keep them from ever getting there. And in 1950, the Camp Vista Property was purchased and renamed “Green Oak Boys Camp,” as a Christian retreat for at-risk-youth, employing men in recovery as “ranch hands,” to work the camp. In this natural setting beyond the harsh inner-city, many found faith and a vision for their lives.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Today, men and women still discover personal transformation in the rustic serenity of Green Oak Ranch. Operating since 1998 as an independent, non-profit, at “Green Oak Ranch,” men and women experience growth, healing and the hope of Christ. With 100 acres dedicated as our Retreat and Event Center, and 20 acres dedicated to our Christian Recovery Program, Green Oak provides a unique, collaborative and mutually beneficial community.