Project Patch began in 1984 with a simple but powerful calling: to restore hope to hurting teenagers. Founded by Tom and Bonnie Sanford, Project Patch was born out of the belief that troubled teens are hurting teens—young people in need of safety, compassion, and a chance to begin again. In its early years, Project Patch was known as Project P.A.T.C.H. (Planned Assistance for Troubled Children)—a name that reflected the ministry’s original focus on providing intentional care for hurting youth.
Shaped by his own childhood experiences, Tom believed firmly that God could redeem even the most painful beginnings. That conviction—that no life is beyond hope—became the foundation of Project Patch.
PATCH wasn’t my idea in the first place; it was God’s. In life, it seems we worry far too much when God already has a plan in mind. He only asks us to do our best and leave the rest to Him. Tom Sanford – Spring 2010
FROM FOSTER CARE TO A YOUTH PROGRAM
What started as a small foster placement ministry has grown into a multi‑faceted organization that has helped thousands of young people and families over the past four decades. In its earliest years, Project Patch operated as a referral and foster placement program. Between 1984 and 1993, nearly 1,800 foster care referrals were made, with just under 400 youth placed into loving, Christian foster homes.
As the number of teens in need continued to rise, it became increasingly difficult to find enough foster families. In response, the Project Patch Board of Trustees began to pray for something more—a place where teens could live, heal, and grow together in a safe, structured environment.
That prayer began to take physical shape in 1989, when Project Patch was gifted 116 acres of land in southern Idaho, including riverfront property. An additional 53 adjacent acres were also purchased, allowing the vision for a residential youth program to move forward. The following year, a trailer was placed on the land, and faith, prayer, and perseverance carried the vision forward.
Through countless miracles, the generosity of donors, and the efforts of volunteers, our residential program campus took form. The core building and dorms were completed first, creating the foundation for daily life, education, and community. Organizations such as Maranatha Volunteers International and youth groups from across the Northwest played a key role in building out the campus. In time, a school, gymnasium, workshop, and chapel were added, shaping a beautiful place where teens could heal and restore hope.
Since 1993, more than 1,000 teenagers have been physically, emotionally, and spiritually renewed through our youth program. Today, teens typically spend an average of six to twelve months with us. During their stay, they attend our on-site accredited school, participate in individual, family, and group therapy, learn life skills, and are mentored by highly trained Christian staff utilizing Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI). Through consistent support, accountability, and relationship‑centered care, teens are given the time and space needed to heal, grow, and prepare for life beyond campus.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES BEYOND CAMPUS
As Project Patch continued to grow, the vision expanded beyond serving teens alone to supporting entire families. Patch recognized that being a strong family is not easy—and that in a complex world, families often need time, tools, and space to reconnect, communicate, and grow together as a family unit.
The opportunity to serve families in this way was made possible through the generosity of the Tupper family, who gifted nearly 500 acres of land just outside of Goldendale, Washington. After many prayers and through the faithful efforts of volunteers—including church groups and even teens from our residential youth program—a beautiful retreat center was built.
In 2010, the Family Life & Conference Center was officially dedicated and became the home of The Family Experience, serving families who were seeking healthier relationships, stronger communication, and renewed hope. Over time, however, it became clear that location and cost made it difficult for many families to participate. Rather than step away from the work of family ministry, Project Patch chose to adapt.
In 2021, the property was sold, and the next chapter of family ministry began. The Family Experience 2.0 is designed to serve even more families by bringing the same core principles to hosting churches and retreat centers across the country, closer to where families live. While the setting changed, the focus remained the same: experiential learning that helps families pull together in a world that is pulling them apart.
God has worked miracles through Project Patch, and we have been blessed by being His hands and feet. Tom Sanford – Spring 2013
OUR FOUNDER & HIS LEGACY: TOM SANFORD (1943–2024)
Project Patch was founded in 1984 by Tom Sanford and his wife, Bonnie, in response to a growing need for safe, faith‑based alternatives for troubled teens.
Before founding Project Patch, Tom served as a pastor for 15 years, working closely with juvenile courts to provide alternatives to detention for young people in crisis. Throughout their lives together, Tom and Bonnie opened their home to more than 100 foster youth, believing that love, stability, and faith could change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Tom traveled widely as a speaker and advocate for teens and families and played a central role in shaping the early vision and direction of Project Patch. His heart for young people, coupled with perseverance and faith, helped lay the foundation for a ministry that would impact thousands of lives.
In October 2010, Tom retired from day‑to‑day leadership of Project Patch, and his son‑in‑law, Chuck Hagele, was appointed CEO. Chuck had been part of Project Patch since 2003, serving in a variety of roles, including part‑time chaplain, Youth Program Administrator, and Chief Operations Officer. In retirement, Tom continued to represent Project Patch for many years—raising support for the care of teens and sharing stories of God’s faithfulness through the ministry.
Tom passed away on August 4, 2024, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. While the illness slowly took his memory, it never took his heart.
Tom’s legacy lives on in every life restored, every family strengthened, and every teen reminded that they matter. Project Patch continues its mission today because of the foundation he helped build—a ministry rooted in faith, perseverance, and the belief that healing and redemption are always possible.
** Tom also authored two books—Wounded Healer and If Parenting Is a Three Ring Circus, How Come I’m Not the Ringmaster—which share his heart for teens and families. Learn more HERE.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF MINISTRY
In 2024, Project Patch celebrated 40 years of restoring hope to teens, building thriving families, and empowering supportive communities. We enjoyed an on-campus celebration in Garden Valley in September and a brunch celebration in Vancouver in November.
Our History
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A CALLING TO RESTORE HOPE
Project Patch began in 1984 with a simple but powerful calling: to restore hope to hurting teenagers. Founded by Tom and Bonnie Sanford, Project Patch was born out of the belief that troubled teens are hurting teens—young people in need of safety, compassion, and a chance to begin again. In its early years, Project Patch was known as Project P.A.T.C.H. (Planned Assistance for Troubled Children)—a name that reflected the ministry’s original focus on providing intentional care for hurting youth.
Shaped by his own childhood experiences, Tom believed firmly that God could redeem even the most painful beginnings. That conviction—that no life is beyond hope—became the foundation of Project Patch.
FROM FOSTER CARE TO A YOUTH PROGRAM
What started as a small foster placement ministry has grown into a multi‑faceted organization that has helped thousands of young people and families over the past four decades. In its earliest years, Project Patch operated as a referral and foster placement program. Between 1984 and 1993, nearly 1,800 foster care referrals were made, with just under 400 youth placed into loving, Christian foster homes.
As the number of teens in need continued to rise, it became increasingly difficult to find enough foster families. In response, the Project Patch Board of Trustees began to pray for something more—a place where teens could live, heal, and grow together in a safe, structured environment.
That prayer began to take physical shape in 1989, when Project Patch was gifted 116 acres of land in southern Idaho, including riverfront property. An additional 53 adjacent acres were also purchased, allowing the vision for a residential youth program to move forward. The following year, a trailer was placed on the land, and faith, prayer, and perseverance carried the vision forward.
Through countless miracles, the generosity of donors, and the efforts of volunteers, our residential program campus took form. The core building and dorms were completed first, creating the foundation for daily life, education, and community. Organizations such as Maranatha Volunteers International and youth groups from across the Northwest played a key role in building out the campus. In time, a school, gymnasium, workshop, and chapel were added, shaping a beautiful place where teens could heal and restore hope.
Since 1993, more than 1,000 teenagers have been physically, emotionally, and spiritually renewed through our youth program. Today, teens typically spend an average of six to twelve months with us. During their stay, they attend our on-site accredited school, participate in individual, family, and group therapy, learn life skills, and are mentored by highly trained Christian staff utilizing Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI). Through consistent support, accountability, and relationship‑centered care, teens are given the time and space needed to heal, grow, and prepare for life beyond campus.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES BEYOND CAMPUS
As Project Patch continued to grow, the vision expanded beyond serving teens alone to supporting entire families. Patch recognized that being a strong family is not easy—and that in a complex world, families often need time, tools, and space to reconnect, communicate, and grow together as a family unit.
The opportunity to serve families in this way was made possible through the generosity of the Tupper family, who gifted nearly 500 acres of land just outside of Goldendale, Washington. After many prayers and through the faithful efforts of volunteers—including church groups and even teens from our residential youth program—a beautiful retreat center was built.
In 2010, the Family Life & Conference Center was officially dedicated and became the home of The Family Experience, serving families who were seeking healthier relationships, stronger communication, and renewed hope. Over time, however, it became clear that location and cost made it difficult for many families to participate. Rather than step away from the work of family ministry, Project Patch chose to adapt.
In 2021, the property was sold, and the next chapter of family ministry began. The Family Experience 2.0 is designed to serve even more families by bringing the same core principles to hosting churches and retreat centers across the country, closer to where families live. While the setting changed, the focus remained the same: experiential learning that helps families pull together in a world that is pulling them apart.
OUR FOUNDER & HIS LEGACY: TOM SANFORD (1943–2024)
Project Patch was founded in 1984 by Tom Sanford and his wife, Bonnie, in response to a growing need for safe, faith‑based alternatives for troubled teens.
Before founding Project Patch, Tom served as a pastor for 15 years, working closely with juvenile courts to provide alternatives to detention for young people in crisis. Throughout their lives together, Tom and Bonnie opened their home to more than 100 foster youth, believing that love, stability, and faith could change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Tom traveled widely as a speaker and advocate for teens and families and played a central role in shaping the early vision and direction of Project Patch. His heart for young people, coupled with perseverance and faith, helped lay the foundation for a ministry that would impact thousands of lives.
In October 2010, Tom retired from day‑to‑day leadership of Project Patch, and his son‑in‑law, Chuck Hagele, was appointed CEO. Chuck had been part of Project Patch since 2003, serving in a variety of roles, including part‑time chaplain, Youth Program Administrator, and Chief Operations Officer. In retirement, Tom continued to represent Project Patch for many years—raising support for the care of teens and sharing stories of God’s faithfulness through the ministry.
Tom passed away on August 4, 2024, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. While the illness slowly took his memory, it never took his heart.
Tom’s legacy lives on in every life restored, every family strengthened, and every teen reminded that they matter. Project Patch continues its mission today because of the foundation he helped build—a ministry rooted in faith, perseverance, and the belief that healing and redemption are always possible.
** Tom also authored two books—Wounded Healer and If Parenting Is a Three Ring Circus, How Come I’m Not the Ringmaster—which share his heart for teens and families. Learn more HERE.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF MINISTRY
In 2024, Project Patch celebrated 40 years of restoring hope to teens, building thriving families, and empowering supportive communities. We enjoyed an on-campus celebration in Garden Valley in September and a brunch celebration in Vancouver in November.
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