Our Team
Dennis Blake and Nancy Blake
President Emeritus
*DENNIS and Nancy are the FOUNDER of this organization*
It truly is amazing how fast time flies. Nancy and I are on our 12th year here in Hazleton, Ks. Romans 12:1 teaches us this: Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.
Many people have given to and helped FGBR as sacrificial acts of worship. Every day I am humbled as I witness the growth in our boys as the result of others' sacrifices.
Our goal, here, is to share the love of Christ in a family setting. We strive to treat each boy as if he was our very own. Our key focus is to introduce them to Christ. The verse I hold on to in revealing God's calling to me comes from Psalms 71:18-20 Now as I grow old and my hair turns gray, I ask that You not abandon me, O God. Allow me to share with the generation to come about Your power; let me speak about Your strength and wonders to all those yet to be born. God, your justice stretches to the heavens, You who have done mighty things! Who is like You, O God?
May God bless you as He continues to pour out His blessings upon each and every one of the boys and the staff.
President Emeritus
*DENNIS and Nancy are the FOUNDER of this organization*
It truly is amazing how fast time flies. Nancy and I are on our 12th year here in Hazleton, Ks. Romans 12:1 teaches us this: Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.
Many people have given to and helped FGBR as sacrificial acts of worship. Every day I am humbled as I witness the growth in our boys as the result of others' sacrifices.
Our goal, here, is to share the love of Christ in a family setting. We strive to treat each boy as if he was our very own. Our key focus is to introduce them to Christ. The verse I hold on to in revealing God's calling to me comes from Psalms 71:18-20 Now as I grow old and my hair turns gray, I ask that You not abandon me, O God. Allow me to share with the generation to come about Your power; let me speak about Your strength and wonders to all those yet to be born. God, your justice stretches to the heavens, You who have done mighty things! Who is like You, O God?
May God bless you as He continues to pour out His blessings upon each and every one of the boys and the staff.
Michael Simpson
President - Outreach Director - House Parent
When I was 19, I met a man named Dennis Blake. He told me of a dream he had to start a boys ranch for young men with no hope to experience safety, love, and a relationship with Christ. I was convinced that, in some way, I was called to be a part of this ministry. I began mentoring and working with his foster sons. I never would have believed that 9 years later I would have the privilege to serve as the full time president and house-parent of this ministry. A Lot of things have changed since then. We now are an established organization with an amazing program. We now work with young men and their families long term. We have a beautiful campus that is expanding constantly. What hasn't changed is the passion we have for young men to show them that life can be amazing, they can heal from the hurts that they have experienced, and they have a God in heaven that loves them more than can be expressed. Since November 2019 My wife, myself, and my 2 sons have been serving as house parents for FGBR, and since March of 2020 I have served as full time president. This change in my life has been a great challenge but with great blessings. With the continued favor of God we will grow FGBR and continue to help young men heal and grow into men of uncompromising character
President - Outreach Director - House Parent
When I was 19, I met a man named Dennis Blake. He told me of a dream he had to start a boys ranch for young men with no hope to experience safety, love, and a relationship with Christ. I was convinced that, in some way, I was called to be a part of this ministry. I began mentoring and working with his foster sons. I never would have believed that 9 years later I would have the privilege to serve as the full time president and house-parent of this ministry. A Lot of things have changed since then. We now are an established organization with an amazing program. We now work with young men and their families long term. We have a beautiful campus that is expanding constantly. What hasn't changed is the passion we have for young men to show them that life can be amazing, they can heal from the hurts that they have experienced, and they have a God in heaven that loves them more than can be expressed. Since November 2019 My wife, myself, and my 2 sons have been serving as house parents for FGBR, and since March of 2020 I have served as full time president. This change in my life has been a great challenge but with great blessings. With the continued favor of God we will grow FGBR and continue to help young men heal and grow into men of uncompromising character
Ariel Simpson
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Mary G Freitag
Secretary - Treasurer
I've been with the boys ranch for 10 years now (starting here in 2014). It feels like home and continues to be a rewarding experience. After the many years of mortgage banking, this ministry continues to be a blessing for me. I bring 30 plus years of office and auditing experience with me. I enjoy working in the office and supporting the Board of Directors, the President, and the other staff members. I also enjoy working with the State on our licensing requirements and with the CPA on finances during our growth.
As a part of this ministry, I get to see God working every day as He helps us be patient as we grow, surprises us when we are in need and unites us as we work together towards His goal.
Secretary - Treasurer
I've been with the boys ranch for 10 years now (starting here in 2014). It feels like home and continues to be a rewarding experience. After the many years of mortgage banking, this ministry continues to be a blessing for me. I bring 30 plus years of office and auditing experience with me. I enjoy working in the office and supporting the Board of Directors, the President, and the other staff members. I also enjoy working with the State on our licensing requirements and with the CPA on finances during our growth.
As a part of this ministry, I get to see God working every day as He helps us be patient as we grow, surprises us when we are in need and unites us as we work together towards His goal.
Kody Haas
Farm and Ranch Foreman - Respite Parent
Since January 2020 my time here has been a time of growth for myself and the joy it brings me as I get to watch the boys grow as well. Being an assistant house parent has brought along some new challenges but has opened my eyes to the importance for early childhood care and understanding. Having the privilege to work alongside Michael and his family has been such a blessing. When I'm not cooking dinner, helping run classes or throwing Frisbee with the boys. I enjoy getting to see the connection between horse and boy and watching their relationship grow. I look forward to building our Farm & Ranch program and am excited to see our program take off. With plans of expanding our Equine program to include Equine Assisted Therapy, I will get to use my background in working with therapeutic riding centers and agriculture to bring a new level of connection with our boys.
Farm and Ranch Foreman - Respite Parent
Since January 2020 my time here has been a time of growth for myself and the joy it brings me as I get to watch the boys grow as well. Being an assistant house parent has brought along some new challenges but has opened my eyes to the importance for early childhood care and understanding. Having the privilege to work alongside Michael and his family has been such a blessing. When I'm not cooking dinner, helping run classes or throwing Frisbee with the boys. I enjoy getting to see the connection between horse and boy and watching their relationship grow. I look forward to building our Farm & Ranch program and am excited to see our program take off. With plans of expanding our Equine program to include Equine Assisted Therapy, I will get to use my background in working with therapeutic riding centers and agriculture to bring a new level of connection with our boys.
Matthew Thomas
Teacher
In 2014 I became a Mathematics Education Major as a means of aligning my talents alongside my calling of being in the world, as opposed to hiding in a cubical doing data entry. Upon graduating from NWOSU in 2017, I sought to be an ambassador for Christ within the constraint of being a public-school teacher.
Thanks to Michael and the FGBR Board, my classroom is a place where I proclaim Jesus Christ, Him crucified and resurrected in both Word and deed and answer questions with The Truth.
Teacher
In 2014 I became a Mathematics Education Major as a means of aligning my talents alongside my calling of being in the world, as opposed to hiding in a cubical doing data entry. Upon graduating from NWOSU in 2017, I sought to be an ambassador for Christ within the constraint of being a public-school teacher.
Thanks to Michael and the FGBR Board, my classroom is a place where I proclaim Jesus Christ, Him crucified and resurrected in both Word and deed and answer questions with The Truth.
Nathanael(Nate) and Katy(Kate) Massey
Support - Staff-Campus Cook - Office Assistant
We've only been working with FGBR since April 3rd of this year(2024)but Katy and I already feel at home having both been called to work with youth: myself(Nate) as a Youth evangelist,and Katy as a nanny. We couldn't be more blessed to be at Freedom Gates. The staff and the boys have accepted two "outsiders" with open arms. The boys have truly embraced what they learn here at the ranch we couldn't be happier and I for one Can't wait to see how God molds the boys and uses them for the kingdom
Support - Staff-Campus Cook - Office Assistant
We've only been working with FGBR since April 3rd of this year(2024)but Katy and I already feel at home having both been called to work with youth: myself(Nate) as a Youth evangelist,and Katy as a nanny. We couldn't be more blessed to be at Freedom Gates. The staff and the boys have accepted two "outsiders" with open arms. The boys have truly embraced what they learn here at the ranch we couldn't be happier and I for one Can't wait to see how God molds the boys and uses them for the kingdom
- "I remember when mike first called me to do a sort of informal interview; the man was nice enough; I remember thinking, but I also thought, he like so many others would balk when he heard I was in a wheelchair--but not mike. I couldn't believe it when he called me and told me that I'd gotten the job; that he thought my disability would be a teaching tool; for the boys, and even the staff"---I was shocked. I remember yelling as loud as I could "PRAISE GOD" but still feeling little apprehensive, but still grateful to be given such an awesome chance"--Nate
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Jack Hiel
Shop teacher |
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