Vermillion Ranch
Where Lives Change
Rooted in Christian faith and guided by love, we seek to help individuals and groups find meaning, healing, and community through connection with God, with others, and with the natural world. Our retreats are shaped by years of experience in spiritual formation, recovery work, and witnessing the transformation that occurs when people are given space, support, and time to breathe.
At Vermillion Ranch, we bring people together to share honestly, walk alongside one another, and reconnect with what truly matters. Through time in nature, meaningful conversation, and intentional stillness, we cultivate an environment where hearts can open and lives can be renewed.
Our mission is to provide a sacred space for spiritual, emotional, and relational healing. We place a strong emphasis on human connection, humility, and vulnerability—values embodied by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and animals. His deep reverence for all of God’s creation continues to inspire our work and our approach to hospitality.
St. Francis taught that transformation begins simply and grows through faith:
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
In that spirit, we seek to honor his legacy by creating a place where faith, compassion, and renewal can take root and flourish.
Prayer of St. Francis
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Garcia Family & Vermillion Ranch at Del Shay
Jake, a seasoned retreat leader, organizer, and entrepreneur, has long been involved in building relationships through spiritual growth, nature, and human connection. Nicki, a Catholic high school teacher and experienced retreat leader, has dedicated her life to spiritual and emotional formation among youth. Their shared journey through spiritual retreats, parenthood (including raising a child with Down syndrome and autism), and a commitment to service has deeply influenced their desire to give back.
Aleah, and Jakey bring a younger voice and perspective to the mission. Their personal growth through youth retreats and openness about vulnerability and faith has been foundational to the inclusive and healing vision of the ranch. Mariah finds peace at the ranch; when we turn down the long dirt road to Del Shay, she rolls down her window and the air of serenity washes over her face.