There seems to be different reviews, First for the people that visit the site. And secondly for those that are in the program. It is very interesting reading the reviews of people in the program / residents. Some of the comments are concerning, I am glad for their honesty, and candor of those reviews. I do know as a visitor, I am in agreement with the comments in regards to the food. read more

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Beautiful land tucked into Vista. Great for retreats and festivals and Bible studies. They have rooms, hills to hike, prayer building, areas for various activities, pond with a huge swan, secure, there's a manned entrance and gate along with ppl who live on the property and care for it. Nice place to relax. read more

Green Oak Ranch - Entrance. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Vista, California

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My son is in this program and has been for approximately 4 months. He is doing wonderful and I have seen a huge change in him physically and emotionally. He was in a very bad place when he entered Green Oak. It is Christian based and has worked wonders for my son. No more beating himself up for things he has done in the past. Yes there is a lock down period of two months - Yes you cannot have a phone while at the ranch. If you leave the premises you can take your phone for the day. You can work outside the facility after two months. There are random drug tests and when returning from a day out a breathalyzer test. As far as the food - no it is not great but edible. I don't know what people expect when you are paying $750 per month. You get a roof over your head - continual help and sober living. Classes for you to get sober & stay sober. Yes you do have some chores. When my son first arrived he would feed the goats, Tortes, peacock, horses and two pigs and one llama. Not hard work. Animals got fed twice a day and the goats 3x a day. There is also gate duty. He has been working the gate, teaching men how to study for their GED and has found purpose in his life again. It is learning that life is tough and there are restrictions in many things we do - but the rewards are priceless. My son may stay longer than the 9 months - and hopes to find out what he would like to do when his time is up to leave Green Oak. One Day At a Time. Thank you for Giving me My Son back. read more

Racist employees bullied me for being black. I created a throwaway account so my company would not retaliate against me for leaving this review about my experience yesterday. I am a middle-aged black male. Yesterday (7/15/2023), I had to work at Green Oak Ranch because my company was part of the Palomar Health Employee Event. I showed up to the event with my Mexican coworker who can pass for white. I won't mention any names, but while being shown the area where my company was supposed to set up, I had to deal with being bullied by the employees of Green Oak Ranch for being black. I was talking to the woman employee, and behind me to my left were a group of groundskeepers (the people in charge of the custodial work), the men kept laughing when they saw me, and decided to start making fun of me. "Moving up in the world," said one white man. I pretended like I did not hear him, because if I turned around to let him know that I heard him - he would know who left this review. I stomached the racism, and finished the event without making my disgust known. I can't help but notice he didn't say it to my face, and he only had the nerve to say it when he saw a target that could not retaliate without losing his job. Green Oak Ranch has crosses and symbols of Christianity all over the property - yet the employees want to bully people that are just trying to do their jobs for being black. Don't pay Green Oak Ranch money to send your children or loved ones there - because, your children and loved ones will absorb the negative energy that Green Oak Ranch reeks of. read more

Just want to drop a note to thank the Green Oaks staff and men who welcomed my son in and loved him well for the short time he stayed. My son was baptized and came home much better than he left. I felt the presence and peace of God in this place. I would camp here as well. read more

This is a life-changing experience. Everything you have ever questioned you will find here, including who you really can be. No one ever ends up at Green Oak by chance, but once you are there, nothing will ever be the same. When you are not a part of it you miss it, and the only truth is taught there. Make some time to become who you know you should become. read more

Our stay at the ranch exceeded our expectations. When we arrived the Nature apartment was very clean and spacious. It's really cozy with nice views of the campgrounds and plays area premises. The rooms were cozy and a heater was provided for each room which helped because the temperature dropped to 48 degrees at night. The grounds are well maintained and kids had a blast running and playing on the swings, basketball court, ping pong tables, tether ball, and volleyball area. Every morning I woke up to beautiful birds chirping and goats galloping onto the rocks. It was nice to detach from the city and experience ranch life. There was no need to go anywhere because there was a lot to do like hike, play, and fish. It was a peaceful stay and the staff and groundkeepers were kind and helpful. The kids got to feed the bunnies, horses, and goats and asked to return! Take extra blankets and your favorite pillow though as it gets pretty chilly in the Nature apartment. That is my only advice. read more

Green Oak Ranch - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Vista, California

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Green Oak Ranch has been like a slice of heaven for me. I camped there on Memorial Day weekend many times with my Lake Ave. church family and biological family. We enjoyed the animals, crafts, ping pong games, archery, panning or "gold", tire swing, etc. Sitting around a campfire and singing can't be beat! The staff serves gracefully. It is a clean, well-run facility. read more

Hi, I was a resident in the 9 month program, and with God's help and the self discipline I carry, I kept my mouth shut for 9 months. To be honest, I was too scared to speak up and knew I would get consequences if I did. So here I am, hoping that my review helps the next victim to Green Oak Ranch. Here is the truth about when you sign your life over to Green Oak Ranch for the next 9 months: 1. When you are there, they take your phone away for the 9 months. 2. You are unable to have ANY contact whatsoever for the first 3 months. Including family. 3. You have to use the office phone once you are out of blackout to make calls (mind you, there is only 1 phone, you can only be on the phone for 10 minutes. Most of the time Pastor Mike doesn't put out the phone.) 4. You cannot leave for groceries when on blackout 5. You aren't allowed to have meals on your shelf in the fridge or freezer. Only snacks allowed. 6. You MUST (yes they force you by threatening restriction if you do not go) go down to the dinning hall for all meals, even if you're not hungry. 7. The men in the program cook the meals. These meals have ZERO nutrition, not the guys fault, the program just doesn't offer them any decent food to cook for everyone. Some meals served are: burritos, frozen fish, frozen chicken tenders, pasta, etc. 8. They do not care if you have allergies. I personally went through several epi pens. I told several people several times, I CANNOT HAVE ROSEMARY. I go into anaphylactic shock. They don't care. 9. They do not offer much help once you graduate the 9 month program. You have to "apply" to be there in the Transitional Living Program. If you are denied, you must leave the property, and if you don't have anywhere to go, they will pack your things in trash bags and leave it at the front gate. 10. You cannot have your car on property or work for the 9 months you are there. 11. You may not work while in the program. Only for them. For free. 12.They only offer 1 AA class per week, everything else is Bible studies. 13. They do not help you get a sponsor. 14. They do not encourage working the steps. 15. You cannot express yourself the way you want to. 16. No shorts, no spaghetti straps, no flip flops. 17. Women's program duties around the ranch include: Scrubbing the endless amount of toilets, cleaning allllllll restrooms, cleaning the facilities, laundry, doing cooler runs, picking up trash, etc. The men would work in the kitchen, landscaping, work with the animals, maintenance, etc. Both program directors are extremely strict. If there was one hair or piece of dirt, it needed to be redone. It felt as though expectations were never met. 18. No emotional support. You could walk into anyone's office crying and honestly, they really done care. 19. I personally witnessed the "pastor" calling all the females in the program sluts. He would also growl at you as you walk by, just waiting for the next person to f*** up. Zero encouragement. 20. In the 9 months I was there, us girls had ONE pool day. Plus you must wear a one piece. Overall, you can't do anything you want without clearing it with staff, and it will most likely be a no unless it is benefiting them. For example, my Uncle built me a garden box. I was only allowed to have it for everyone to use AND I had to leave it there. You can't be yourself or express yourself as a human being. If you do, restriction, restriction, restriction. Many people relapsed after being there, including myself. Now that I am in a different program and sober living, I have stayed sober, working the steps, and being successful. Looking back, Green Oak Ranch is a cult in my opinion. I hope people read this and realize that just because they claim it is a "Godly place," it isn't. It's hell on earth. read more

Here for Veterans stand down....it's a very nice place! big place to camp and do an event. read more

This is an Amazing place! You drive down a road past a housing tract and there it is, this big beautiful place. Tucked back against the mountains. I can't thank them enough for what they've done for my son. God bless them all! read more

Spent the weekend at Green Oak Ranch for a Men's retreat. Awesome location, peaceful and well maintained. The staff was always helpful and friendly, and the accommodations were more than sufficient. Highly recommended, its close to the city but feels far from the grind of daily life. read more

Many Thanks to Green Oak Ranch, I remember back when I was there at a very critical time in my life the Ministry and Recovery program instilled and planted seeds with me that have grown over the years, since my time there I have fallen a few times but have picked myself back up, I am sure because of the Ministry that Carl and Mary provided to me, and because of this my faith grows and my sobriety is solid today, since leaving the Hazelden Betty Ford Center I have grown even further in my Faith and have used * daily the tools provided by both, it realy dose work my Faith kept my hope alive, I am now at a point in my recovery and have been for sometime I am so Grateful to every positive aspect in my life and Green Oak Ranch was one of many. And to those who are in recovery there as well as those who have been Thank You for your service to others, only good can grow from it. JOHN P. HARRISON read more

Green Oaks is an amazing place. My son is a resident and the change in him is astounding. Through this program he has gained self confidence and pride in moving forward in his life. He is healthy and clear headed. The ranch is beautiful and well maintained. The residents do work on the ranch, as they should. Sitting idle is not of benefit. Learning a skill, such as, garden and ground maintainence, construction , kitchen duties, and providing for themselves gives them the ability to help each other and themselves. Working here is only about four hours per day. The men develop commaradery and help the new people coming in. They let them know they can succeed and come from a place of showing through example someone who has been there BUT.. is now flourishing. In reponse to the prior person, I am not aware of any mentally ill people on the ranch. In fact there is a screening process, so they can access your needs. Most importantly when you have a loved one with addiction you are always worried, fearful for their well being, decisions, and safety. This place gives me peace of mind. I couldnt will him to get clean and he couldn't do it on his own long term. One of the aspects of getting treatment when you are ready is not having an affordable place. At 400.00 per month this is very affortable. Many are spending tens of thousands. As for religion..... thankfully yes it is Christ based! Wouldn't one rather have their loved ones healing be based on helping your fellow man, cherishing life, paying it forward? Growing daily in a future of love, honesty, consideration, making the right choices These are the things I think of when it comes to religion. I am thankful my son has strenghtened in this area. Lastly I would like to say, at the end of this program you are not just turned out. They do help you with sober living, life skills and job oppurtunitites. Our family attends church on the ranch on Saturday evenings and have grown in faith as well. We love our son, and alway's believed in him. The ranch gave him the help he needed when he needed it most. I am forever thankful. read more