Kim Barnett

I was raised in the high desert of Idaho and in the mountains of Central Montana. My young adult life was filled with ranch chores, ranch Management, construction, a quick time in law enforcement and then business management in Joseph, Oregon. In 1990, I moved to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast and soon met my wife to-be, Dena Draxton. Within the 25-years of living on the coast, we raised kids, welcomed grandchildren and opened/operated two businesses. 

After our retirement in 2018 we moved to Central Oregon. We had left behind a longtime church-family and wonderful small group and I truly missed our faith community. Soon after we moved to Central Oregon, a new friend of Dena’s' invited us to come to Refuge and like so many others, the first time I joined Refuge and hiked up the hill to the Main Ranch, I immediately felt at home and God's presence throughout the ranch.

I officially joined the ranch in 2019 as a volunteer and had spent four-years volunteering when they offered me a position on staff in 2023. I am grateful for the continued opportunity to be of assistance in all the different seasons of the ranch. The cornerstone of why I love the ranch is because of how they focus everything on Jesus and how He is the foundation for all the healing and joy that is provided to so many that have walked up the driveway.

Who is your favorite horse on the ranch?

Warrior is one of my favorite horses on the ranch. He suffered abuse and was full of fear from his earlier life. The loving care of Jesus ministered by the equine team has reassured his heart and now he joyfully desires to interact with people. His story mirrors what I have found through the hearts of the founders’ and the staff.

What are your favorite things about your job?

The best part of my job is meeting people who come to the ranch. Some for the first time but many who have been coming for years to assist the ranch staff in its mission. With a fairly broad background around ranch work I also truly enjoy getting to work with the horses, sheep and a wide variety of ranch chores but especially the dedicated staff.

What is your favorite coffee drink?

I am seldom confused for someone who likes complicated things, even when it comes to coffee, so my favorite coffee is black with a dash of cayenne pepper in it.