History of Youth Horizons

Earnest
Alexander

Co-Founder

As the co-founder of Youth Horizons, Earnest Alexander cast the vision to support the young people he saw in his community who slipped through the cracks because of family dynamics beyond their control. He mentored young people himself, often serving as a father figure for them. Today, many of the kids Earnest invested in are grown adults with families of their own who are following his example. 

Growing up in the South during the 50s and 60s, Earnest was intimately familiar with discrimination and segregation. His single mother raised him and six siblings, working hard to make ends meet for the family. It was during this pivotal time of his life, that Earnest longed for and started to recognize the need young people have for strong male influences in their lives. 

Though he retired in 2019, Earnest’s message of hope, delivered through his poignant music, points Christians to one of Christ’s great teachings, “Let the little children come unto Me.” Through sharing his commitment for young people, Earnest inspired a legacy that continues on through Youth Horizons for the next generation.

Jeff
Wenzel

Co-Founder

Jeff Wenzel served first as theDirector of The Dandelion coffee house until it evolved into Youth Horizons in 1986. As its Executive Director, Jeff was known for his huge heart, passion for life, and  faithfulness. Jeff passed away on April 21, 2007, after a courageous 4-year battle with brain cancer. Though his time on earth was shorter than his friends and family anticipated, Jeff’s impact on Youth Horizons has been evident since its beginning. In memoriam, his name headlines the 2-mile walk/run at the annual Easter Sun Run, and graces a house at the Kinloch Price Boys Ranch.

Dick & Harriet
Price

Seed Funders, KPBR

Dick and Harriet Price’s relationship with Youth Horizons began with a plate of cookies for the Martin House in 1990. Over time, the Prices observed the notable influence of Youth Horizons and extended more substantial support.

In 2004, they met with Earnest Alexander to discuss his long-term vision. Earnest shared his dream—a place on the edge of the city that could accommodate boys in three or four homes. A dream that included land, horses, cattle, and even small crops, a playground for the boys to develop work ethic.

Eventually, Youth Horizons found 77 acres with large fields, streams for fishing, and room to run, work, and play. With the hope of young boys becoming men of promise, the Prices purchased the land and donated it to Youth Horizons in 2005.

Today, it is home to the Kinloch Price Boys Ranch. Without the generosity, dedication, and vision of Dick and Harriet Price, the land, the program, and the lives transformed would have remained nothing more than a dream.

Keith
Wren

Seed Funder, Wren House

Wichita-native Keith Wren believed in the ministry of Youth Horizons and the work its residential program did to help boys handle hardship and overcome difficult life challenges. He later expressed interest in a similar opportunity for girls who might also face challenging life circumstances.

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2018, Keith reached out to Earnest Alexander intending to endow 50 acres of his property to Youth Horizons and establish a seed fund to start a girls’ home. 

Keith’s vision came to fruition with the opening of the Wren House in December 2022. In addition to two homes, the property includes a multipurpose education center to facilitate activities and opportunities for personal growth and community.