The story of Timothy Hill’s life is a lasting example of a young man’s desire to serve. God worked in Timothy for the 13 years he lived on earth and his passion and story is best captured in the book by his mother, Fern Hill, called Graduation to Glory.
Timothy told his parents he wanted someday to “build a place where homeless kids could live, be loved, feel safe and have wide open spaces to ride horses.” Timothy began working at age 12 to save money for the land where he could make his dream become a reality.
On May 11, 1972, a tragic bicycle-truck accident ended Timothy’s life at the young age of 13. His mother, wanting a way to commemorate his life, wrote a book entitled, Graduation to Glory, which recounted his selfless years and his dream of opening a ranch for homeless children.
His parents, Jerry and Fern Hill, adopted their son’s dream, and God has blessed the journey ever since. Timothy Hill Children’s ranch opened its doors for the first time on November 15, 1980. For years, THCR has been a safe haven for children during their desperate time of abuse, neglect and crisis. It’s a 70 acre, farm-style campus, located in Riverhead, New York.
For more than 30 years the work done at THCR has made significant differences to more than 700 young men. The goal is to help them see the bigger picture than what is in front of them and that every person who comes to THCR to hear and believe that they are valuable. It also teaches that everyone has gifts bestowed only to them, and that God has a special purpose for their lives. The vision is to transform hearts and change lives. The mission is to strengthen character by modeling Christ-centered values.
In 2010, Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch opened it’s Second Residential Facility for boys in Port Jefferson, New York.
The book Timothy’s mother has written about him has made his dearest dream possible. The proceeds from the book are being used for homeless boys.
Graduation to Glory is the true story of God’s Word working in the life of Timothy Hill. It is more than Timothy’s story, even though it is that too. It is a candid and moving story of a boy who was killed at a tender age – but it is also very much a story about Timothy’s Lord.
Graduation to Glory tells of the influence of Christ in the life of Timothy. I gladly recommend it to others. It will make you smile and sometimes bring tears to your eyes. The book will tell you about the life of a young servant, and through it you will learn about Timothy’s Savior and Friend.