Meet Rose Van Wier Hein of Agoura Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Van Wier Hein.

Hi Rose, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Golden Heart Ranch began with a simple but powerful dream: to create a place where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities could learn, grow, and truly belong. As my son Justin approached adulthood, I realized how few meaningful options existed once school and transition programs ended. Families often described it as “falling off a cliff,” and I felt that deeply.

We started small in the South Bay in 2009, building community wherever we could — in borrowed classrooms, parks, and community centers. The vision grew, and in 2015 we purchased 22 acres in Agoura Hills. What began as broken-down buildings and wild land slowly transformed into a thriving, joyful space filled with life-skills programs, vocational training, gardening, animal care, fitness, art, and endless opportunities for connection.

Today, Golden Heart Ranch serves more young adults than ever, offering the “Best of Both Worlds” — meaningful on-site programs paired with rich community integration throughout Los Angeles. Our growth has been guided by passionate families, dedicated staff, generous donors, and the incredible spirit of our Ranchers.

It has been a journey of heart, perseverance, and community — and every step has brought us closer to realizing the inclusive, vibrant future we always imagined.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been meaningful, but certainly not smooth. Like many mission-driven organizations, Golden Heart Ranch was built one challenge at a time, each one shaping who we are today.

In the early years, the biggest struggle was simply finding space — places willing to host programs for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We moved between borrowed rooms, community centers, and outdoor spaces while searching for a permanent home. Securing and transforming our 22-acre ranch in Agoura Hills was a massive undertaking: the buildings were in disrepair, the land needed significant work, and every improvement required both time and fundraising.

We also navigated the complex transition from a small grassroots effort to a fully developed program that now serves young adults five days a week. Hiring and retaining the right staff, building sustainable funding, and creating programs that are both joyful and meaningful took persistence and creativity. And like many organizations, the pandemic forced us to reinvent nearly everything overnight.

But every challenge was met with determination and a community that believed deeply in our mission. Families rallied, donors stepped forward, and our Ranchers inspired us daily with their resilience and joy. Those struggles ultimately strengthened us and made Golden Heart Ranch the welcoming, thriving community it is today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work has always centered around creating meaningful, joyful, and dignified opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the Founder and Executive Director of Golden Heart Ranch, I oversee everything from program development and community partnerships to long-term planning, fundraising, and supporting families as they navigate adulthood with their loved ones.

I’m known for being hands-on — whether it’s working with Ranchers in the garden, meeting with donors, helping families through tough transitions, or dreaming up new programs that make life fuller and more connected. My strength is seeing possibility where others may see limits, and building the bridges needed to make those possibilities real.

What I’m most proud of is watching our Ranchers flourish. Seeing someone who was once isolated form friendships, learn a new skill, or simply feel at home — that’s the heart of everything I do. I’m also deeply proud of the thriving community we’ve built at the Ranch: a place filled with joy, purpose, and belonging.

What sets me apart is the personal nature of my mission. As a parent, I lived the uncertainty of wondering what adulthood would look like for my own child. That experience drives every decision I make. I lead with compassion, creativity, and a relentless belief that everyone deserves a place to shine. Golden Heart Ranch is the result of that belief — and the incredible community who helped bring it to life.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest are the simple, meaningful parts of life — the things that ground me, inspire me, and remind me why I do what I do. My family brings me the deepest joy, and so does the everyday companionship of my dog. I love to travel and explore new places, but I’m just as fulfilled spending time in the garden, growing vegetables, and watching something thrive because I nurtured it.

That same feeling extends to my work at the Ranch. There’s nothing like seeing a project come to life — especially when it creates new opportunities for our Ranchers. And of course, my cow Rosie always brightens my day; she’s become her own kind of mascot and a sweet, steady reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

I’m also happiest when I’m surrounded by friends. Their laughter, support, and connection make life richer. All of these pieces — family, animals, friends, nature, growth, and meaningful work — add up to a life that makes me genuinely happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldenheartranch.org
• Instagram: goldenheartranch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenHeartRanch/
• Youtube: Golden Heart Ranch