Speaker May 13, 2022
Their tagline is “Transformation through Love.” In this case the love began over 50 years ago in a family of foster children.
On May 11, 1972, a 13-year-old boy “Graduated to Glory”. His name was Timothy Hill and in his time growing up in Riverhead, New York, his name became known throughout much of the community.
By the age of 12, Timothy worked at a horse ranch and ran 3 paper routes; he started Boy Scout troop/pack #133 and nearly earned his Eagle Scout rank years before many do; he was captain of his junior high cross country track team, played the french horn, participated in bible studies, bought his own horse… to keep his accolades short, Timothy was destined to be a high achiever.
In the midst of all his admirable pursuits, Timothy had saved his hard-earned money to buy property. Growing up in a home with many foster children inspired the young Hill to start a ranch where young kids could “live, be loved, and have wide open spaces to ride horses.” Fern Hill, his mother, recalls explaining to real estate agents on the phone that the 13-year-old calling them was very serious about his inquiries. But God had another plan.
“Physical death for those who walk with God is neither sad nor fearful. It is a time for elation, for it is total victory.” – Fern Hill from her book, Graduation to Glory
50 years after Timothy “Graduated to Glory” on May 11th, 1972, his dream has become a reality greater than he could have imagined. The original Timothy Hill “Ranch” has expanded to other locations. In addition to serving as a loving residence for youth with poor father influences, it now has a number of retreat centers including one Center Hill Lake: https://www.timothyhill.org/thr-center-hill-lake-campus. The name Timothy Hill means so much to the youth they serve in 4 states as they do our best to love them, serve them, and teach them the importance of work hard and with all of your heart. Who knows what sort of impact their life may have 50 years later.
Our speaker Thaddaeus P. Hill, MBA, MSW is the Executive Director of Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch, located in Riverhead, New York. Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch is a not-for-profit agency established in 1976 by Mr. & Mrs. Jerrell Hill, Thaddaeus’ parents.
Thaddaeus Hill was born on February 1, 1972 in Southampton Hospital. The son of Jerry and Fern Hill, founders of the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch, Thaddaeus has been a life-long resident of the Town of Riverhead. He and his wife Emily (Columbia, Tn) have been married for 21 years. Emily is a LCSW. Thaddaeus and Emily are the proud parents of Elliana who is 17, Thaddaeus Jr. who is 15, and Emelia is 13 years of old.
Education
Thaddaeus graduated from Riverhead High School in 1990. He attended Harding University in Arkansas, where he was a two-time, all-American tight end and football captain. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in June of 1995. Upon graduation from Harding, Thaddaeus returned to Riverhead, working full time at Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch. He attended graduate school at Dowling University and received his Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1999. In September of 1999 he enrolled in Stony Brook University’s MSW program finishing the program in December of 2002. Work
In January 2002 Thaddaeus was named the Executive Director of Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in his father’s stead. Mr. Hill has over 32 years of experience in residential and group care for adolescents. He has held various positions within the childcare field including administration, clinical, recreation therapist, vocational trainer/supervisor and mentoring specialist.
Community
Mr. Hill actively participates in various community minded organizations. In the past, Thaddaeus has served as President for Long Island Family & Youth Services (LIFY), President of the Riverhead Rotary Club, Vice-President of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, a Committee member of Riverhead Town Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr. Hill also volunteered as the Riverhead High School Varsity Football Team assistant coach for 8years. Thaddaeus continues to serve the Riverhead Rotary Club, the Rotary district leadership training program called RYLA, and as a member of COFCCA in NYS. Thaddaeus consults other non-profits in the areas of strategic planning, board development, staff development and operational efficiency.
Church
Thaddaeus has a steadfast love for God; he is passionate about Christ and fathering the fatherless. In January 2004, Mr. Hill became part of a church plant and serves in a church leadership capacity at Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch.
Hobbies
Mr. Hill enjoys traveling, exercise, golf, scuba-diving, snow-skiing, swimming/beaches and as much time with his family as possible.