A Hay Barn for Healing

A Hay Barn for Healing: Max Bieber’s Senior Capstone Project

Hi, my name is Max Bieber, and for my senior capstone project at The Bear Creek School (Redmond, Wa), I’m building something much more than a barn — I’m building hope, healing, and a future for the kids at Raven Rock Ranch.

Raven Rock Ranch is a non-profit organization that offers equine therapy to children and teens who struggle. Through their connection with horses and the care of the people who work there, these kids find healing and a new sense of purpose. I’ve seen this first-hand. My family has been close to the founders, Tim and Sandy Matts, for over 30 years. 

For my senior project, I’m building a hay barn as an addition to the main horse barn. The new structure will help Raven Rock Ranch store more hay, which is essential for feeding more horses. The barn will include a garage door for easy access, a roofing system with gutters, and enough height and strength to stand for years to come. It’s going to be a real barn — not a model or a sketch — and I’ll be doing much of the work myself alongside my dad.

This is, by far, the biggest construction project I’ve ever taken on. I’ll be learning how to stabilize pillars, frame walls, and install doors and gutters. I’ll be on my feet working long hours in the spring — right in the middle of baseball season — so I’ll be balancing physical labor, nutrition, schoolwork, and team commitments. But that’s exactly why I chose this project. I wanted something that would challenge me, teach me practical life skills, and allow me to serve a cause I deeply care about.

I’m raising $4,000 to cover the cost of materials — wood, concrete, hardware, roofing, and more. 100% of the money will go directly to the materials needed to make this project happen. 

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps make this barn a reality. More importantly, your support helps make room for more kids to find peace, connection, and healing.

Thank you for believing in this project and in the greater purpose behind it. I can’t wait to get started and share the journey with you.

With gratitude,

Max Bieber