Why We Exist
A Dream That Took Time
The story of Common Grace Grounds began long before it had a name.
As a teenager, Samantha spent time at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, where horses and caring relationships became part of her healing journey. That experience planted a dream of someday creating a place where others could receive the same kind of care.
Years later, Kevin and Samantha purchased a neglected Wisconsin property and began restoring it while serving in ministry and running a gym. The work was slow, and the dream unfolded differently than they expected. But those years were preparing the people and the place for what would come next.
The Place Began Caring for Us
When the gym needed a new home, moving it onto the property brought parts of their lives together in an unexpected way.
During a season of weariness, Kevin began spending more time working outdoors, training, caring for the property, and eventually caring for horses. God used those ordinary rhythms to settle his soul. Kevin often says he was the first person ministered to by Common Grace Grounds.
What their family was receiving became something they wanted to share. Today, the Grounds bring together horses, fitness, hospitality, meaningful work, and Christian community. The property is still being restored, and the story is still being written.
Meet the People Behind the Grounds
Kevin Niebuhr
Kevin Niebuhr
Kevin is a 12-year military veteran who served in Iraq. After coming to faith in Christ at age 30, his life took a new direction toward serving others.
He spent 16 years in ministry, helping build youth ministries, revitalize a struggling church, and eventually plant and pastor The Forge Church. Along the way, he founded Metroflex Gym Wisco, where strength training became another way to build relationships and community.
Kevin’s own experience of finding rest through life at the Grounds helped shape this ministry. He wants others to have a place where they do not have to perform, have everything together, or pretend they are not tired.
Samantha Niebuhr
Samantha Niebuhr
Samantha’s love for horses began long before Common Grace Grounds. So did her understanding of what it means to need a place of hope.
Her time at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch as a teenager helped plant a vision for using horses and relationships to care for others. Through Christian discipleship and nearly 16 years serving alongside Kevin in ministry, that hope stayed with her—even when its timing and shape remained uncertain.
Today, Sam’s own story helps her meet hurting people with compassion and without judgment. She wants them to know that their hardest chapter does not have to be their last.
Holly Hutchens
Holly Hutchens
Raised on a small Wisconsin dairy farm, Holly learned early that caring for animals and caring for people require patience, consistency, hard work, and a willingness to show up.
Her search for a place that could help her daughter, Samantha, led the family to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch and helped plant one of the earliest seeds of Common Grace Grounds. Holly has also spent years creating opportunities for others to discover their worth and identity in Christ, including founding a Christian ballet ministry.
Today, Holly serves as Groundskeeper. She cares for the horses, helps with their training, tends the gardens and property, and helps make the Grounds a place where people feel welcomed and cared for.