I hope to grow the program to the point of raising our own show lambs to take to the Arkansas State Fair next year.  The reason we are starting a show program is that I want the Ranchers to have the opportunity to show animals and understand the importance of farming in many different aspects.  I feel that this program will help our kids learn responsibility, leadership, a hard work ethic, and an overall feeling of pride!  The skills listed are all traits that we need to have, but they are especially something that the kids in today’s society need!  We hope to expand the variety of animals soon to include goats and cattle.  We are just trying to get new and exciting opportunities for children here at the Ranch!

By: Phillip Ives

A few of the ranchers are taking Spanish this year and are trying to master conversation skills.  Math, a large part of every child’s education, takes time and dedication to understand.  So, every day they learn a new lesson to build upon what they have already learned.

Since this generation is becoming more dependent on computers, our young people try to build on their computer skills.  Sometimes the kids can even teach their tutors a thing or two when it comes to technology!

Art projects are encouraged for every student, and this gives them a chance to show us their natural talents.

For more information on how to donate any of these items, please call Candy Davis at (870) 793-6841 Ext. 315.

The Ranches’ Christmas ornaments are available again this year. Remember the Ranch during your holiday season by adding this ornament to your Christmas tree this year and years to come. For a $15 donation, you can order the ornament to be shipped to you directly. Get yours today by contacting Judi Qualls by phone at (870) 793-6841 Ext. 24 or by email at judi@youthranches.com.

Ranch fans can also check out the Christmas ornaments at this year’s 26th annual Country Christmas Craft Fair this Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Ranch campus near Batesville, Ark. For only $10, shoppers can pick up their Ranch Christmas ornament at the fair. Admission is free to all and the Fair will feature many fun-filled activities and various handmade crafts and gifts from participating vendors.

This year Jamey shared his story of triumph with those attending the 16^th Annual Children’s Award Dinner. Jamey’s life as a child was normal- he lived with both of his parents and was active in sports. But by age 10 his life took a turn. He was taken into custody by DHS after his father attempted suicide and from there his life was never the same.

Jamey shared he has no idea where he’d be without the Ranch. He found that the Ranch was somewhere he felt accepted and it was similar to the life he had at home before it became unstable. At the Ranch, Jamey is encouraged to set and obtain goals, works as a community volunteer firefighter, participates in programs at a local hospital, loves going to church and even takes college courses at a nearby college with hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Let’s hear from Jamey as he leads us through what the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches means to him!

Youth Ranches to Honor Steve Landers at 16^th Annual Children’s Award Dinner

BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) will honor Steve Landers at its 16^th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Statehouse Convention Center- Wally Allen Ballroom in Little Rock. The Children’s Award is given annually recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for today’s youth.

“Steve has always been a supporter of the young people of Arkansas, whether it’s through monetary donations or his time,” said Mike Cumnock, Ranch CEO. “More importantly, he’s an exceptional role model for the young men and women the Ranch serves, as he demonstrates how hard work and dedication can elevate anyone to the top. We appreciate Steve’s unwavering commitment to give back and are proud to present him with this honor.”

The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Peabody’s Grand Ballroom followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 16^th consecutive year. Past recipients of the Arkansas Children’s Award include:

• Charles Nabholz (2010)
• Wallace Fowler (2009)
• Stanley Reed (2008)
• Tommy May (2007)
• John White (2006)
• Pat Walker (2005)
• Jerry Davis (2004)
• Blanche Lincoln (2003)
• Doyle Rogers (2002)
• The Tyson Family (2001)
• Bill Clark (2000)
• Buddy Sutton (1999)
• Jerry Maulden (1998)
• Red Hudson (1997)
• Mike Beebe (1996)

All proceeds from the dinner benefit the Ranch, and tickets may be purchased by contacting Diana Holland at 870.793.6841 ext. 301, diana@youthranches.com.

About the Honoree, Steve Landers

Steve Landers currently serves as president of RLJ-McLarty-Landers Automotive. His dedication to business and management have helped Central Arkansas be recognized on the global level for automotive sales, but he and his wife, Sandy, have continuously been dedicated to giving back to charitable causes in the state.

Steve purchased a used car lot with his father in Benton and after several successful years in business, moved into new car sales, purchasing the Jeep, GMC and Oldsmobile dealerships, also in Benton. Steve was awarded the Chrysler and Dodge franchises within two years and went on to become the largest Chrysler dealership in the world for several consecutive years. His business sold over 10,000 vehicles annually, and Steve set a standard other Chrysler dealers measured their success against. He also earned the Gold Level Recognition for customer satisfaction from Chrysler multiple years.

In 1995, Steve sold his dealerships to publicly traded United Auto Group, the second-largest automotive retailer in the United States, where Roger Penske also named Steve president of the South Central Region. In this position, Steve was responsible for all of UAG’s operations in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi.

In his commitment to serve others, Steve has been involved in numerous organizations, including many dedicated to serving Arkansas’ Youth. Those organizations include Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, The Rep, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Junior Deputy Baseball League, Arkansas Education Association, Arkansas Baptist College, Youth Home, University of Arkansas Head Start Program, AETN, and many others.

Steve lives in Little Rock with his wife of 38 years, Sandy, and they are active members of Immanuel Baptist Church. They have two sons, Steve Jr. and Scott, who operate the Landers Toyota franchise along with Steve.

About the Ranch

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is a private, nonprofit organization that provides a healthy home environment for neglected, abandoned and abused children. Founded in 1976 by a group of concerned sheriffs and individuals, the Ranch has provided a place to call home for more than 1,000 children and has campuses in Independence, Clark and Crawford counties. For more information on the Ranch, visit www.YouthRanches.com.

Click on the image below to read his story!

Steve Landers will be honored at the annual Youth Ranches dinner. Image by Jason Masters

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, a long-term, residential childcare facility is taking applications for houseparents at our Batesville Campus in Bethesda. These positions require the applicant to be 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, background check, TB test, and good driving record. 

Our children have been neglected, abused, abandoned, or are simply in need of loving and caring supervision. The position has free room and board while on duty at the cottage. 

If you’re interested call Candy at (870) 793-6841 ext. 315, or go to our website and download an application: http://www.youthranches.com/wp-content/uploads/ASYR-Employment-Application.pdf.