“It’s All About the Kids” – Where Ranchers Tell Us About Themselves!
02/20/2012

Read below for the inside scoop from Ranchers Abbi, Zeke, Lizzy, Jon-Michael and Zack!  We asked them questions about some of their favorite things and future goals.

 

Abigail

Nickname: Abbi

Birthday: May 14

Grade: GED graduate

Favorite TV Show: The Hills

Favorite Movie: The Help

Favorite Song: “My Kinda Crazy” by Brantley Gilbert

Best Subject in School: English

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite Sport: Volleyball

Favorite Season: Summer

My goal in life is to: Be happy.

 

Ezekiel

Nickname: Zeke

Birthday: August 12

Grade: 10

Favorite Cartoon: Tom and Jerry

Best Subject in School: Language

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Sport: Football

Favorite Season: Winter

Favorite Farm Animal: Dog

What I like here about my life at the Ranch? That

I can just be me.

 

Elizabeth

Nickname: Lizzy

Birthday: November 15

Grade: 10

Favorite Song: “You are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson

Best Subject in School: Drama

Favorite Singer: Michael Jackson

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Season: Fall

Hobbies: singing, dancing, being creative

My goal in life: To be someone I’m proud of.

What I like about my life here at the Ranch? I like knowing that I am not alone and that I am important and my life is too.  I love knowing that there is somewhere out there that people want to help me and want to be there for me.

 

 

Jonathan

Nickname: Jon-Michael

Birthday: July 23

Grade: 10

Favorite Movie: Marly and Me

Favorite Song: “I love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery

Best Subject in School: Agriculture mechanics

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Farm Animal: Horse

My goal in life: To live the life I never had when I was a kid.

What I like about my life here at the Ranch? I

have the support I need to help me succeed in life to fulfill

my dreams and to get over my past life experiences.

 

Zack

Nickname: Z-boy

Birthday: December 19

Grade: 8

Favorite Movie: Transformers

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Sport: Football

Favorite Season: Summer

Favorite Farm Animal: Horse

Hobbies: Horse riding

My goal in life: To work at the Ranch.

T Tauri Movie Camp
02/10/2012

Remember back in July when Rancher Kris was featured in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for his stellar acting abilities? Well his video filmed at the T Tauri Movie Camp, along with another video created in part by Ranchers Zeke and Miranda, were both chosen to be screened in the Youth Showcase at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in November. Click the links below to watch Zeke and Miranda’s video “Movie Mania” and Kris’ video “Humanimation.”

 

Winter 2012 Crossroads Now Available
02/01/2012

Click the image below to download the Winter 2012 Crossroads (PDF).

Ranchers Training to Show New Sheep
01/26/2012

A generous donation of sheep at the Batesville Ranch a few months ago has led us to begin a show program for our new additions.  I know that this is the easiest project to start as far as a show project for anyone just starting out.  After a few emails, a donor offered to buy the Ranch a set of four ewe lambs to show in the fall, and then we are going to use the lambs to start raising our own flock of sheep.  The lambs came from a breeder in Mississippi who is very well known for raising high quality show lambs.  The kids at the Ranch are excited about the new project and are starting to prepare the animals to show at the North Central Arkansas District Fair in the fall of 2012.

Read more…

Schoolwork at the Ranch
01/20/2012

The ranchers have finished up the first half of the school year and are doing great.  Each child attends tutoring sessions Monday through Thursday where the tutoring staff is made up of volunteers and school employees.  Students can get help on their homework during sessions and spend time reading in our library.

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. Read more…

Help the Ranchers Ring in the New Year
01/06/2012

The following is a list of needed items compiled by our house parents and staff.  Help the ranchers ring in the New Year by helping out with their daily needs! Read more…

Winter 2011 Ranch Report Now Available!
12/20/2011

Click the image below to download the Winter 2011 Ranch Report (PDF).

 

Christmas at the Ranch
12/07/2011

Christmas Ornaments now available from the Ranch

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.

Jamey’s Testimony
11/17/2011

 

This year Jamey shared his story of triumph with those attending the 16th 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. Read more…

Children’s Award Dinner 2011
10/12/2011

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

BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) will honor Steve Landers at its 16th 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 16th 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.

Read more…