The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and licensed child-care facility serving the state of Arkansas.
The Ranch was incorporated in 1976, through the efforts of the state’s 75 sheriffs and a number of other caring adults. The involvement of the sheriffs made perfect sense. They were often the first to become aware of families in crisis.
They knew if they didn’t help these troubled at-risk children, they would eventually be dealing with a troubled adult criminal.
A committee of sheriffs visited other states already operating ranches, organized efforts to buy land and eventually settled on a 528-acre site in Independence County in North Central Arkansas. The commitment of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association is manifested in the original incorporation papers – signed by each of the 75 sheriffs.
The residential program began in a mobile home that provided a nurturing environment for three boys. It wasn’t long before a cottage was built, then a second – coined “Faith Hall” because Ranch officials began construction relying on their “faith” that funding would be there when it was needed. Other additions over the years include a third cottage, chapel, shop buildings, basketball court, softball field, hogs, cattle and horses, a hay operation, and two barns. A second 87-acre campus with one cottage was added in the late 1980s. Though its beginning was modest, the Ranch has grown over the years into an extensive childcare facility that has gained state and national recognition.
In 1983, the Ranch expanded its delivery of services to children by implementing a clinical program to address the emotional needs of its residents. The impetus for the program was a Lyon College professor and Catholic deacon who had begun counseling children at the Ranch as a volunteer ministry. In 1985, that professor, Mike Cumnock, left the college and became the Ranch’s first director of professional services – with the Ranch becoming his full-time workplace ministry. Over 10 years later, Cumnock was named the first chief executive officer.
The newly appointed CEO, key board members and a newly hired development associate then fashioned a plan for growth. A key component of that plan was to conduct the Ranch’s first capital campaign project. With input from community leaders, architects, the board and staff, Cumnock created a five-year plan, including construction of a new corporate “hub,” which included a tutorial/administration/counseling center, an emergency shelter/receiving home and a multi-purpose interactive center on the Batesville campus.
In 1985 Mr. & Mrs. Frank Harmon offered the organization a 90-acre site on the Spring River near Hardy (Sharp County) and a campus was established before the lease expired on the Boone County property. A third campus of 167 acres was established on DeGray Lake (Clark County) in October 2000, with the help of the US Army Corp of Engineers, and began admitting children in 2003. Also in 2000, 262 acres were purchased near Mulberry (Crawford County) and with funding there from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, a fourth campus was opened in 2005. A 430-acre recreational campus was established on Gaither Mountain (Boone County) through a gift from Sheridan Garrison in 2002.
Mission Statement
“To address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children”
It is our belief that every child has a birthright to health care, educational opportunities, a safe home and a loving environment with people who care for him or her. Whether in a residential setting or the outreach services division, programs at the Ranch are designed to provide each child with the opportunities and tools he needs to recognize his individual assets and work to achieve his goals. The goal of the Ranch’s program is to provide loving care with therapeutic intervention, because we believe, “It is better to build a child than to repair an adult.”