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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.
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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.
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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. |
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A five-year
campaign to raise $2.2 million to fund the project kicked off
in 1996. The goal was reached in April 1999 – two years ahead
of schedule. The expansion placed all administrative staff in
one building, increased the capacity of the residential program
by 16 children, allowed for development of a transitional living
program and greatly expanded the Ranch's tutorial, counseling
and outreach programs.
To address,
remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe,
healthy, and permanent homes for children.
