News and Highlights

• ASYR Board President Ray Dillon Profiled in Arkansas Democrat Gazette

  10/19/2026

  The following article appeared in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette High Profile Section on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Click here to read it via their website. Serving Youth Ranch Perfect ‘Job’ for Retiree Ray Dillon By Helaine Williams Before retirement, Ray Dillon served as president and CEO of Deltic Timber Corp., where he oversaw management of the company’s 500,000-plus acres of timberland, its two sawmills, fiberboard plant and real estate development efforts. And post-retirement? Dillon prefers to stay busy, especially when it comes to charitable efforts. “I wake up every day looking for somebody to help,” he says. “I don’t know … Continue reading →

• Arkansas Children’s Award Honoring Laura Landreaux

  09/24/2026

  Tickets and Sponsorships for Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner still available! For 31 years, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches has recognized Arkansans who have made outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for Arkansas children. These Arkansans personify in word and deed the ideals of the Ranch, and hundreds gather each year to pay tribute to their dedication at the Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner. This year, we are excited to present the 31st annual Arkansas Children’s Award to Laura Landreaux, a generous advocate for building brighter futures for Arkansas youth. A Little Rock native, Laura Landreaux was raised by parents who instilled in … Continue reading →

• Former Rancher who felt like a “throw-away kid,” reflects on a life of service

  09/17/2026

  A Rocky Start When Sean Crim arrived at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches in 1986, his life had already been marked by uncertainty and change. Sean came to Arkansas as a teenager after spending much of his childhood on the move. Following his father’s dismissal from the military, the family traveled across the country, living in communes as far away as California. As Sean struggled with the instability in his life, he began experiencing behavioral problems at school and was eventually placed in a home for troubled children in Magness. What was intended to be a 90-day placement lasted more … Continue reading →

• Raney Hall Is Officially Open

  06/22/2026

  Our new residential home, Raney Hall, officially opened on Saturday, June 13! This home was built thanks to a generous donation by Phillip and Verna Raney of Ozark, Arkansas. They, along with several family members, were present for the dedication and ribbon-cutting on a beautiful, sunny morning. Board of Trustees President Ray Dillon welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of the occasion. “Since 1976, the Ranch has been a place of hope and healing. And it’s been a place to call home to more than 2,300 boys and girls from every corner of the state. And with the addition … Continue reading →

• Join Us for the Raney Hall Ribbon Cutting, June 13

  05/15/2026

  Join us at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches for a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for our newest home, Raney Hall—Saturday, June 13 at 11am.  Raney Hall is named in recognition of the Raney family of Ozark, Arkansas, whose extraordinarily generous gift funded the construction of a new home that will provide safe, loving homes for children at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. We are so grateful to the Raney family for making this dream home a reality for the Ranch, and we look forward to celebrating this important milestone with some of our closest friends. WHAT: Raney Hall Ribbon Cutting and Open House WHEN: Saturday, June … Continue reading →