Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches announced today a generous $200,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, aiming to spur donations for building a new cottage that will provide a home for up to eight additional children at the Ranch. To receive the $200,000 challenge grant, ASYR must complete its fundraising for the new home by raising the final $233,000 of its capital campaign.
Click here to make a donation to help ASYR meet this challenge and build a new home!
A Challenge Grant by the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Brings Million Dollar Campaign to Homestretch, Promising More Arkansas Youth A Safe Place to Call Home.
The campaign, which is already three-quarters of the way to achieving its $1 million goal with more than $767,000 raised so far, will conclude this fall, and construction is set to begin in the spring of 2024. The Mabee Foundation grant provides a significant push, and ASYR is looking to the community to assist in meeting the challenge by providing the remaining funds.
“The Mabee Foundation’s grant is a monumental step toward accomplishing our million-dollar goal. It’s an opportunity to expand our mission to provide a stable, nurturing environment for children who deserve the best we can offer,” said Nancy Fulton, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch. “We’re incredibly grateful for this vote of confidence, and we’re looking forward to all the ways our communities will rise to the challenge.”
Since 2015, Arkansas has faced a significant foster care crisis. With approximately 1,600 foster homes across the state, the current capacity only meets half the demand for children needing a safe place to call home. This expansion project represents a direct response to the urgent demand, taking a step forward in addressing the foster care crisis by providing a warm, welcoming home for eight more children at the Ranch.
Campaign Chair and Board President, Ray Dillon, shared his enthusiasm and called for community support. “The children we serve are our future leaders. Each contribution, regardless of its size, brings us one step closer to providing our youth with a safe, and loving home – something every single child deserves to have. We are thankful for the Mabee Foundation’s challenge and we need our community to help us cross the finish line.”
Click here to learn more about the campaign or make a contribution to help ASYR build a new home.
BUILD A HOME. BUILD UP CHILDREN IN NEED.
You can join the fight to overcome the foster care crisis in Arkansas with a gift to build a new home at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. A gift of any amount is appreciated and will help us reach our capital campaign goal to provide a new safe, loving home for Arkansas children. Click here to make your gift today.
Other ways you can get involved:
- Make a multi-year campaign pledge
- Schedule a tour of the Ranch
- Schedule a speaker for your group to hear the Ranch story
- Become a “Hope Builder” by committing to a monthly gift
If you would like additional information, to set up a tour or speaker, or discuss other giving options, contact ASYR Chief Development Officer Matthew Cleveland at 501-940-3440 or matt@youthranches.com.
About the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches’ mission is to address, remedy and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and loving homes for Arkansas children. The Ranch is 100 percent privately funded, and with the support of individuals, businesses and foundations, it pays for all needs associated with raising a child including loving houseparents, shelter, medical care, food, clothing and educational expenses. The organization is a statewide, private nonprofit 501(c)(3), and was founded in 1976 by the Sheriffs of Arkansas to provide a safe, loving shelter for two boys living in a neglectful home. Since then, the Ranch has served over 2,200 Arkansas boys and girls from every corner of the state and is still growing to serve more youth.