From Rancher to High School Coach
10/04/2024

Scott remembers, it was a hot summer day when he was removed from his home by the court. He was just 14 at the time.

Although leaving home was scary, he felt going to the Ranch couldn’t be any worse than where he was living.

Years later, Scott can still recount the trauma of being locked in the sweltering garage or the camper all alone. As one of 5 kids (from multiple sets of parents), things happened that no child should have to experience.

After he was removed from his home, he was able to come live at the Ranch. Initially, Scott had anger issues. This made school difficult. He even had to repeat one year of school. But, because of committed houseparents that helped every night with homework and refused to give up on Scott, things began to improve. For the first time, Scott experienced true unconditional love.

What happened next was a game changer. Some faithful supporters learned that Scott loved baseball and began picking him up from the Ranch every day to take him to baseball practice. Scott’s love of the game grew, and eventually he went to college so he could continue to play ball while learning how to become a coach and teacher himself.

Today, Scott has a lovely family and is a teacher and the head softball coach at Sheridan High School, where his team recently won the State Championship! Scott’s
journey has led him to serve children who need guidance
like he once did.

Scott told me, “That’s why I’m now a teacher and a coach. Some kids just need a chance, and thousands of kids in Arkansas don’t get that chance.” Read Scott’s letter below.

Today, just like when Scott was at the Ranch, we are truly grateful to our generous supporters who help provide for our Ranch boys and girls.

A letter from Scott:

When I was just 14 I came to the Ranch. It was the first time in my life I felt safe and loved.

At the Ranch, I learned what a normal childhood was. I got to fish. I got to go to school at Batesville, where I played sports – and loved it.

I feel so lucky that some committed supporters of the Ranch took an interest in me. They would drive all the way to the Ranch to pick me up and take me to ball practice every day for two summers!

That was a game changer – complete strangers cared enough to take me to ball practice. Then my houseparents Rick and Cheyenne continued taking me all the way across town just to make sure I continued to make it to practice.

I don’t want to think of what my life would be had it not been for the Ranch.

I want to give back. That’s why I’m now a teacher and a coach.

Some kids just need a chance, and thousands of kids in Arkansas don’t get that chance. When you give, it means more kids get a chance. More kids have food to eat and a place where they’re safe. They can find hope!

Please continue to support the Ranch. It all adds up, and it can change a kid’s life. It certainly changed mine.

Sincerely,
Scott

You Can Help!