On Saturday, April 18, current and former Ranchers, houseparents, and board members, as well as sheriffs and supporters from across Arkansas and beyond gathered to celebrate 50 years of home at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.
We had a short program looking back on our past 50 years featuring the daughter of founding sheriff Mike Grady, Mischelle Thiels, past board president Phyllis Worley, current board member Larry Stone, Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens, and Rancher #1 Roger Wright.
After the program, everyone enjoyed a catfish lunch on the grounds with all the fixin’s, 50th birthday cupcakes, and cotton candy and shaved ice for the kids (and kids at heart!).
Check out this short recap video of our 50th Anniversary Celebration:
You can watch all of the speeches from this very special event on our YouTube page here.
We finished the day with open houses so everyone could visit with current Ranchers and houseparents in their homes. The kids were so excited to show off their homes! You can view photos from the event on our Facebook page here.
Our 50th Anniversary celebration was a meaningful time to reflect with gratitude—honoring the sheriffs whose vision launched the Ranch, the children whose lives have been changed, the dedicated staff who serve them, and supporters like you who make it all possible.
THANK YOU! for 50 life-changing years of home at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.
Be on the lookout for a new ribbon cutting date for Raney Hall very soon!
As an organization that is 100% privately funded, and a 100% free service to children in crisis, all donations are greatly appreciated.
Please consider supporting our mission to help us provide safe, loving homes for Arkansas children for the next 50 years!
- Click here to make an online gift today
- Mail your gift to:
Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches
PO Box 3964
Batesville, AR 72503 - Or click here to learn about other ways you can support