6th Annual Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch
09/21/2023

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch October 2023

We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches for our 6th annual Pumpkin Patch presented by First Community Bank!

photo courtesy of www.amandafarris.org

Each year, our staff and children work to transform the Ranch into a fall wonderland that is fun for the whole family!

Admission is only $10 and includes one pumpkin per visitor and free access to all of these fun activities: 

  • Barrel Train Ride
  • Enchanted Forest
  • Hay Ride
  • Bouncy Houses
  • Inflatable Maze
  • Petting Zoo
  • Corn Pit
  • Inflatable Obstacle Course

We will also have face painting, cookie decorating, carnival games and SO MUCH more!

Our beautiful 600 acre campus offers many opportunities for beautiful fall photos with the whole family, and we’ll also have some fun photo spots set up for the kids!

Hours of Operation

Beginning October 7, 2023
Wednesday-Friday: by Group Reservation Only
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm

Location

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch
100 Saint Vincent Place, Batesville
Directions: The ASYR is located just west of Batesville, near the community of Bethesda out Highway 106. Follow highway signs to Arkansas Sheriffs Ranch down Earnheart Road and turn right onto Saint Vincent Place for parking.

Admission

  • $10 Admission per visitor available at the gate, includes 1 pumpkin and access to all activities.
  • Children 2 years of age and younger are FREE.
  • Weekday rates available for groups of 20 or more only by RSVP.
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted.

And the best part? 

All net proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch benefit the mission of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, which provides safe, healthy, and loving homes for Arkansas children.  You can also support the ASYR by making a one-time gift or set up a monthly contribution by clicking here.

 

Volunteers Needed!

Would you or your group like to volunteer? We are scheduling volunteers for weekend shifts. Contact Alyssa Stark (870) 793-6841 ext 303 or email alyssa@youthranches.com with questions or to start volunteering.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Presenting Sponsor

Activity Sponsors

  • FutureFuel Chemical Company
  • Littlefield Oil Company
  • Precise Heating Air & Electrical
  • Southern Bank
If you would like to support this event by becoming a sponsor, please contact Matthew Cleveland (501) 940-3440 or email matt@youthranches.com. Or click here to make a gift.

28th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner to honor Marge Schueck
08/17/2023

For 28 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 have gathered each year to pay tribute to their dedication at the Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner.

This year, we are excited to present the 28th annual Arkansas Children’s Award to Marge Schueck.

Whether you realize it or not, you have likely been impacted by the work of Marge Schueck. You may have been helped by Marge in the gift shop at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. You may know a child she cared for at Our House’s child development center. As a docent at the Little Rock Zoo, she may have helped you better appreciate an exotic animal. You may have children or grandchildren who have played in Museum of Discovery’s Room to Grow, which she raised funds for. You may know a single parent who has benefitted from a scholarship that she helped fund. When Marge sees an opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives, she is inspired to get involved. Marge has devoted her life to volunteering and service, and in the process she has made Arkansas the land of opportunity for countless others. For these reasons, and many more, we are pleased to present the 2023 Arkansas Children’s Award to Marge Schueck.

We will host the 28th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner on Thursday, October 12 at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel at 7pm. Please consider purchasing tickets, sponsoring, or supporting.

28th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner
Honoring Marge Schueck
Little Rock Marriott Hotel
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Reception and Silent Auction at 6PM
Dinner, Live Auction & Program 7PM
Business Attire

 

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will continue the tradition of serving as Master of Ceremonies, which he has done since our very first year.

Tickets are $250 each, or you may sponsor a table with a gift of $2,500 and up. Additional sponsor opportunities with special recognition are also available. For more information or to pay by phone, call Matt Cleveland at (501) 940-3440. You may also pay with a check made payable to ASYR at PO Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503.

Ways to Support

Since the Sheriffs of Arkansas founded the Youth Ranches in 1976, it has been a place to call home for more than 2,200 of Arkansas’s most vulnerable boys and girls. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, ASYR is 100% privately funded, and this event helps raise 10% of the ASYR’s operating budget each year. Please consider sponsoring or supporting.

 

Previous Recipients

2022 Christy Clark

Christy Clark, CFO of Clark Contractors, grew up in McCrory, the daughter of a farmer and school teacher. Her parents taught her the value of hard work, education, and caring for their neighbors. From serving as Chair of Arkansas State University’s board of trustees to mentoring young women, Christy has volunteered her time, talents, and treasure to build a better future for Arkansas children and our next generation of leaders.

 

2021 The Heflin Family

The Heflin family are lifetime supporters, serving the Ranch for many years. Johnny Heflin served on the Ranch board during the organization’s formative years, and Sharon is a current board member and has served on the Arkansas Children’s Award committee for years. Sons Jay and Marc are carrying on the Heflin family legacy, volunteering their time, serving on boards, and raising funds for children’s missions across the state.

 

2020 25th Anniversary Arkansas Children’s Award

In 2020, we hosted a very special 25th Anniversary Arkansas Children’s Award as a virtual event to celebrate all of our past award recipients. The virtual event featured appearances by past honorees, sheriffs, a former Rancher, special guests, and as always, was emceed by former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. Click here to view the special virtual event on our YouTube page.

 

2019 Governor Asa Hutchinson

Governor Asa Hutchinson has led the way to better serve children who find themselves separated from their families. When he took office in 2015, one of his first priorities was to tackle the state’s foster care crisis. Since then, he has also made computer science and coding available to all Arkansas children, and he has worked to reform Arkansas’s juvenile justice system. He has truly helped create a brighter future for many of Arkansas’s most vulnerable children.

 

2018 Dorothy Morris

Dorothy Morris has devoted her life to supporting the work of nonprofits serving children and has encourage millions in matching gifts. She believes in a holistic approach to philanthropy and focuses on children and families, investing in every aspect of a child’s life. Whether it’s inspiring a child through the arts, supporting their education or health care, or providing a home at the Ranch, we recognize her life’s work on behalf of Arkansas children.

 

2017 Greg Hatcher

For Greg Hatcher, outrageous service doesn’t end with his business at The Hatcher Agency. Greg is constantly giving back to the community through his service to and support of nonprofit organizations. Whether it’s developing new wrestling programs for high schools and colleges or contributing to organizations that serve children, Greg has always been willing to step up in support of strengthening Arkansas families.

 

2016 Deltic Timber & Ray Dillon

Ray Dillon served as President & CEO of Deltic Timber from 2003 to 2016. A vision of helping Arkansas grow and create stronger communities for our children and grandchildren were always at the forefront of Ray’s work with Deltic. They generously invested in organizations serving children, and Ray has also given his time and resources to make a difference in the lives of many Arkansas families.

 

2015 Larry Stone

Since Founding Stone Ward in 1984, Larry Stone has dedicated much of the company’s pro bono services to helping children. Larry has served on the ASYR Board of Trustees for over 25 years, 10 of which he served as Board President. He has been a steady and consistent thought leader, donor and volunteer for the ASYR and played a major role in developing Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner.

 

2014 Governor Mike Beebe

Governor Mike Beebe has dedicated his life in public service to the citizens of Arkansas for more than 32 years. As a long-time supporter of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, Governor Beebe has been instrumental in its success of this event each year and has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Arkansas Children’s Award each year since its inception.

 

2013 Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association

Arkansas’s county sheriffs have played an important role throughout the Ranch’s history and continue that support today.  The idea to begin the Ranch started with some concerned sheriffs who had helped place boys in residential homes that were not providing satisfactory care. Their idea grew and now the children of Arkansas have a place to call home at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.

 

2012 Gus Malzahn

Gus Malzahn, former head football coach of Arkansas State University, is a great leader of young people. He has dedicated his career to mentoring young men and spends his time helping them reach their full potential. Malzahn’s dedication to youth is evident through his service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and his everyday interactions with they young men on his teams.

 

2011 Steve Landers

Steve Landers, who built Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep into the highest selling Chrysler dealership nationwide, is the president of RLJ-McLary-Landers Automotive and an investor in operations in Brazil and China. Steve has supported the American Cancer Society, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Arkansas Education Association and numerous other organizations.

 

2010 Charles Nabholz

Charles F. Nabholz founded Con-Ark Builders, a merit shop, general contracting firm. After a move to California to pursue real estate Charles returned to Conway and founded Nabholz Properties, a commercial real estate development company, in partnership with his brothers. Nabholz currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Nabholz Construction Services and president of Nabholz Properties.

 

2009 Wallace Fowler

Wallace Fowler developed Fowler Foods, Inc. and Liberty Bank of Arkansas into two of the state’s most successful enterprises. Fowler – banker, entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader – has devoted his life to making Arkansas a better place to call home. Because of his generosity and dedication, our communities, education system, even the roads on which we travel, are better today because of Fowler’s efforts.

 

2008 Stanley Reed

Stanley Reed, a third-generation cotton farmer from Marianna, had strong beliefs in family values, faith and a proper education that personified the standards on which the Ranch was founded. Reed served several terms as president of Arkansas Farm Bureau and was a founding member of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, an organization that develops and implements programs for needy and underprivileged children.

 

2007 Tommy May

Tommy May was recognized for his extensive civic and community involvement that stretches across years of service.  Through his work with organizations such as United Way of Southeast Arkansas, Habitat for Humanity, and Fifty for the Future, he has touched the lives of many. May epitomizes the standards for which the Ranch is known, including family togetherness and unconditional love.

 

2006 John White

A native Arkansan, Dr. John A. White served as Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for eleven years. White was honored for his commitment to advancing educational opportunities, providing positive youth development and instilling the values of character, honesty, humility and responsibility, helping the young men and women of Arkansas become the successful leaders of tomorrow.

 

2005 Pat Walker

Pat Walker celebrated life and the joy of family and friends each day. She was married to Willard Walker for 61 years, and in 1986 Pat and Willard created the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, touching the lives of thousands of Arkansas children. Mrs. Walker received numerous awards recognizing her philanthropy and was also named one of the Most Distinguished Women in Arkansas.

 

2004 Jerry Davis

Under the leadership of Jerry Davis, Affiliated Foods Southwest became one of Arkansas’s largest privately owned companies. Over the years he donated millions of dollars, as well as countless hours of service, to a number of Arkansas charities. His generous philanthropic endeavors have supported people of all ages throughout Little Rock and Arkansas.

 

2003 Blanche Lincoln

As a former U.S. Senator, Blanche Lincoln demonstrated a heart for children, which led her to make the well being of children and families a top priority. She was keenly aware of the growing need for quality childcare and assistance for working families to help their children thrive. Lincoln also worked to raise awareness for missing and exploited children and pursued the truth in child abuse investigations.

 

2002 Doyle Rogers

Doyle Rogers was chairman and president of the commercial real estate firm, the Doyle Rogers Company. In 1982, he developed what is now the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock. By 1985, he built the 25-story Rogers Building, now the Stephens Building. Rogers is extensively involved with financial and investment decisions for major projects of the firm and its various partnerships as well as provides strategic direction.

 

2001 Tyson Family

In recent years, Tyson Foods has grown into the largest poultry, beef and pork processing company in the world, with sales of over $25 billion dollars annually. The Tyson Family Foundation contributes thousands of dollars annually to colleges, universities and charitable organizations throughout the state dedicated to at-risk children.

 

2000 Bill Clark

William E. (Bill) Clark was respected and beloved by his family, friends, peers, the business community, and the people of Arkansas. The Clark and Dillard families created one of the South’s largest construction firms, CDI, of which Bill served as Chairman and CEO. Clark was well-known for his generosity and leaves a legacy of leadership, vision, integrity, candor and the ability to make things happen.

 

1999 Buddy Sutton

A life-long Arkansan, Buddy Sutton served as counsel for the prestigious law ­­firm Friday, Eldredge, and Clark for 46 years until retiring as managing partner in July 2005.  In 1990, the Arkansas Bar Association named him Lawyer of the Year, and he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his business and personal injury litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Sutton proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

 

1998 Jerry Maulden

Jerry L. Maulden was hired by Arkansas Power and Light Co. in 1965. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as vice president, chief financial officer, and then treasurer. In 1979, he was named president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Power & Light, which was having severe financial problems at the time. Within five years, Arkansas Power & Light was headed in the right direction and was recognized as one of the best-managed electric utilities in the nation.

 

1997 Red Hudson

James T. ‘Red’ Hudson was the Founder of Hudson Foods, Inc. He was born in Arkansas but was raised in Tennessee. He served more than three years in the United States Navy before beginning his career as a feed clerk in a feed store for Ralston Purina Co in January 1946, immediately after his discharge from the Navy. After working his way up to Regional Director of Operations, he began Hudson Foods in 1972.

 

1996 Mike Beebe

Mike Beebe recognized for his commitment to public service, was first elected to public office in 1982 in the Arkansas State Senate. In 2002, he was elected Arkansas Attorney General, the position he held until he was elected Governor of Arkansas in 2007. Beebe is a Democrat who while in office mainly focused on public education reform, healthcare, the state economy, and the environment.

Help the Ranch Secure a $200,000 Challenge Grant to Build New Home!
08/02/2023

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:

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.

You can help send our Ranchers back to school on August 21
07/15/2023

The 2023-2024 school year will begin soon, and one thing is for sure–we have lots of excited boys and girls! For some of our Ranchers, the first day of school represents a fresh start. And for many of our newer Ranchers, this may be the very first opportunity they have to thrive in school.

One young man who has called the Ranch home for over 6 years received his diploma last year! He is currently living in our independent living home and will attend college this fall while he continues to work part time. We could not be more proud of him!

This is all thanks to support from friends like you.

You can help send our Ranchers back to school

August 21st is the first day of school for our Ranchers, and we need your help. Our houses are full this summer as we prepare for back to school, and we have lots of new students to buy school supplies for.

From kindergarteners to a college freshman, that is a lot of shopping lists, and their supply needs vary greatly. Your online gift is the very best way to make sure every Rancher’s need is covered, even beyond the classroom.

Your gift of $285 can provide everything one Rancher needs for a great school year–new school clothes, a new pair of shoes that fit, a fresh haircut, school supplies, and a new backpack.

Will you join us today by making a gift? Even a gift of just $30 can give two children a brand new backpack – something many of them have never had before and that they will carry with pride!

Your gift today, no matter the size, will not only help with needs like school supplies, but it is an investment in the futures of Arkansas children.

•  $285 can outfit 1 child for the 2023 school year
•  $150 can buy new school clothes
•  $100 can purchase school supplies
•  $50 can pay for 5 fresh haircuts
•  $45 can buy a pair of new shoes
•  $30 can buy 2 new backpacks

You can make a difference in the life of a child this school year. Click here to become a Hope Builder by making your gift a monthly contribution to the Ranches. It’s quick and easy to make a gift: click here to make a gift today!

Some of our biggest needs for the school year are:

And if you order supplies online, you can ship it directly to us at: ASYR, 100 Saint Vincent Place, Batesville, AR 72501. Thank you for supporting our boys and girls this school year!

Giving Tuesday, November 29th!!
11/15/2022

What is Giving Tuesday?

After Thanksgiving, #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday each year, we celebrate #GivingTuesday. This special day helps demonstrate that holidays can be about both giving and giving back

This year, Citizens Bank will once again be matching gifts on #GivingTuesday. For every dollar donated to the ASYR on November 29th, Citizens Bank will match your contributions up to $5,000!

Here are some ways YOU can help the ASYR receive the entire $5,000 matching gift from Citizens Bank on #GivingTuesday:

  1. Make an online donation by clicking here
  2. Text the word ranch to 26989, or call 501-940-3440 to make a gift of any amount with a credit or debit card.
  3. Drop your donation by any Citizens Bank location. We will be at Citizens Bank’s headquarters located at 655 South Saint Louis Street in Batesville on #GivingTuesday. Feel free to drive through and see us there, or drop your gift by any Citizens Bank location!
  4. Help us get the word out about Citizens Bank’s $5,000 matching gift! Share this page with a friend by email, text, or social media, and ask them to join you in supporting the Ranch on #GivingTuesday.
  5. Follow @YouthRanches for social media updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share posts with your friends.
  6. Visit our ways to help page or contact Matthew Cleveland at 501-940-3440 or matt@youthranches.com to learn about other giving opportunities or to make an additional matching gift.

Give a Child the Gift of Hope

Since 1976, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches have provided hope and healing for children who, through no fault of their own, need a place to call home. Your gift to the ASYR on #GivingTuesday supports our mission of providing homes for some of Arkansas’s most deserving children. To learn more about how you can support the ASYR, contact Matt Cleveland at 501-940-3440 or email matt@youthranches.com.

 

Become a Hope Builder with a monthly contribution. For the cost of a fast food meal, you can help change a child’s life. 

A contribution for as little as $10 per month can help provide for things like:
•  New shoes for our boys and girls
•  An allowance for a child
•  Caps and gowns for our graduates
•  Birthday gifts for our children
•  Feed for goats, chickens or other animals on the Ranch
•  Salary for our loving houseparents
•  Groceries for our cottages

Become a Hope Builder by committing to a monthly contribution. It’s a simple, secure way to provide consistent support to the ASYR all year long. Click here to support today!

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
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Many thanks to The Citizens Bank for providing the matching gift to encourage giving on #GivingTuesday! We are so grateful for their continued support as we strive to build better lives for children who call the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches home.

Thank you to White River Now for being our media partner for #GivingTuesday. Tune in on November 29th for live broadcasts throughout the day!

Llahoma’s Story
10/18/2022

An Unimaginable Childhood

Llahoma was only 10 years old when her parents divorced. Soon after that, her mother became pregnant with another man’s child. Her mother went from job to job. Over the next 3 years, they were evicted often and a variety of men were in and out of Llahoma’s life. There was no stability.

Llahoma’s mom and her live in boyfriend were both addicted to drugs. Her mother would often try to barter her for sex in exchange for more drugs.

First, her mom was trafficking drugs. Then she started an escort service. Every day was filled with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In the 6th grade, Llahoma only went to school for 3 months. She was beaten so badly that year that she couldn’t use her arm.

When Llahoma was 13, her mom had sobered up, but she thought Llahoma was the cause of all her problems, so she decided that sending Llahoma to live with her dad was the solution. She took Llahoma to Toad Suck Park near Conway, gave her a scribbled note with a number for a taxi, and an address she believed to be Llahoma’s dad’s. Then she left.

This was the last time Llahoma saw her mother alive.

Llahoma was not a welcomed guest at her father’s house because he had a girlfriend who had her own child. Llahoma was devastated. But fortunately, this situation led to her finding the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.

“It was hard when I first came to the Ranch. I didn’t want to talk to the counselor, I just wanted to listen to my Walkman. After all the hurt from my mom, I felt that my dad didn’t care either.”

Soon after Llahoma arrived at the Ranch, the staff and her doctors discovered that she was addicted to amphetamines and was experiencing withdrawals. She had no idea that her mom’s boyfriend had been slipping her drugs to be able to sexually abuse her.

The Next Chapter

Although Llahoma’s story began with an unimaginable childhood, thanks to loving houseparents at the Ranch and generous donors who make the our work possible, this story gets better.

Once her system was clean, Llahoma realized she was in a safe place at the Ranch. And Ranch life was so much better! She got real food every single day – and someone actually cooked her food. She was also able to bond with other girls at the Ranch who had been through similar situations. She no longer felt like an outcast because the girls had each other, and the guys were like real brothers. She knew they had her back and that the Ranch was a safe place where no one would come in her room at night.

Dr. ‘G’ was Llahoma’s counselor, and he was so helpful in her recovery. He taught her how to have appropriate interaction with men and not be afraid. He taught her who she could be.

Llahoma says that houseparents are truly the unsung heroes of the Ranch. They not only care for the children’s physical needs, but they also make every child feel safe and loved.

Not long after coming to the Ranch Llahoma got a job at age 14. The Ranch encourages Ranchers to get jobs. She saved her money, and at 16 she bought a car. She excelled in school. She was Vice President of the ART Club, active in her schools chapters of Future Business Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America, and she played softball. She loved staying busy with her school’s extracurricular activities, and her houseparents always encouraged her in her endeavors. Upon graduation she got a full ride scholarship to Henderson State University, where she attended their Honors College.

Llahoma became involved with the Humane Society and was the youngest person ever elected to their Board of Directors at age 20. Later, she received a job offer from the Red Cross and moved to Baltimore. She also worked with Americorp and the Domestic Peace Corps.

At age 25, Llahoma learned that her Mom had cancer and had passed away, so she returned to Arkansas for the funeral.

Llahoma has a big heart for animals, and after returning to Arkansas, she was offered a Regional Training position for Petco as a Behavior Consultant working with abused animals. Many of her clients referred to her as the “Dog Whisperer.” Not only had she been abused, but she formed special bonds with her pets that had also been abused.

A Bright Future

For awhile, Llahoma served as the Regional Philanthropy Officer for the American Red Cross. Today, she is the Chief Development Officer for a Boys and Girls Club in Wisconsin. When she isn’t at work, overseeing a multi-million dollar budget, you can find her at home or adventuring with her daughter!

Thanks to everyone that supports the Ranch, Llahoma has grown into a successful young woman. She tells us, “I have found my voice and it is strong!” So from Llahoma, her daughter, and everyone at the Ranch, we are grateful to everyone who played a part in Llahoma’s story.

“This is my story. I would not be the woman or the mother I am today without my story, and the Ranch is a big part of that.”

You Can Help

Llahoma’s story is just one of more than 2,400 boys and girls who have called the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch home over the 40 plus years. Thanks to generous supporters of the Ranch and their love for children, lives are changed every day at the Ranch. With an annual or monthly gift to the Ranch, you too can impact the lives of children children like Llahoma who have been neglected, abused and abandoned. Click here to give today.

As an honorary member of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, you become our partner in serving hurting children. We could not do this important work without the faithful support of friends like you.

Many of our Ranchers have had a difficult past, but at the ASYR they find a brighter future. But we can’t do it without friends like you! You can join us in this lifesaving mission by committing to an annual or monthly gift today.

Did you know that a monthly contribution of just $25 can help provide:

•  New shoes for up to six of our boys and girls
•  A monthly allowance for one child
•  Caps and gowns for all of our graduates
•  Birthday gifts for 12 children
•  Feed for our goats and other farm animals for one month

 

To watch Llahoma tell her story in her own words, CLICK HERE!! 

October Pumpkin Patch 2022
08/24/2022

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches 5th Annual Pumpkin Patch October 2022

We are so excited to welcome visitors back to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches for our 5th annual Pumpkin Patch presented by First Community Bank!

photo courtesy of www.amandafarris.org

Each year, our staff and children work to transform the Ranch into a fall wonderland that is fun for the whole family! This year’s Pumpkin Patch will run from October 6th to October 30.

Admission is only $10 and includes one pumpkin per visitor and free access to all of these fun activities: 

  • Barrel Train Ride
  • Enchanted Forest
  • Hay Ride
  • Bouncy Houses
  • Inflatable Maze
  • Petting Zoo
  • Corn Pit
  • Maze

We will also have face painting, cookie decorating, carnival games and SO MUCH more!

Our beautiful 600 acre campus offers many opportunities for beautiful fall photos with the whole family, and we’ll also have some fun photo spots set up for the kids!

Hours of Operation

October 6th-30th
Wednesday-Friday: by Group Reservation Only
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4pm

Location

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch
100 Saint Vincent Place, Batesville
Directions: The ASYR is located just west of Batesville, near the community of Bethesda out Highway 106. Follow highway signs to Arkansas Sheriffs Ranch down Earnheart Road and turn right onto Saint Vincent Place for parking.

Admission

  • $10 Admission per visitor available at the gate, includes 1 pumpkin and access to all activities.
  • Children 2 years of age and younger are FREE.
  • Weekday rates available for groups of 20 or more only by RSVP.
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted.

And the best part? 

All net proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch benefit the mission of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, which provides safe, healthy, and loving homes for Arkansas children.  You can also support the ASYR by making a one-time gift or set up a monthly contribution by clicking here.

Volunteers Needed!

We are scheduling volunteers for weekend shifts!!
If you would like to support this event by volunteering, please contact Alyssa Stark (870) 793-6841 ext 303 or email alyssa@youthranches.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Presenting Sponsor

Pumpkin Sponsor

  • FutureFuel Chemical Company

Activity Sponsors

  • Intimidator
  • Littlefield Oil Company
  • Precise Heating Air & Electrical
  • Southern Bank

Patch Supporters

  • Bad Boy Mowers
  • Home Depot
If you would like to support this event by becoming a sponsor, please contact Matthew Cleveland (501) 940-3440 or email matt@youthranches.com.

Gourmet Guru Grill Giveaway!
05/06/2022

Grilling season is here, and we are very excited to offer another opportunity to win a beautiful new Deluxe Gourmet Guru Grill while benefiting the mission of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches!

Details: For every $10 you donate to the Ranch through this special link, you will be entered to win this Deluxe Grill from Gourmet Guru Grills. For every $25 you donate, you will receive three (3) entries. Drawing will be held on Friday, June 17, just in time for Father’s Day!

The Gourmet Guru Grill comes with a handy Metal Rolling Cart, and together they retail for $948! The Deluxe Gourmet Guru Grill is a beautiful ceramic charcoal grill that distributes heat evenly so that whatever you cook comes out grilled to perfection! The Deluxe Grill combines a grill, a smoker, and a brick oven for a variety of applications, and it also includes a lifetime warranty.

Past winner Michele Towne says, “You can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket. Support a great cause, and buy two or three tickets to double or triple your chances to win. Dad will love it and so will mom!”

MANY THANKS! to the anonymous donor for donating the Gourmet Guru Deluxe Grill and Metal Rolling Cart to raise support for the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.

At the Ranch, we provide homes for some of Arkansas’s most vulnerable boys and girls. Your gift today can truly make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. Don’t miss this opportunity!!

Click here to make your gift today!

 

VOTE for Ranch to Receive $5,000 Difference Maker Award
03/04/2022

In 2018, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches received a Difference Maker Award from Rainwater Holt & Sexton for our work protecting children from violence and abuse.

This year, in honor of 5 years of presenting this award to local charities, Rainwater Holt & Sexton will donate $5,000 to the charity that receives the most votes.

YOU can help the Ranch receive this $5,000 donation! Just click here to vote for Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.

Since 1976, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch has raised more than 2,200 boys and girls from every corner of the state. These are children, who through no fault of their own, needed a safe, loving home where they can thrive. With your help, many more children can have this same opportunity.

As an organization that is 100% privately funded, every gift makes a difference and is very much appreciated. Please consider a gift to the Ranch today. To learn more ways to support, click here.

There’s Still Time to Make a Difference in 2021
12/30/2021

Shayne Rancher by Jason Masters

Photography by Jason Masters

As we wrap up our 45th year at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, we are grateful that you helped us accomplish BIG things in 2021! This year:

  • More than 40 boys and girls have found a home and hope for a brighter future at the Ranch.
  • One of our Ranchers graduated from high school a semester early and is headed to basic training in January to join the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Over 4,000 visitors came out to the Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch.
  • We honored the Heflin Family at the 26th annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner.
  • Many celebrated weddings and special events at the Ranch’s events center and chapel.
  • We celebrated lots of birthdays, and our Ranchers had a wonderful Christmas!

However, none of this is possible without friends like you supporting our mission. Because the ASYR is 100% privately funded, we rely on charitable gifts to provide safe and loving homes for children each year. Your year-end gift is an investment in these young lives.

Click here to make an online gift today or mail your gift postmarked by December 31 to ASYR, PO Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503.

With a year-end gift, you can help the Ranch finish strong in 2021 and put us on a firm footing to serve even more children in 2022. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, all gifts made to the ASYR are tax deductible within the extent of the law.

Thank you for joining us in our mission to care for some of Arkansas’s most vulnerable children. When we all work together to do our “little bit of good,” we can do great things. And there is no one more deserving than these children.

Blessings to you and yours in the New Year!
Matthew Cleveland, CFRE
Chief Development Officer

P.S. In addition to giving online or by mail, there is still time to make a gift of stock or the required minimum distribution from your IRA before December 31st. Please contact your investment advisor, and feel free to reply to this email or call me at 501-940-3440 if I can be of service to you. Click here to learn more ways to support.

 

A Christmas Story

MANY THANKS! to everyone who gave this year to make sure our Ranchers had a merry Christmas. I have to share one story with you to let you know just how much this means to us.

We currently have a 15 year-old young man at the Ranch who had never experienced Christmas before this year. When decorating the Christmas tree with his fellow Ranchers, his wise and loving houseparent asked if he would like to put the angel on top of the tree. He could not have been happier to help. It was such a special moment to him that he curled up under the tree and cried.

This Christmas memory will be a bright spot in what might have been a dark season for this young man, and he will remember it for the rest of his life. Thank you to everyone who supports the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and for making moments like this possible!