Greetings all. I am ecstatic because God is ever faithful and I want to share a longtime dream of mine, that I had prayed about for years, primarily what direction to take and the right time to do it. Let it be known, that all that are participating, are all licensed professionals, from Psychiatrists to counselors to preachers to mentors. The objective is to provide every tool that's needed to succeed. Its time to teach unknowing boys into real men(hopefully Christian) that will have skills to contribute to society.
At any rate, my username is Bornfree, and its been a lifelong desire to develop my own non-profit, help for troubled youth facility. First off, I thank God for his blessings! In my youth, I attended grades K-12 with what were known as kids from the "Boys Ranch". Kids that had somehow gotten into trouble, and the Boys Ranch was an effort to help redirect the paths-along with teaching Christian values-of these boys and hopefully thwart detrimental roads these young boys were on before circumstances and consequences became much worse.
At school, I remember most kids being fearful of these boys, when actually they were just like everyone else, just trying to fit in. I know, because I befriended many of them. The number of them varied around thirty as some would not comply or perhaps they were moved to another half-way house.
I soon became friends with most of them, and it was obvious that there was good in their hearts. I was intrigued, so my curiosity got the best of me and I decided I wanted to know what exactly went on at this "Boys Ranch". It wasn't an issue, a friend from church introduced me to the director, and soon I asked if I could meet with him so he could explain how and why there was this facility, or actually ranch. I had to know what the MO was, was success being achieved, understanding the logistics, funding, classes, group therapy, self therapy, progression? And also sadly,there is failure. Just trying to paint a picture for you.
So, at any rate, I learned it really was an operating ranch..lol! With horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, chickens, rabbits, and of course, how can it be a ranch without cats and dogs(that I later found out were abused and rescued, and an offender(just as a reference) could adopt a dog and train it, and put it up for adoption. I was like way cool!! Bottom line is that it was up to the offender to decide to make the change. Not alone, with plenty of resources, such as Psychotherapy, completion of chores consistently, an improvement in school grades, completion of therapeutic workbooks, and lastly for now, but in no way the least, church multiple times per week. Don't misunderstand, becoming a Christian will not be a requirement to acquire a ticket out, my understanding was that it was suggested and seeds were planted, but it was still their choice. Sadly, funding was lost and it eventually closed down.
So I'll cut to the chase, I've always remembered some of the boys from the "Boys Ranch," and where they are now. And from when I was young and understood the concept, its been a desire of mine to purchase a ranch somewhere and resurrect the "Boys Ranch"! To me is was "git r done time," as time waits for no one. I hired a realtor to find me something suitable, I didn't really care what state. I hired a law firm to investigate the requirements of taking on the task. I made phone calls, I made connections, I searched for therapists who would work pro-bono for the time being. The lord sent me a militant director and coordinator(who had actually done work like this before..Amen!) Essentially, over a period of working at it since 2004, prayers have been answered and its all falling into place. For instance, a boy may have a dog to train, it will be suggested to find a job, the cows and horses need care, possibly be the egg boy and mind the chickens. Our program of course has boundaries, at the same time we will have bbq's, bonfires, cow tipping..jk! They will have the opportunity to have more freedom by completing more chores, or simply not skipping class, its imperative we keep the family involved if we can.
Its weird, I almost feel like even though I worked at putting this all together, God reminded me, I did nothing, the glory goes to Him. Suddenly it was getting easier, things were moving along at Godspeed. This is where I need the prayers of everyone who read this, the plan is to operate for two years, as a non-profit, but will not accept donations until the two years have been completed successfully. I haven't worked 20+ years for nothing, I am going to fund the first two years out of pocket.
I first thought as long as I work, I can keep it going, but I plan on retiring from this profession before too long. So if I don't work, I simply could not sustain the expense. I have faith that we can make two years and hopefully have an exemplary record of success. We then can start accepting donations and requesting grant money from the government( of course hoping to show a high percentage of kids who have completed the program). I'm not worried, as soon as I mention my cause to friends or coworkers or acquaintances, donations come out of the woodwork, Praise God!! My retort is
let that donation gain some interest and I'll be happy to take it off your hands in two years.
In conclusion, the ranch we found is in another western state, won't mention it till it comes to fruition. Its about gonna take everything I got, but really who cares. I'm taking a leap of faith and giving everything I can to give, now its in God's hands and trust this is not much of a challenge..lol! We hope to start with 25 to 30 male kids, ages 13-18 yrs. Ultimately, teach these boys with God's guidance, what it is to be a servant. A servant of God and people, and that there is a choice to do good over bad. I can't wait for the day, I see the first life changed, and observe how a boy learns to be a proper man. Whether or not as a Christian at this point, but instilled with qualities on how to be pleasing to God. We trust that those seeds will eventually sprout and turn a man, into a man of God.
Thank you for your time, and God bless! Bornfree:)
