A big part of my job is thanking some amazing people who care deeply for the precious kids we serve at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. When I call or visit to thank them for their prayers and/or financial support, I have the incredible honor of hearing their stories and learning why they support the Ranch.…
Gift Legacy
One year ago, six amazing young people graduated from Dakota Memorial School. These young people received their diplomas amidst pomp and circumstance, with lots of family and friends surrounding them.…
Before they get to the Ranch, our kids have experienced so much trauma and pain. In many cases, they've been told they're out of options. Now, they have succeeded, and they have a place to go! They are joyful because they did the work, completed their treatment, and now have hope for a better future.…
Like so many of our Ranch kids, there was a time when Emily certainly didn’t believe in herself. She did not realize her potential or the plan God had for her life. Yet today, Emily stands strong and resilient; capable and confident, a beautiful, genuine young woman…who surely has promise! Thank you for helping to make stories like Emily’s possible. You cheer our kids on with your prayers and support, believing in their POTENTIAL, helping precious children realize that they indeed have PROMISE, that their lives certainly have POSSIBILITIES and that the God who loves them, surely has a PLAN for their lives.…
Last year, shortly before one of our young women completed her treatment and moved on, she told me a little about her life—a life full of abuse and multiple placements, both foster homes and treatment facilities. She said her time at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch was different because here she learned about Christ and began to have hope. She said she liked math and thought someday she could be a teacher, or perhaps some other work that allowed her to help kids.…
Some things take a while to get used to. For example, writing the correct date this year is more difficult for me because it begins with a 2 and not a 1. My hand is conditioned to make that downward stroke. I wonder how long it will be before I finally write 2020 without hesitation.…
I have always loved Christmas and all that goes along with it. The church services, the music, the decorations, the time together with family and friends, and of course, all the food and goodies. Everyone has different holiday traditions that bring them joy. What do you think of when you recall Christmas as a child and how as an adult? Did you pass on the traditions that you grew up with? Did you make some of your own?…
I recently gave a Ranch presentation at a church in Illinois. After the service, a woman handed me a white candle in the shape of an angel, explaining that after each worship service, she collected the candles. She was told to throw away the candles when they reached a certain length. Not wanting to waste the wax, she began to collect the pieces and melt them to create angels to give as gifts.…
People are hurting all around us—and during the holidays, the burden of being away from family can weigh people down even more. In 2014, Billy Graham responded to a hurting woman with the following words. I share it with you with a request that you pray for the children who spend the holidays at the Ranch, instead of with their families. If you are hurting, may Graham's words bring you comfort.…
At the end of last week, Ranch board meeting took place. Board members from across the United States came to provide management and oversight of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. We are also quickly approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. As I reflect on these two events, I feel great gratitude for all the people who come together to make the Ranch a ministry like no other.…
The people who work at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch are kind, giving, and hard-working. They go above and beyond for the children we serve, regardless of the behaviors our kids throw at them. This kind of work is not easy, and nationally, the turnover of direct care staff in residential facilities like the Ranch is off-the-charts. Over the past year, Ranch leaders and supervisors have focused on improving our turnover stats by providing an atmosphere for direct care staff that keeps them engaged.…
We excitedly celebrated the first day of school last week. As you know, Dakota Memorial School is its own school district with educational facilities on the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch’s Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot campuses. Our School Superintendent, Marcia Bartok, answers a few questions about Dakota Memorial School.…