Everyone has a story. That is the mantra that we repeat at the Ranch. Every child, parent, staff person comes with their own history. What came before does not define their future, but it certainly does inform their future. The trauma-informed care at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is summarized as, "We don't ask what is wrong with a child, we ask what happened to the child."…
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Summer programming gives our kids a unique and positive summer experience. They experience activities they may not have been exposed to before—like gardening, fishing, hiking, art, music, and more. They learn new things in classes like Discover Dakota, Sports History, and Pop Culture. School has rarely been consistent for Ranch kids so it's important to challenge them to learn. Learning without the stress of tests and grades helps kids see that learning can be fun and that they can succeed.…
Cain came to the Ranch in 2016 after spending some time in a Minot psychiatric hospital. When he completed treatment and was able to go home, his parents enrolled him in the Day Program so he could continue his education at Dakota Memorial School. For an entire school year, Cain's parents, Dawn and Kevin, drove him 70 miles (one way) to school, because at DMS he experienced the only success he'd ever had in school.…
While Don and Arlene Schumacher don't know exactly how they learned about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, they assume it was through their church, Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, MN.…
As she graduated from Dakota Memorial School in May 2022, Stacy used her graduation speech to address current and future Ranch residents. Her words speak for themselves.…
In the last quarter of the 20-21 school year, Principal Tina DeGree asked the teachers if they saw any gaps in the curriculum at Dakota Memorial School, Minot. And, if they did see gaps, to present ideas that would fill those gaps. Teachers Josh Hvidsten and Daniel Fagerlund presented a proposal for a new Leadership class, and it was added to this fall's curriculum. The Leadership class gives kids the chance to learn and practice real-life skills by finding projects that fill a need in the community.…
Dakota Memorial School teachers and staff have specialized training in teaching children who have experienced significant trauma. I am always amazed at the ability of these wonderful people to teach very rigorous curriculums, the same requirements as any accredited school district, to students who have been largely labeled as “unteachable.”…
I am always happy to find a good prayer. I know I can just talk to God. The Holy Spirit will help me. Even sitting in silence with Him is powerful. Or, using the Lord’s Prayer is always an option! And there are lots of prayers created over time to “fall back on.”…
Karen Engelter is the Executive Assistant who works with me and tries desperately to keep me in the right place at the right time. She is fearless and kind and approachable and many of the children at the Ranch seek her out. She looks each child in the eye and sees a hero. They trust her.…
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch received $2,000 from Capital Electric Cooperative to support safety upgrades on its Bismarck campus. Specifically, funds will be used to update the fire alarm system.…
Cass County Electric Cooperative granted $3,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch for safety upgrades on its Fargo campus.…
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch received $5,000 from Basin Electric Power Cooperative to support safety upgrades on its Bismarck campus. Specifically, funds will be used to update the fire alarm system.…
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch received $500 from KidsGardening to support the Gardening Program on our Fargo, ND campus. Funds will be used to purchase materials to build a strawberry garden.…
“Where did you grow up, Joy?” The question came from a 13-year-old boy I was talking with on our Minot Campus. Really cute child. Curly, mop-like hair. Eyes that sparkle. He runs away from wherever he is. There is a lot to the “why” he does that. That’s another story.…
Small acts of kindness like showing customers fabric measurements or offering people carts when their hands are full, bring Bonnie Ackerman the most joy.…
Marcia Bartok, VP of Education and Superintendent of our on-campus school is a lifelong learner. She is an avid curator of knowledge about brain development, self-care, leadership, and of course, education, and shares articles of particular interest when she comes across them.…
When I met Clay* six years ago, he gave me a tour of his classroom at Dakota Memorial School on the Minot Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch campus. Because of his autism and other challenges, his movements were jerky and he made no eye contact. His words came out in a flat, staccato pattern. He showed me the baby chicks, where he sat when the teacher read, and a fireplace made out of construction paper next to which he liked to put his work table.…
One of the things I love about working at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is the daily devotions shared by Chaplain Rick Jones. Chaplain Rick works with our kids and our staff and knows so well the challenges and weight carried by each. His devotions beautifully connect the work of the Ranch to Scripture.…
Sometimes people don’t believe me when I explain that everyone at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is part of the children’s healing. It is obvious that the doctors and therapists and nurses and residential treatment specialists and teachers and everyone who works directly with the kids make an impact. But, it goes so much deeper than that.…
When a child leaves the Ranch, it has become a tradition for the Case Manager to write a short paragraph about the child’s healing to share with all staff. It is great to have everyone celebrate these kids, and sharing these successes can be very helpful in making it through a tough day – this isn’t easy work.…
Yesterday I was walking through one of our school buildings. Coming toward me was one of our middle school children. He is about as cute a kid as you can imagine. Lots of curly hair. Bright smile. Loves his stocking caps.…
When children come into our care we get lots of medical and school and other official information about them. Knowing their history helps us know how to approach and treat each child.…
The MDU Resources Foundation awarded $5,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to complete safety upgrades on its Bismarck campus. Specifically, funds will be used to update the fire alarm system.…
One of the great blessings of my job is that I occasionally get to meet, face-to-face, folks like you who support the healing of the children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.…
He faced his emotions and learned that he is surrounded by kind people… like Tammy and Jordan and Marcia and Shayla and his mom and all those who showed love and compassion when he most needed it.…