When I was in high school, I was a state officer in Future Homemakers of America (FHA). That was “the” organization for girls in rural America.
In 1999, FHA renamed itself Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). It is a wonderful co-ed organization that teaches kids family, work, and community leadership skills. Members are also challenged to do service projects. (Bear with me...you'll soon understand why I'm giving you an FCCLA history lesson.)
Recently, a teenage girl visited our Fargo campus toting several large boxes. The boxes contained welcome bags for new residents. They had little coping “fidgets,” coloring books and crayons, chewing gum, and other items that are really helpful for kids at the Ranch as they work to overcome their traumas.
Later on Facebook, the young woman posted…”During my time in FCCLA, I chose to sew 100 bags filled with items to help cope and learn more about mental health. I decided to do this project because being aware of your mental health is very important. I remember being clueless about mental health and not knowing it was an actual problem but looking back on those times and having experience of mental health issues just got me thinking. Why do we look at mental health negatively?”
I often wonder the same thing.
Perhaps those who follow us, like this budding leader, will be able to change that.
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Your Thrivent Choice Dollars® can be used to support multiple organizations each year. At the Ranch, we use all Thrivent Choice® funds for our Spiritual Life Program. Your support is vital in giving our precious children the foundation of faith they need to thrive. To direct your Choice Dollars® to the Ranch, simply go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice, login, and choose Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. To direct Choice Dollars® over the phone, call 1-800-847-4863 and say "Thrivent Choice," after the prompt. The deadline is MARCH 31st, so direct your Choice Dollars® today! Thank you for your continued support of our ministry!
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The Need for Healing Must Outweigh the Pain of Separation
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