On November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans Day was first named Armistice Day and began being celebrated the year after the end of World War I, which at that time was called The Great War, or The War to End All Wars. Unfortunately, we got that part of the plan wrong. So, we continue to rely on those who serve in the military, and their families, to make the sacrifices to keep us safe and free. My dad was a WWII veteran of the Pacific Theater and I grew up with a deep respect for all who fight for freedom. Thank you to each and every one of you who chose to serve.
Today, we celebrate our Veterans. We also celebrate the brave and remarkable kids at the Ranch.
A wonderful email, written by Monica Witmer, Case Manager of Challenge Cottage in Minot, was forwarded to me by Amber Marquardt, the Residential Director of our Minot Qualified Residential Treatment Programs. It gave me goosebumps.
"'Ms. I' discharged today at around 1830 hours. I am very happy for this young lady; she has come such a long way. In the beginning she was very resistant to help from staff and she struggled with expressing her emotions appropriately. Today she walks away from Challenge Cottage with tears of joy, yet some fear for the future. She said she feels at home here and was hesitant to leave. I assured her she now has the tools, and the values we've taught her, to take with her and make any place home. She's a very talented and beautiful young lady. I hope nothing but success for her future!”
“Ms. I” came to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch the same as many of our children. She was hurting, angry, impulsive… but really wanting to find that “best self” that lay within her. Celebrating her success reminds us all to never, ever, give up on a child.
When Amber forwarded the email, she wrote, “I am very excited for her. We all know this child just wants to be a part of a family, and I think a perfect match was found for her! I hope she is successful in all aspects of life and wish her nothing but the best. Thank you to the Challenge team for working with her and helping her reach her goals. You all made a positive impact!”
And I would say the same to each of you. Your prayers, your support, and your compassion made a positive impact for “Ms. I” and each of the other precious children at the Ranch. Please take time to celebrate a little, too!
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Send a message of hope to a child at the Ranch
Hope is a very powerful thing. For kids at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, hope can mean the difference between successful treatment and giving up on life. You can provide hope for our kids. Your message will let a boy or girl know that someone cares and wants them to succeed. It's easy to do and takes just a few minutes! Send a message of hope to a child at the Ranch by clicking on the link above.
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