Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch will receive $50,000 in matching funds from the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation to complete an innovative remodel of Dakota Memorial School—Fargo, the on-campus school of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Dakota Memorial School is a fully accredited school designed to provide best-in-class trauma-sensitive education for at-risk children. The population includes the children in our psychiatric residential treatment facilities, as well as Day Students from public schools in the surrounding area.
A survey of schools in Fargo and the surrounding communities revealed an increasing need for the specialized educational services offered at Dakota Memorial School. The proposed remodel will add classrooms and other learning spaces to meet the growing need of our community by increasing the number of students we are able to serve.
Most students come to Dakota Memorial School with a history of poor attendance and academic performance, as well as difficulty with social interactions and situations. They have varying degrees of emotional, physical, mental, and/or behavioral challenges. These challenges result in uniquely different learning needs than the average child their age. But, with the right people surrounding them, and in the right environment, even a deeply wounded boy or girl can achieve academic success.
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.
The Cornelsen Charitable Foundation was founded in March of 1993 by Paul and Floy Cornelsen. Their philanthropy encompassed their passion of family, children, and spiritual enrichment. The Cornelsen Charitable Foundation is dedicated to the Empowerment of children and families so they may achieve lifelong success. They strive to achieve this mission through supporting education, special initiatives revolving around the wellness of children, and spiritual growth for both families and children.