Knuckles

In working with children recovering from trauma, it is so important to celebrate every win! When children have been broken, they have a difficult time recognizing when they are doing well. Every time someone points out a strength or a good decision, it fills, bit by bit, the holes that abuse and neglect left in their soul.

So, folks at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch get good at celebrating—with the children and with each other. Here is a wonderful email example from Katelyn, one of our Wellness Specialists, who has expertise in equine therapy. She writes to her co-workers after a day at the barn.

"Exciting news on the horse barn front. Andrea went to the horse barn group tonight and did amazing! As you know, Andrea has not attended many off-campus outings since coming to the Ranch. She often becomes overwhelmed even during smaller clinical groups. Today, Andrea was informed that she was able to attend the horse barn for the first time due to her recent safe behaviors. When I went to the cottage to speak with her about the ins and outs of the horse barn, she was excited and immediately asked if she could go next week too. We went through the expectations, and Andrea followed them to a T! Andrea didn't feel comfortable riding, so she chatted with me about horses and what her peers were doing while riding. She even got to do "knuckles" with Loki, the resident colt. During the drive back, the residents were asked what they learned during group. Andrea excitedly shared that she learned how to put everything on a horse, and take it off, and what a bridle and reins were. Even back at the cottage, she was eager to share about her time at the horse barn. This is a huge win for Andrea and for her team!"

Your prayers and financial support are what make wins like Andrea’s possible. You should celebrate, too.

Please keep all our kids and staff, like Andrea and Katelyn, in your prayers.

In His love,

Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Knuckles

Knuckles

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