All the kids at the Ranch live in group settings. They all have their own rooms and opportunities for quiet time. They share common areas where they do crafts, study, play cards and games, watch television, etc. Of course, we have gyms and classrooms and chapels and dining centers, but the common areas they share with just a few other kids, are their “living rooms.”
As you can imagine, each one of these living rooms develops its own personality. In Cornelsen Cottage, where our youngest boys stay (10-14 years old), the living room is for Legos and other games. Cards and board games prevail in living rooms for older boys. In Challenge Cottage, where teenage girls live, one of the activities in the living room is Coffee Talk. These girls are more apt to be exploring their feelings, chatting, and asking questions about the world and growing up. Coffee Talk is a non-threatening, grown-up way to get together and talk about things, just like all teenage girls are wont to do.
Recently, the Coffee Talk topic was poetry. What do you like to read? What is real poetry? Who are the greatest poets you have ever read? Do you write poetry?
Children all find their own ways to overcome their trauma. Some find solace in music. Some in talk therapy. Some children express themselves in art. Some write poetry.
In the course of the discussion, one of the girls shared a poem she had written. This young lady has experienced much, and has worked very hard to heal and become her best self. Her words reflect that hard work and the respect she has for the people who have walked with her.
What Am I Thankful For?
People ask me that all the time.
Whether it be food or my cat, thankfulness comes from the heart.
I am always thankful for three things,
Faith, Family, Treatment.
Faith has saved me so many times.
It has saved me from myself and from hurting others.
Family has created a safe place for me to express myself.
It has also created multiple opportunities for me.
Treatment has saved my life.
It made me rethink my life and how much I truly love it.
Thankfulness can come out in many different ways.
You can do something for others.
or say a simple thank you to someone who has had an impact on you.
Learn to express your thankfulness so others can feel like they can express themselves.
So, what are you thankful for?
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
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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