Each month, one of my fellow Development Officers writes an article so you have the chance to hear about the Ranch from a different perspective. I respect them all very much and am proud to be a part of this professional group. Laurie Dannewitz wrote this week's article. She has been working for the Ranch for many years and knows so much about our ministry. She is dedicated to the residents of the Ranch and to the donors who support our work. I am honored to work with such a kind and loving person. Thank you for reading her words and the articles below. - Janet
While November brings reminders of cold and snow, I like to see it as an opportunity to look forward to Thanksgiving and Advent. Thanksgiving reminds us to focus our thoughts and lives on gratitude. Advent, and the Advent Wreath which symbolizes eternal life, reminds us we are all a part of the circle of life—a circle of life made possible by God.
Each year, hundreds of children come to the Ranch with circles of lives that appear to be broken or misshapen. Thanks to Jesus, they, too, have complete and perfect circles of lives, just like you and me. At the Ranch, they find a safe place to lay their heads at night, along with love, healing, and hope. We introduce them to God’s perfect Kingdom and invite them to partake of His mercy, His healing, and His peace.
We can do this only because we have thousands of donors across the United States, donors like you, who believe in these kids and want them to see God’s love.
We live in a world that cries out for us to be owners, takers, and users. But, our Christian beliefs call us us to be stewards. In God’s economy, it is not the one with the most toys who wins. Instead it is those who are faithful in the small and big stewardship decisions they make every day.
As you think about Advent and the circle of life that does not end with your passing from Earth, please consider the legacy you want to leave behind. If you believe in the children who come to the Ranch—children who work so hard to overcome the hurt piled on them by the adults in their lives—consider supporting them through a legacy gift to the Ranch ministry.
If you have questions about the best way you can support these amazing kids, call or stop by anytime. We always have the coffee on.
Thank you for your prayers and support—our kids need it more than ever before.
Laurie Dannewitz
Development Officer
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at DakotaRanch.org.
You can also follow the Ranch on Facebook and Twitter.
Personal Planner
Passing Unequal Shares in Your Will. Because children often look at their inheritance as a representation of their parents' love, most parents leave children equal shares of their estate. However, there are a number of good reasons why a parent might leave unequal shares. Click to read more
Savvy Living
How to Capture Your Loved Ones' Story. I am interested in making a video of my 82-year-old parents' life story. With the holidays approaching, I thought this could be a neat gift to my older siblings, but I could use some help. What can you tell me? Click to read more
Donor Story
The Retirement Unitrust. Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland. Click to read more
Washington News
IRA and 401(k) Contributions in 2019. On November 1, 2018, the IRS announced the 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2019. The IRA limit increases from $5,500 in 2018 to $6,000 in 2019. Click to read more
Finances
Stocks - Apple's Shares Fall Read more
Bonds - Yields Rise on Strong Jobs Data Read more
CDs and Mortgages - Mortgage Rates Fall Read more
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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.