Al and Johnne Bierdeman both come from humble beginnings in rural North Dakota. Johnne grew up in Dickey, ND, where her parents both worked at the bank. Al was born and raised on a family farm near Sykeston, ND, and was one of six kids.…
Ranch Voice
Dakota Memorial School (DMS), the on-campus school of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, is specially designed for children with trauma histories. One of the unique elements of the school is that children transfer in and out of the school in the individualized ways that meet their needs.…
DMS's unique, therapeutic educational environment gives kids an opportunity to experience school in a new way. Our educators work with students to turn their fears into new academic and study skills, new social and emotional skills, new strategies to manage inappropriate behaviors, and new ways to feel and experience school success.…
Paytin was a 5th grader when he started attending Dakota Memorial School, the on-campus school of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. "It got to the point where essentially my [home] school couldn't deal with me anymore. So, I came here."…
Shanaye didn't experience much safety in her childhood—either at home or at school. "Until my dad moved out, home was a really hostile and scary place," Shanaye said. "I was abused by my father for a good portion of my life. It was just horrible."…
In practice, Case Managers at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch are connectors—the glue that holds everything together while a child is in treatment at the Ranch. They bring together the Ranch treatment team, the child and their family, and county or Department of Juvenile Justice caseworkers; to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction and that the children and their families have a voice in their treatment.…
People often ask what makes the Ranch special. What do we do differently at the Ranch that helps kids heal? The truth is that there is not one answer to that question. We focus on every child individually and find ways to meet their specific needs. Our goal is to help our children heal and grow so they can become successful members of their families and communities—and we do that by working with them one-by-one to determine their strengths and challenges, and to find strategies that will work for them.…
For several years, Dakota Memorial School has been creating a program that gives students opportunities to learn important social skills, build relationships with their teachers and peers, and obtain the knowledge and skills they need to transition back to public school or adulthood.…
"My horse, Teddy, taught me how to love him and love other people. Just like Teddy, people are going to be stubborn. You have to compromise with them. You gotta give in a little bit and take a little back. I've learned so much from Teddy." -Megan, former Ranch resident…
Meagan Gelinske comes from a generous family, and the importance of giving back was instilled in her at an early age. "I learned early on to share what I had. Several of my family members are very generous and I quickly realized that giving to help others is a good way to live," Meagan said. "My Christian faith plays a large part, too."…
Most of us remember school as Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, and other classes where we sat down, listened to a teacher give a lecture, and waited for the bell to ring so we could walk out the door for our next class period. School days were full of routine, had few disruptions, and most days were similar. We had teachers who inspired us, helped us determine our future path, and provided critical feedback as we navigated this world.…
One of the great challenges of the work we do at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is helping our children be successful when they leave our care. During treatment, we wrap children and their families in many services and supports. When a child completes treatment and goes home, the family must find these services in the community—not an easy task when they may have their own challenges and/or live in a rural area with few available services.…
Rev. Keith and Denise Less were drawn to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch ministry because of the similarity between Keith’s background and that of many of the Ranch kids.…
“The people there [at the Ranch] on the ground, the people investing their lives in the lives of the young people—they’re the ones doing the work. I can’t be one of those people, but I can plant some energy in the effort," Smith said.…
Jim's heart for the Ranch is very personal. "When I was the age of Ranch kids, I would probably have been one of them... One reason I support the Ranch is because no child should have to go through a situation like that."…
At Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, we spend a lot of time getting the kids outside and into nature. That is intentional—because spending time in nature is healing, leading to higher levels of happiness and well-being.…
With a lot of hard work and hearts full of love, our Facilities Teams make the Ranch a home-like environment for our kids.…
Lola Vulles carries on her parent's legacy by giving to the Ranch, and helping children who didn't grow up in a family like hers.…
Lorens and Mabel Kingstad were hardworking children of immigrants who grew up during the Depression and the Dirty Thirties. According to their children, Tim Kingstad and Naomi Kingstad Murphy, they lived simple, frugal, and humble lives of "faith active in love."…
At Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, occupational therapy plays an integral role in the mental health treatment of the children it serves.…
At a time when nothing was working, Cameron and his family found hope for the future at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.…
At the Ranch, Jeremiah learned the skills he needs to succeed in life, preparing him to take the next steps after leaving treatment.…
Children who come to the Ranch are just like other kids. They may have endured more trauma than others and need help to heal and move forward, but like all kids, they face a full range of choices as they step out into the world.…
Vocational Education gives Ranch kids a chance to succeed in school and prepares them for life in the real world.…
Sleep is as vital to life as the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the water you drink, but Ranch kids' histories of trauma often have a great impact on their sleep habits.…