“Where did you grow up, Joy?” The question came from a 13-year-old boy I was talking with on our Minot Campus. Really cute child. Curly, mop-like hair. Eyes that sparkle. He runs away from wherever he is. There is a lot to the “why” he does that. That’s another story.…
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Small acts of kindness like showing customers fabric measurements or offering people carts when their hands are full, bring Bonnie Ackerman the most joy.…
Marcia Bartok, VP of Education and Superintendent of our on-campus school is a lifelong learner. She is an avid curator of knowledge about brain development, self-care, leadership, and of course, education, and shares articles of particular interest when she comes across them.…
When I met Clay* six years ago, he gave me a tour of his classroom at Dakota Memorial School on the Minot Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch campus. Because of his autism and other challenges, his movements were jerky and he made no eye contact. His words came out in a flat, staccato pattern. He showed me the baby chicks, where he sat when the teacher read, and a fireplace made out of construction paper next to which he liked to put his work table.…
One of the things I love about working at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is the daily devotions shared by Chaplain Rick Jones. Chaplain Rick works with our kids and our staff and knows so well the challenges and weight carried by each. His devotions beautifully connect the work of the Ranch to Scripture.…
Sometimes people don’t believe me when I explain that everyone at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is part of the children’s healing. It is obvious that the doctors and therapists and nurses and residential treatment specialists and teachers and everyone who works directly with the kids make an impact. But, it goes so much deeper than that.…
When a child leaves the Ranch, it has become a tradition for the Case Manager to write a short paragraph about the child’s healing to share with all staff. It is great to have everyone celebrate these kids, and sharing these successes can be very helpful in making it through a tough day – this isn’t easy work.…
Yesterday I was walking through one of our school buildings. Coming toward me was one of our middle school children. He is about as cute a kid as you can imagine. Lots of curly hair. Bright smile. Loves his stocking caps.…
When children come into our care we get lots of medical and school and other official information about them. Knowing their history helps us know how to approach and treat each child.…
The MDU Resources Foundation awarded $5,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to complete safety upgrades on its Bismarck campus. Specifically, funds will be used to update the fire alarm system.…
One of the great blessings of my job is that I occasionally get to meet, face-to-face, folks like you who support the healing of the children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.…
He faced his emotions and learned that he is surrounded by kind people… like Tammy and Jordan and Marcia and Shayla and his mom and all those who showed love and compassion when he most needed it.…
The children who come to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch have a lot to overcome. Their trauma histories are complicated and they have not had a lot of people believe in them. When we work toward our mission, “to help at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ,” we must always keep in mind that success is different for each child.…
Robert grew up with his dad. "My mom couldn't handle all of us at once, so she put me with my dad. I've lived with him since I was born," he said. Robert said his dad has always worked hard and has helped him through a lot of rough times. But no amount of hard work could equip his dad to help him deal with the challenges resulting from Robert's psychiatric issues and autism.…
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.…
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.…
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch recently promoted Rachael Kary and Stacey Swigart at its Fargo Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF).…
“Hey Joy, have you ever been a model?” The teenage girl was sitting at a table in the nutrition center with her lunch while I was going through the food line. To say I guffawed loudly is accurate.…
Sometimes I come across a thought or a statement I want to share with you, but I can't figure out why it seems important. I’ve been pondering this one for several weeks. “The Ranch and the people who work here are my safe space.”…
In early November the Boards of Directors of our three Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch organizations met on our Fargo Campus. It is always a blessing to have these remarkable people donate their time to govern and inspire us in the pursuit of our mission, “to help at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ.”…
On one of our campuses, program staff decided to try a Secret Santa gift exchange with the kids. Remember, these kids are in psychiatric treatment recovering from difficult traumas. Empathy is one of the skills they work to develop. They have struggled so hard to protect themselves, that learning to think about what makes others happy is a big step forward.…
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot, ND, was the recipient of a $2,566 grant from the Department of Public Instruction. Funds received will be used to purchase a heating cabinet for the Nutrition Center.…
Kids who come to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch have had to protect themselves. They have had to be smart and focused on doing what they could for themselves. Sometimes that extends to siblings or other family members who share their trauma. They don’t often have the chance to learn about caring for a broader circle, or the “greater good.” At the Ranch, we give them those opportunities.…
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.…
I have said it many times and mean it more each time. Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch employs the very best people I have ever worked with. It is an honor to work beside them. Please keep them and Ranch kids in your prayers.…