donforrester1947 posted: " Yesterday morning's commute to the boy's ranch program near Brenham where I was privileged to work brought back a host of memories. For starters, my affiliation with the program as President ended five years ago this May. It was one of four programs"
Yesterday morning's commute to the boy's ranch program near Brenham where I was privileged to work brought back a host of memories. For starters, my affiliation with the program as President ended five years ago this May. It was one of four programs where I was privileged to serve in that capacity.
I was familiar with the program long before I had a direct tie or administrative responsibilities to the boys ranch operation. Many memories filled my mind as I reflected back across the past thirty-three years.
It has always been a relatively small operation, mostly serving fewer than 20 boys. At one time, there was a therapeutic wilderness camp program at the back of the property, and their census may have exceeded two dozen boys.
I know first-hand through a quasi-family tie the incredible difference the program can make for a boy from a hard place. To suggest that the program equipped him to overcome deficits associated to his challenging start relationally, academically and socially defies explanation.
Because of my quasi-family tie with the boy and my administrative role with the agency, I chose to distance myself from decisions associated with his care. I did review the psychological evaluation following his admission nine or ten years ago. The psychological did not highlight a promising future. The report focused more on deficits and learning disabilities. Long story short, it didn't give one reason to expect much.
Today this young man is in his third or fourth year of college and doing well relationally, socially and academically. He has grown into a very responsible, talented and capable young man whose future looks nothing but promising.
To suggest that his life is a miracle is a fair assessment. He no longer presents himself as a young man from a hard place. He has distanced himself from that persona, and rightfully so.
He is no longer a frightened young boy without a healthy sense of self-esteem, confidence or hope. It falls under the concept that with God, all things are possible. The investment that a host of folks contributed to his well-being across the past decade has paid incredible dividends.
The name of the program is Miracle Farm, and the program delivers what it promises. I have nothing but praise for the program. Yesterday, I visited with the new President of the agency, toured a new state-of-the- art cottage for boys and saw a host of other positive changes that have been made since I was with the agency.
It was a feel good moment for me to recognize that the future of the farm will continue to reflect the promise associated with it's name.
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