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Teen Second Chance Ranch
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One of the best ways to teach responsibility is to give a person a task. That philosophy is helping some young men who have had problems show they can be successful. Reed Galin takes us to a ranch where teens are hard at work, and happier. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: near
Waco, Texas)
Dion, Resident, Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch: “I felt like
nobody loved me. I didn’t think I had a family.”
Fifteen-year-old Dion is one of 50 teenagers living at the
Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch near Waco, Texas. Dottie Briggs is an
administrator.
Dottie Briggs, Administrator, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch:
“They could be placed here by court order. They may have family
conflicts. They may have been experiencing truancy.”
Here, troubled teens learn about self-control—and second chances—by
working with animals. Sixteen-year-old Javen now feels like a success.
Javen, Resident, Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch: “At one point, he
was the worst steer out here. He was really skinny and stuff. But after
I worked with him for awhile, now he’s the best one.”
The kids show off their skills at area livestock shows, according to Ag
teacher John Kuretsch.
John Kuretsch, Teacher, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch:
“Sometimes, the parents will come to a show and just be in awe that
their son is leading a 1,000-pound steer through an arena. Just is
remarkable.”
Trent, Resident, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch: “I’ve learned not
to really give up on stuff that easy, because it is a good experience.”
Sixteen-year-old Trent now cleans pigpens and gets up early without
complaining. Caring for the animals is a privilege that 14-year-old
Clifton appreciates.
Clifton, Resident, Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch: “I’ve got to
have good grades to stay with him. So I want to keep my grades up, like
I already did. I got all As and Bs.”
Dion, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch: “It shows me that I can do
anything I put my mind to.”
Most of the kids will live on the 500-acre ranch about a year and a
half. Teachers say it’s a time of transformation.
John Kuretsch, Teacher, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch: "The anger
starts disappearing. They start asking more questions, wanting to get
more involved. And they just feel like they do have a purpose in life
once again."
Dion, Resident, Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch: “Me and my stepdad
are getting along really well. At first, we didn’t get along, but we’re
doing awesome now.”
"You did good. You made big progress today. I’m proud of you."
TAG:
Methodist Children's Home
was founded in 1890, and began
as an orphanage. Now the program serves more than 1,000 children daily
through residential care, the ranch, foster care and a college program.
For more information, call 254-799-2434.
Posted: December 9, 2009