The State of the Ranch 2022

I am often asked about the State of the Ranch, with the State of the Union just one month away, here is our version – with a little less pomp and circumstance!

2021 Ended in abundance for our kids. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community that ensured our residents had magical, quarantined holidays. We are grateful for the donations of presents and funding for our operations. And, we are thankful for all the opportunities to talk to the community about the work we do every day with our kids from hard places.

Daily it seems, the media has a new headline discussing the poor state of child welfare in Texas. "From bad to worse," per Judge Janis Jack, who presides over the decade-long lawsuit MD vs. Abbott. On a positive note, last year we had one homeless youth graduate from high school while they called PYR home. And, another former resident graduated after they moved to a permanent family - YAY! Also, we celebrate our two teens that worked in the community and have transitioned to living on their own.

The small victories make our day with the kids at the Ranch, and make it hard to say goodbye. This year we have already celebrated a youth going home because their family worked the system to be better and grow so they could care for their child. Let's celebrate those wins, too!  This is what truly embodies “Home for Today and Hope for Tomorrow”

Thank you for all that you do to support PYR and the youth we serve.

Shannan S. Stavinoha, LCCA

Executive Director