Support for a Better Tomorrow


The shelter program operated by Parks Youth Ranch, Inc is offered to youth ages 7 to 17 for up to 90 days and is licensed by the State of Texas Department of Family & Protective Services. Shelter, education and mental health are our primary focus areas for the residents at Parks Youth Ranch. We are very appreciative of the partnership with Lamar Consolidated School District for helping us to meet the educational needs of our residents. The youth we serve would likely be homeless if not for the services we provide. Our residents, under the McKenny Vento Act, are provided services comparable to those received by other students in the school they attend, including transportation services, and education programs for which each student would otherwise receive.

  • Parks Youth Ranch provides on-site intervention and support for youth who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or abuse and neglect. Each resident receives a comprehensive assessment to identify the challenges that led to their current situation. From there, our team works to develop a thoughtful, realistic plan tailored to each youth’s unique needs.

    Our ultimate goals are to help youth achieve permanency, stability, safety, and emotional well-being in their next placement and beyond. Residents who need a quiet space to focus or study are welcome to use the George Counseling Center, which serves as a study and administrative space.

  • The ranch shelter is licensed to house youth from the age of 7 to 17 for up to 90 days, referrals are accepted from TX DFPS and residents of Fort Bend County.

    • Transportation to school is provided by the school districts and shelter staff.

    • Shelter staff provides or make arrangements with other service providers to offer tutoring, life skills, behavioral modification

    • Arrangements are made for psychological testing and substance abuse counseling for youth who are in need of those services.

    • Shelter staff transport youth to medical and dental services and other appointments as necessary.

    • Referrals are made to other agencies as appropriate.

  • All of the staff at Parks Youth Ranch are trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. PYR is proud to be a partner in the Fort Bend TBRI Collabortive to help train adults working in child welfare, juvenile justice, teachers and volunteers with the right tools and techniques that bring healing and hope to vulnerable children.

PYR Mission Video

See how Parks Youth Ranch provides a safe haven for youth in crisis. Our 2024 mission video highlights the impact of your support and the stories of hope, healing, and growth happening every day at the Ranch.