More Than Just a Place: Stories From the Ranch
First-hand accounts tell our story best. The impact of our work is difficult to describe and the results are almost too impossible to be true.
Often times, people who come to the Ranch don't talk about their experience, no matter how good, because of the stigma in our society toward mental and behavioral health issues. But the stories are real, compelling, and told by the people and neighbors in our communities.
A Father's Story
My daughter was only 14 when she attempted to commit suicide. After being released from Children's Hospital, she went to the Intensive Care Center at The Buckeye Ranch. When she moved to the Open Campus and we had the opportunity to visit with her, she was a changed person. Her outlook on life and attitude had completely changed. She attended the Cross Creek Day Treatment Program for the remainder of her 8th grade year. After that, she rejoined her class and went on to graduate from high school with honors. She went on to graduate from Capital University and even interned in The Buckeye Ranch Art Therapy Program. This month, she'll graduate with her Master's Degree in Nursing. We couldn't be happier about her turnaround and her accomplishments. Thank you.
On to Success
When I first went to The Buckeye Ranch, my life was on a downward spiral. I didn't have any hopes or dreams for the future — I didn't have a future. Luckily for me, the people at the Ranch managed to get through to me and make an impact. After my stay, I knew I didn't want to go back to my old ways and the life I had led before.
Today, I have a full-time job, a wife and two great kids. My life is on track and in a place I never could have imagined all those years ago. I can truly say that the Ranch saved my life.
Counselor's Story
At the Ranch, caring for children is more than a job description it's a passion. That passion is exemplified in the concept we teach: "There is nothing wrong with you that what is right with you can't fix." In my many years with the Ranch, I've sought to help families recognize their own strengths. Helping others discover what is right with them and create new dreams for their lives opens doors to the healing process. And it allows children and families to create positive outcomes for themselves. The opportunity to share in this process with families at the Ranch is a daily reminder of how special this place is and how vital our work is to the health of our community.
Donor's Story
Someone once told me that if I wanted to do "well" I should start by doing "good." My wife and I have always done very well in our careers, our health, our family and our friends. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate. And while our lives are not perfect, we do have the one thing that drives us — hope.
We're not blind to the needs of people less fortunate than us. We know that devastating life circumstances and mental health issues can deplete hope from the lives of children and their families. The Buckeye Ranch has a proven track record of success in restoring hope. And my wife and I are proud to support that effort. We feel like we are doing "good" when we donate to the Ranch.
