Turn-About Ranch - Residential Treatment for Teens on a Working Ranch

Real Ranch. Real Values. Real Change.

We came to you when our hopes and dreams for our son had been almost extinguished. You opened your arms and welcomed us - not once making us feel that we had failed as parents. We were afraid for our son and you took our fears away. You gave us hope.

"You also gave us back our son. The son we felt we had almost lost. You gave him back the roots that he needs to be able to face life with courage and conviction. You gave him new wings - not to survive life - but to `Soar on Wings like an Eagle.'

"Since we've been home, we've had our trials but mostly we have triumphs. He is back in school at Pierce College and is currently working. He had the courage to drop his old friends and make new ones. He is loving and cheerful around the house and has the self-esteem of a person who knows his self-worth. For these changes we will be forever thankful.
JF & CF- Puyallup, Washington

"We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you all, and how much you helped our son. You all played a significant part and didn't give up on him even when it was really tough. Thank you for loving him even when he wasn't very lovable! He has strong resolve to stay away from negative influences. He is excited about his future.

"We all had a few emotional ups and downs, but it has been good. He really desires to communicate with us now. Thank you all once again for what you have done."
DP & CP - Salina, Kansas

"You've no doubt heard all this before, but probably never tire of hearing it again: Turn-About Ranch gave me my child back. His goal each day is not remotely related to marijuana or other drugs and alcohol. Where he admittedly planned each day around how he was going to get high, he now leaves for work at seven in the morning and spends the day helping build houses for our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He is working all day with adult men who are committed Christians and fabulous role models. Before Turn-About he wouldn't have volunteered one day to help build a house for some family he didn't know. He wouldn't have even gone with me to deliver lunches to the building site! Now he has his own leather carpenter's belt with his own hammer and measuring tape!

"He misses Black Jack(his horse at Turn-About Ranch)....and I know he misses the staff because he has actually written about six letters in the past three weeks. Until Turn-About he hadn't written six letters voluntarily in his entire life."

"You are saving lives....not just lives of the children, but the lives of their moms and dads and brothers and sisters. Our son is blessed to have had the wisdom, counsel, guidance, and friendship of the staff at Turn-About.
S FG - Pikeville, Kentucky

"Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of our son's graduation from Turn-About Ranch. There have been many success stories and failures during this period. But we think that he is still using information and tools that he was given at Turn-About Ranch to wrestle with this experience we call Life! He is a terrific person and his experience at Turn-About Ranch allowed him to see that person more clearly.

"Some of us may see Turn-About Ranch as the solution to the problems that have brought us to seek guidance here. Now seven years later, it's obvious that Turn-About Ranch is only the beginning. Your staff loves and teaches each one of these precious people while they are with you and then sends them out into the cruel world again. We all hold our breath while we wait to see if the tools you've given them were enough to get them through the rough spots. In the end, as parents, we have to let go of them and wish them well, always being supportive with love and understanding. The reward is a call, telling about a success, or a smile when there's happiness inside.

"Turn-About Ranch has touched our family with love and compassion. We think of you often and thank you for giving our son back to us. We will always support him in his life journey."
JC & KC, Olympia, Washington

"I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Turn-About Ranch and to share our story in hopes that it may be of help to another child and his or her family.

"For about 2 years our lives were like a living hell on earth with every waking moment full of worry for the life our son. He was headed for a life of despair for sure, and we were seriously afraid for his life. After hearing about Turn-About Ranch, we decided to give it a try. It was definitely the hardest decision we had to make but we had to do something.

"After just a few weeks, it seemed that we had made the right decision, we began to see that our son was making progress. There were many issues that not only our son had to deal with, but our whole family as well. Turn-About Ranch was able to help all of us begin to deal with those issues. The staff were readily available at all times and made our son begin to feel good about himself, something we hadn't seen in years. With the beautiful and natural surroundings our son learned to appreciate life. He gained respect and learned how to be thankful for all that there is in life.

"Turn-About Ranch is a very special place, one that we will always be forever grateful that we found. The program is truly a gift of life to everyone who becomes a part. Our son is home now and doing better than we ever could imagine. He takes pride in what he does as well as initiative in his responsibilities. He smiles and laughs and works hard. He even enjoys spending time with his family. As parents of four children, there aren't words to express the gratefulness we feel to Turn-About Ranch. May God bless each and everyone of you in all that you do. If ever we can be of help please don't hesitate to call on us."
AS & MS - Westmorland, Tennessee

"How can parents express "thanks" to a group of people who may have helped save our son's life? With our son so confused, hurt and self- destructive, we didn't know where else to turn. Finally after desperation and prayer, we sent our son to Turn-About Ranch.

"In faith and prayer we hoped for a miracle. About 2 months later at Mid-Term, we saw the son we used to know and love - the "true" son. One clean of alcohol, drugs and rebellion. We laughed, we cried, and we enjoyed each other's company like we hadn't done in probably a year and a half.

"The word "thanks" just doesn't cut it for such a miracle. God bless you all."
RG & TG - Beckley, West Virginia

"Being home from Turn-About hasn't all been fun and games. I've faced a lot of challenges and accomplished many goals. There have been times when I felt all alone and scared, or I felt like I wasn't moving forward fast enough, but I pull out all my pictures from Turn-About Ranch and I look back on my time I spent there.

"I remember how I thought I was never coming home, but I did. It reminds me that you only see what you've done when you're done, not while you're in the middle. I learned so much at Turn-About. I grew mentally, physically, and emotionally while I was there. I found myself. I found love, hope and a new beginning to life. There are times when I wish I could have stayed there. You've shown me a new road to follow. I can never thank you wonderful people at Turn-About for saving my life. I thank my parents for loving me enough to reach out and send me, you guys for showing me life and change, and myself for moving forward and putting my past behind me. It took much effort to be where I am now. I am so proud of myself. You guys will always be in my heart and soul. To think that I was just another dying teenager that you, my parents, and God brought back to life, makes tears stream down my face. Joyful tears, because you took the time to focus on me and help me become who I am today. An honest, respectable, loving, kind, smart, efficient young woman. I'm crying right now out of happiness and love to all of you at Turn-About Ranch. I miss and love you guys so much. Keep doing what you do best....love kids."
KB - Carmichael, California

"In June of this year, we made the decision to send our 15 year-old daughter to Turn-About Ranch. This came after a tumultuous year where she was skipping classes, drinking, trying marijuana, and deeply depressed- to the point that she carved into her arm. While her stay was to be approximately 58 days, because she was not ready to come home at that time, she stayed for a total of 88 days.

"What a joy it was to drive to pick her up and find a smiling, glowing young lady, eager to rejoin her family. The love, counseling and nurturing she received have helped her to discover her own self-worth, and the memories of her stay will last her a lifetime."
RC & JC - Bellevue, Washington

"From the moment she came home, our daughter Sandi felt a sense of loss. She was determined to return to the ranch and reconnect with the people, the values, and the beauty that surrounded her there. So with our bags packed we set off to Utah.
"In some strange way, landing in St George felt a little like coming home. Leaving behind the craziness of the San Francisco Bay Area six days before Christmas was a welcome relief for both of us. Finding ourselves surrounded by families greeting each other at the airport quickly reminded us of how simple and sweet life seems in Utah. We laugh at how attached we've become to this remote part of the country. Appreciating that from the hard work and pain of Sandi's experience, she found a special place she can come home to.
"During our visit we had an opportunity to sit in on a group session where the kids were encouraged to ask both Sandi and myself any question they had on their mind. The first one caught me a little off guard, 'How did you get rid of the friends that you needed to dump?' and 'What did you say to people who talked trash about you while you were gone?' Sandi quickly pointed out, 'The Ranch teaches you what friendship should be, so when you get home you'll know who your true friends really are.' The session was powerful and I was impressed at the communication skills of the group.
"It has really helped Sandi to stay involved with the Ranch staff; even more she enjoys talking to kids who are home and working to get their life on track."
MR - Cupertino, California

"Things have calmed down around here and we are getting back into the family routine. It is wonderful to have Brook home! She is her old self - happy, silly and sober - but with new self-confidence and self-assurance. She is attending NA or AA meetings regularly, and she is about to move on to step 4. The friends she is making now are all sober and mostly male! It's funny - all the boys have discovered Brook is home and looking great! A great many of her old friends have straightened up this past year, so they are sharing experiences and working to keep each other on track.
"She is fitting back into the family very well. She and her sister have declared a truce for now. Charlie is glad to have Brooke back, and they are enjoying each other's company. Brooke actually gives out hugs now and then, and this especially pleases her dad. I have noticed that when a problem does come up, Brooke deals with it openly, without first blaming herself or others - a major breakthrough. Charlie and I really enjoyed our trip to Escalante! He sends his 'hellos' to all. I will send along some photos in the near future. The pictures of Brook's graduation ought to be wild and crazy! We had such a good time that night. It was worth the 2,000 mile trip to get that good southern cooking!
"How can I thank you enough for setting my child's feet back on the right path? Brooke wants to do the right thing now. She wants to grow and cooperate and learn! It's wonderful! She is living proof that the Turn- About Ranch program works. And she has wonderful memories of her experiences and friends in Utah to last her a lifetime. Thank you for everything! We'll be in touch."
CEO&BO - Jackson, Mississippi

"Two and a half years ago we were so afraid for our daughter until we found Turn-About Ranch. We sent her there with the hopes of getting our daughter back. We got more than we bargained for! She is doing wonderful. She goes to school in the morning and works in the afternoon. Ed and I don't have a curfew for her...she doesn't need one. She is the most responsible, fun-loving, caring individual you could ever want to know. She plans to go to college in the fall and she is on the Honor Roll at school. She is self-assured and knows who she is and what she wants. Her faith is important to her and the only thing that seems to matter is her family.
"She has good friends who are honest and caring. They care about Courtney and she cares about them. I remember the first year back at school when she came back from the Ranch was the hardest. Many times I would hold her at night while she cried and told me how lonely she was. She had no friends. I assured her she had me and she would find good friends...she did! Most of her friends are out of high school. She grew up quick, but has made some very good choices. She will forever remember Turn-About and the people who came to have such an impact in her life; and we will always remember and be grateful. I look at Courtney now and can hardly believe she was ever the person she was when we sent her to the Ranch. I'll find some pictures and send them.
"I just wanted to tell you how well she is doing. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts."
ES&SS - North Pole, Arkansas

"I just wanted to write a little note to tell you all how very appreciative I am that there is a Turn-About and that you are all there. I can't even imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't been sent. Maybe I'll never be able to express fully to everyone exactly how much I feel for you, but thanks for everything. Thank you for giving me my life back!"
MG - Grand Rapids, Michigan

"At seventeen, our daughter, Christi, was a rebellious, argumentative, lying, stealing, sneaking, manipulative, disrespectful, and confused teenager who had turned to alcohol as a means to handle her corrupted life. The counselors were telling us we were doing everything right. We thought, if we are doing everything right, why is everything going so wrong? We realized we needed to find intense, round-the-clock therapy to help Christi turn her life around. We chose Turn-About Ranch.

"Christi stayed at Turn-About Ranch for eighty days. At first she felt (quote from Christi) 'massive amounts of aggression' for being sent to the ranch. As time went on she began to realize why she'd been sent to the Ranch, that because of her actions she had lost every privilege she ever had, and how much she had hurt her family. She developed a desire to get her life and relationships straightened out. The staff helped her work through all her issues, taught her how to handle situations constructively, and taught her leadership skills.

"Coming home was a hard adjustment for Christi, but as she met situations and people, the principles and skills she'd learned at the Ranch enabled her to make the right choices. The parenting classes we participated in helped us understand why she behaved as she did. They also helped us to begin the healing process of developing a new relationship with Christi, talking through the hurt and pain of her actions, and helping us understand what our responsibilities were as parents. It was a wonderful experience for the whole family.

"Today Christi is a happy, well-adjusted teenager who respects us as parents and understands that there are rules to follow. Without Turn- About Ranch she realizes that she was on a dead-end road. Now she looks forward to a bright future as she attends college and holds a full-time assistant manager position."
MW&DW - Anoka, Minnesota