Gifts can be directed to any of the following donor-supported programs. Donations not designated for a specific fund will be used to help finance for CBR YouthConnect’s most critical needs. Many of our programs and services have been featured by the national news media, including Animal Planet, PBS “The Nature Series,” NBC Nightly News, The History Channel, and by numerous other national and regional TV stations, newspapers and magazines.
School
CBR YouthConnect's fully accredited school offers general and special education for grades K-12. The North Central Accreditation Association recently completed its triannual review of our school and reviewers stated that CBR YouthConnect’s school “is the most innovative we’ve seen.” Boys take a variety of academic, vocational, living skills and creative arts classes in which they develop their interests and gain knowledge and skills critical to future success. Many of our youth leave CBR YouthConnect with a G.E.D. or high school diploma.
Horsemanship
From the beginning, horses have been part of the therapy for our youth. They learn the fundamentals of horsemanship, including how to ride, groom and train horses. Boys also complete chores in the corrals. And, each year, some of our youth compete in horsemanship competitions in local, regional and state events. In addition, by working with the horses, youth learn about love, responsibility and teamwork. Most of our horses were donated to CBR YouthConnect.
Small Animal Program
Working with animals ranging from hedgehogs and sugar gliders to iguanas and fish, our youth learn about proper care, handling and nutrition for small animals. They also learn to have compassion, gentleness and respect for animals, other people and themselves. Animal-assisted therapy includes the nationally acclaimed 10-week New Leash on Life dog-training program.
4-H Club
Members of The Wranglers, CBR YouthConnect's on-campus 4-H club, undertake individual projects involving horses, cattle, rabbits and crafts which they may enter in the local and state fairs. As a result, they learn leadership, responsibility and social skills while also having fun.
Medical Fund
CBR YouthConnect provides comprehensive medical care for youth, many of whom had inadequate health care as young children. Nurses, doctors, dentists, psychiatrists and other specialists attend to our youth’s various medical needs. This fund finances medical service not covered by health care insurance.
Vocational Education
A new computer lab has been constructed and some state-of-the-art software programs now are available to give our youth some incredible opportunities to explore dozens of career and vocational choices. Through the completion of on-campus construction projects, our youth gain construction and carpentry skills that they may use to secure employment after leaving CBR YouthConnect.
Work Education
Our youth gain valuable, hands-on work experience and develop skills in woodworking, construction, welding, landscaping and food services.
Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded to promising students who have received treatment at CBR YouthConnect and who want to pursue their dreams of attending a junior college, technical school or traditional four-year university.
Capital/Building Fund
This fund covers capital improvements on campus, from the construction of new buildings to renovations of existing ones. Many of our buildings, are aging and will need to be renovated or replaced over the next few years. A recently developed a master plan for the campus has determined that our greatest need is a new educational building. We have received a lead gift for this project but in the coming months will need donor contributions to begin construction. Your generous gifts will help CBR YouthConnect continue to provide leading-edge education and treatment services to our youth.
Library
The Jacqueline G. Archer Literacy Center houses a library and media center for student use. Our youth use the facility to check out books, conduct research on the Internet, utilize CD ROM programs and watch videos. The boys enrolled in the Vocational Education Program helped construct this new, state-of-the art multimedia facility.
Music Program
This program gives our youth the opportunity to take voice lessons or learn to play an instrument. We have added a lively recording studio where the boys compose and practice music to the mix of Music Program offerings.
Horticulture
Through on-campus gardens and a greenhouse, our youth learn about plant development and grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The vegetables and flowering plants are used on campus.
Boy Scouts
The scouting program emphasizes character building, citizenship training and personal fitness. Scouting teaches a variety of career and life skills. A number of our youth have gone on to become Eagle Scouts.
Chaplaincy
Various religious activities on campus or in the community are made available to our youth. They may also attend regular worship in the picturesque non-denominational chapel on campus. An ordained minister serves as CBR YouthConnect’s chaplain and is available for counseling.
Holiday Gifts
CBR YouthConnect gives birthday and winter holiday gifts to each youth. These gifts are especially meaningful for the many boys who stay on campus during the holiday season.
Animal Therapy Preservation
These funds ensure the ongoing activities of animal-assisted therapy, providing food and housing for animals ranging from hamsters to llamas and horses.
Endowment
CBR YouthConnect’s endowment will help ensure that the Ranch's highly successful programs and activities continue well into the future
