Volunteering at the Ranch

 

From our humble beginnings being hosted at local stables, to our current ministry on our own property, hands that freely give are the life of this place.

 

Volunteering at the Beginning

 

WHY Ranch experienced its humble beginnings in 2005 when Amy Meyer heard Kim Meeder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch share about their ministry in Bend, Oregon. Amy chose to pour her life into a similar program here in Las Vegas. Amy and a group of friends formed WHY Ranch and freely gave their time, finances, and many long days to help this program get on its feet. Never asking for anything in return, their volunteer heart is the reason WHY Ranch exists today.
 

Volunteering as Healing

 

Today the ranch has rehabilitated a herd of rescued and adopted horses that many of the kids who come are able to begin riding. Many of our Diamonds and volunteers have been instrumental in this process so that we can pass the gift on to others. Volunteering is a foundational part of our program, and most sessions begin with a chore. This is usually 10-20 minutes where a leader and child work together mucking paddocks, pulling weeds, or working on various ranch projects. Involvement in these simple tasks builds value into the heart of a child.

We strive to teach our children that they can do something to improve the life of someone else. This fulfills an elementary need in every child’s heart. That is, the need to be needed. Oftentimes having this feeling of value is an integral part of a child’s healing.
 

Volunteering and the Ranch Property

 

The beauty of WHY Ranch is a ministry all its own. Many visitors seek the chance to visit for a while and bask in the peaceful environment. Clearing the overgrown ranch and working to maintain this environment has proven to be quite a challenge. However, our volunteer force (local and group volunteers) have been invaluable in keeping things going. A trip to the ranch will prove this, as so much of the ranch has been touched by the hands of those who freely give their time. From the repurposed turnouts, to the small beds of flowers planted by a child’s mother, most everything here has been blessed by the touch of a volunteer. Volunteers have been building, cleaning, fixing, and improving this ranch ever since it opened its own gates in the Spring of 2014, all without expecting anything in return.