News & Info

Connie's Corner

Newsletter - November 2009

We’re changing seasons, getting ready to start the holiday festivities and….we’ve got our all new and improved website including our Facebook site, too! Lots of changes. Check us out at www.valleyteenranch.org and you can also become a fan of Valley Teen Ranch on Facebook. By the way, if you haven’t given us your email address, please call Gina at 437.1144 and give it to her.

As we begin to prepare for the holidays and the end of 2009 we are taking an inventory of things that need to be repaired or replaced at the ranch. Our Ropes (or Challenge) course has been used weekly, by our boys and staff. Through this “tool” we are able to learn teamwork, problem solving, communication and trust. We learn together as we experience participating in these “elements” as a group. In order for the course to be insured it has to be inspected annually. Well, the annual inspection included several items that need to be repaired or replaced, primarily due to new codes and safety features being increased. (no one has been hurt on the course). Therefore the bill for the inspection and repairs is $5000. Also we had to put one of our 10 passenger vans on the auction block and it needs to be replaced with a “pre-owned” (or new), low mileage, ready for the road van. In addition our fall gardening project is underway and a new rotter tiller needed to be purchased for $650.

These are above and beyond expenses that are needed for us to be able to continue to work with our kids. Therefore we are asking for your best giving this month to help with these items. OR if you or someone you know has any of these pre-owned items, we would be happy to give a tax-deductible receipt for them.

Our Fashion Show on October 24 was just fantastic! Over 350 people attended and we were able to bring in $ from the event. Thanks to all of you who came, gave and did your Christmas shopping with us! Go to our web site, then to news & info; to events; to photo gallery to THEN see the pictures.

We are growing. The kids are changing as they reach their goals; we are anticipating a strong finish by December 31. Please continue to pray for us and give with us as we work at “Building Young Lives.”

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

With a Grateful Heart,

Connie R. Clendenan, CEO Valley Teen Ranch

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