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Connie's Corner

Newsletter - December 2009

Where has this year gone? Are we ready for 2010? So many wonderful, as well as dreadful, things have happened to us all this year; election, war, death, budget deficits and cuts, salary freeze, stimulus spending, grant reductions, crime, price increases, H1N1, air and water pollution, drug abuse, child abuse, relationship challenges, and divorce. BUT we are still alive and kickin’ here at Valley Teen Ranch. We have seen tremendous changes for the good in our kids. We have successfully completed 15 adoptions/home studies and there are about 8 more in the process. These children have a permanent home and family with which to grow up in and belong to. Our Group Homes are totally full and our boys are growing in their self-esteem, hygiene, habits, work skills, social skills, school credits, and abilities to handle their anger. Our Foster Families are working harder than ever to train their children to make better choices. Our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and YOU have been faithful to work together during the good days and the challenging ones, too.

As you reflect back on this year I hope you, too can see progress, victory over the challenges and hope for the future. I am choosing to read my Bible more and the newspaper, Fox news, and Oprah Magazine less. We DO have a bright future ahead of us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of the young people and families God brings our way. We certainly can’t help them all, but for those who choose to accept what we have to offer, the sky is the limit of possibilities ahead for them.

This week one of our former boys came from OK to visit us. I was able to put together a mini reunion of our former staff to have lunch together at the ranch. He was able to share his experiences with us when he was 12 and 13 (now 31, married with 2 children). The things he remembered and is still applying to his life were unbelievable. He learned to work, accept disappointment, finish the 8th grade, go camping and backpacking, how to swim and catch fish, how to play fairly, how to speak without using profanity, and be loved. He also accepted Jesus into his life and got baptized while at camp with us. Our motto of “Building Young Lives” is still happening, now in his children.

I am asking you to examine your budget as I am doing mine at the end of this year and join me by including Valley Teen Ranch in your “year end giving”. Our goal is to wrap up this year on budget and in the black. We are close but not there yet.

I am also available to come and speak to any group that you may be part of. I can even bring some kids with me to share their life changing experiences with you.

Thank you in advance for being part of our support team at Valley Teen Ranch. May your Holidays be full of love, joy, and peace as you share time with your family.

God is good, ALL the time,

Connie R. Clendenan, CEO Valley Teen Ranch

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