"The Sky Ranch program has made me grow up a lot. When a lot of other programs gave up on me this program didn’t. It has shown me the responsibility that I am going to need when I plan on going out on my own.” 
Former resident

“I was sent to Sky Ranch when I was 15 years old for a serious assault. Before Sky Ranch I had been put in Juvenile Detention multiple times and other placements. I was out of control, getting into a lot of fights and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. I did not want to go to Sky Ranch. I was afraid of being away from everyone and not knowing how long I would be gone. I think that is what helped me make it through.  I worked to keep my anger under control and listen without getting upset.  I got a lot of good advice from the staff. The staff showed me different ways to stop from losing my temper and when I did get angry what to do to stop from breaking things and hurting other people.”
Former resident

“If it was not for me going to Sky Ranch I was headed down the road of two ways.  I was either going to end up dead or in prison.  Sky Ranch taught me to respect myself and find the inners of what I wanted out of my life and to not let anybody else control what I wanted to do.  They showed me how to do things the right way and not always my way. They showed me how to respect other people and their things and how not to get worked up over little things that just took a little talking through instead of wanting to fight all the time to try and prove a point.” 
Former resident

“People asked me when my son went to the Sky Ranch – How could you do that to your own son?  My response was and will be forever – I didn’t do it to him – I did it for him.  We owe a lot to the Sky Ranch.  When I look at my son now, I can see how much he learned and how much he’s grown.  The program worked for him.” 
Parent of a former resident

“I have been employed as a Juvenile Court Officer in Woodbury County, Iowa for almost twenty-four years.  During the span of my employment, I have had the honor of placing numerous young men at Sky Ranch For Boys.  I have always been very impressed with the high level of professionalism and high degree of genuine concern and dedication the staff have shown for our youth.” 
Referring Worker

“Sky Ranch has long been recognized as a steady leader in our continuum of care and the Aftercare Program is an irreplaceable element therein.” 
Referring Worker

Above left: JJ lived at the Ranch 9 years ago and now supports his brother, Alfred, who is currently living at the Ranch.

Above right: Brothers Alfred and JJ both appreciate the positive life changing experience of living at the Ranch.