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THE HISTORY

OF SKY RANCH

Sky Ranch for Boys® opened in 1960 in northwest South Dakota as a way to help trouble-prone boys who had been written off by the courts as incorrigible. It was the dream of the Rev. Don Murray, who believed they could be rehabilitated if they were isolated and provided with the proper care.

 

A Sioux Falls, South Dakota, liquor distributor was among the first to hear of his dream and rallied support from other South Dakota liquor industry leaders. They were able to raise the funds necessary to purchase 3,000 acres of land 100 miles north of Rapid City, South Dakota.

 

There, a ranch was built where thousands of boys were given a second chance. Officials say more than 90 percent had successfully completed the program. During a single school year at Sky Ranch, most boys gained two or more grade levels in the school work they are able to handle.

 

Formed in 1961 and building on more than 57 years of tradition,   Sky Ranch Foundation â„  is a tax-exempt charitable organization committed to giving at-risk youth a second chance by identifying and offering grants to efficient and effective programs focused on improving the quality of help available to these youth.  Sky Ranch Foundation’s â„  funds have come largely from individuals and companies associated with the beer, wine, and spirits industries.  Sky Ranch Foundation â„  continues to strive to be the uniting force within the beverage alcohol industry for aid to at-risk youth and reflects our industry’s great concern and commitment without commercial self-interest or promotion to the youth of America. 

 

In 1987, Sky Ranch for Boys® opened in Sioux City to provide aftercare services to clients returning home from the ranch. Due to changes in state legislation and economic downturn, the actual ranch closed in 2011 but Sky Ranch for Boys® was rebranded as Sky Ranch Behavioral Services to continue meeting the behavioral needs of the youth in the Siouxland area. Sky Ranch Behavioral Services is an Iowa licensed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

 

Today, the programs provided by Sky Ranch Behavioral Services continue to help today's youth grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

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Achieving success is measured through attitude, goals, productivity, confidence, and trust.

SRBS Mission Statement:

At SRBS, we inspire and motivate change within individuals and families along their recovery and healing journey toward balanced W.H.O.L.E. health living.

W
H
O
L
E

ELL-BEING AND

OLISTIC HEALING FOR

PPORTUNISTIC

IFELONG LIVING

XPERIENCES

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

At Sky Ranch Behavioral Services, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our practice. We recognize that every individual embodies unique experiences, perspectives, and identities, and we believe that embracing these differences enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to serve our community. 

 

We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic, feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively seek to dismantle systemic barriers and address inequities within our organization and the broader behavioral health field. 

 

Through ongoing education, training, collaboration, and dialogue, we strive to cultivate cultural humility, deepen our understanding of diversity and equity issues, and continuously improve our practices to better meet the needs of our diverse clients and staff. We are committed to equitable access to our services, programs, and resources, and we actively work to ensure that our policies and practices promote fairness and justice for all. 

 

By embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering inclusion, we are dedicated to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Memorial
6 Sky Ranch Plaque
Church
Sky Ranch Memorial
The old church
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