Troubled Kids Ranch is the dream of Del Dawson, a lifelong rancher, teacher, 4H leader, businesswoman and a person who cares deeply about kids who need help and attention.

Del lives on a 30 acre ranch with horses and a large indoor arena where kids can come out and spend time learning to ride and care for horses. Kids who are having problems in school and in their relationships often respond dramatically to horses - they learn respect, responsibility and how to share their emotions in a safe, nurturing environment. Del wants to provide this environment and to share her lifetime of horse sense with children who are struggling and need help.

HERE'S THE DEAL:

Del needs to buy the ranch to make this program permanent and to develop more of her ideas for helping troubled kids and their families.

The first need is for $10,000 to put a down payment on the property while Del seeks financial support for the purchase.

Future needs will be posted here on the web site. These will include operating expenses, volunteers, advertising & marketing help, things like that. Note that Del is pursuing non-profit status also.

- DO YOU BUY A MOCHA AND A MUFFIN ON THE WAY TO WORK EACH DAY?

Lots of us spend $5 for coffee and a knosh to get us going in the mornings. Can you give up 1 morning's snack this week, and donate that $5 to help Del and the kids? Your $5 donation will be a huge blessing to get Del closer to realizing this dream of giving kids a safe environment to learn how to manage life's difficulties in a more healthy way. Of course, larger donations will get us to the finish line faster!

When you donate to Troubled Kids Ranch, you will get a certificate showing your commitment to helping the kids. As the Ranch project develops, we will keep you posted on what's going.

Help Troubled Kids. Donate today.