El Ranchito de los Niños is a safe, loving home where children grow in a supportive, family farm setting. Education, personal responsibility and charity to and from others guide us as we strive to provide an alternative to foster care. Our goals are to give siblings a stable home in which they may grow to adulthood together. All ages of children, 0 to 18, are considered for admission to our home. Our preference is for an entire sibling group to be placed in El Ranchito de los Niños. All children have to go through a screening process in order to determine if our home is the correct placement for them.

   El Ranchito de los Niños offers family-style living in a 7000 square foot home with four well-educated and trained adults serving as full-time house parents. Each child assumes responsibility for various tasks required to keep the home running smoothly (i.e. vacuuming, cleaning, dishwashing, table setting, etc.). Each child is expected to keep his/her room clean and tidy daily. Additional responsibilities at our home include animal care, gardening, helping with meal preparation, laundry, and similar chores.

   EDUCATION. We feel strongly that education is the key to the future success of our children. El Ranchito de los Niños' house parents work closely with the local schools to be certain that each child's educational needs are being met. Tutoring is provided for those needing special help. After our children graduate from high school, all efforts are made to insure that they pursue a post-secondary or vocational education, depending on their individual talents or desires.

"Education is a precondition to survival in America today"
-MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

   SPIRITUAL LIFE. To respect and preserve the particular heritage of our children, El Ranchito de los Niños encourages our children to practice their individual beliefs. In order for our children to grow in faith, each child is expected to attend religious services on a weekly basis. They are encouraged to become involved in religious based youth activities. We also enlist community members to help in this endeavor.

"The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind"
-UNKNOWN

   PERSONAL GROWTH . El Ranchito de los Niños offers many activities for our children, including 4-H, horseback riding, team and individual sporting activities. Also, our children are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular school activities such as band, sports and drama.

"Tell me, I will forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand"
-CHINESE PROVERB

You are our visitor number since February 2005.