Today is Giving Tuesday, and Citizens Bank is teaming with the White River Now media family to support Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (ASYR), the transformative foster care organization where children get a second chance to be kids and where children grow into loving, caring, and responsible young people.
White River Now’s family of radio stations will be broadcasting live throughout the day from the headquarters of Citizens Bank at 655 St. Louis St. in Batesville. Drop by, visit, and learn more about Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, and consider making a tax-deductible contribution.
ASYR’s nearly 600-acre residential campus is located west of Batesville on the beautiful White River near Bethesda.
ASYR currently has four family-style cottages with the capacity to provide homes for up to 32 children. Up to eight Ranchers reside in each cottage; professional houseparents raise the Ranchers as if they were their own children.
The children raised at the Ranch are not “bad kids.” They come to the Ranch through no fault of their own. Many have been abused or neglected by their parents or those who were supposed to care for them and protect them.
Ranchers attend Batesville-area public schools, receive after-school tutoring, and learn life skills.
ASYR is a real working ranch that helps offset program costs; the cattle program teaches Ranchers real-life skills and offers experience raising and showing cattle. The Ranch also raises goats, chickens, pigs, lambs, rabbits, and other animals that children can help with.
The Ranch is 100 percent privately funded, mostly through charitable support, and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. ASYR covers necessary living and learning expenses for all Ranchers.
The length of stay varies greatly depending on children’s needs. Some children live at the Ranch for 3-6 months; some stay for 3-6 years. The Ranch provides a home for as long as needed.
ASYR typically admits children ages 6-17. Ranchers can remain in the program up to age 21 if they are pursuing a diploma, degree, or vocational training. Seventy-five percent of children live at the Ranch with one or more siblings.
To learn more about ASYR or make a tax-deductible contribution, visit YouthRanches.com/GivingTuesday.
And text the word ranch to 26989 to make a gift of any amount with your credit or debit card.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
