Real Life Childrens Ranch Inc

This place is amazing! We just visited the ranch this week and it such an amazing place. The staff was incredible especially the Executive Director Mark. Such a gentle Godly man.
God is great!

My husband and I have been volunteering at the Ranch for 12 years now and can't imagine not being involved. We have seen lots of children come into the Ranch and watched their progress in healing from the terrible situations from which they came. They learn that all the love expressed for them is genuine and that the adults really do care for them. Many of them have had no exposure to Christian beliefs and all the love expressed for/to them. What a joy it is to see them learn to trust and open their lives to being part of a loving family.

And most of all, what a wonderful joy it is to be part of the wonderful work going on to make life better for the children who become part of the Ranch Family.

My parents and myself have been supporters of the ranch for over 40 years and have seen the outstanding results.

Real Life Children's Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well being of children since 1957. I know because my late husband, James P. Fraser, began this ministry 54 years ago. Due to many staff and volunteers the Ranch has served hundreds of children throughout it's history. Currently, it is my privilege to be the President of the Board of Directors.
May God continue to bless the Real Life Children's Ranch.

James 1:27a
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction...

My wife and I had the privilege of being at the RLCR from Oct., 2007 through Mar., 2008, as part of the Assemblies of God MAPS RV Volunteer Program. We volunteered with MAPS for 10 years, and have to say that this was our most memorable project. During our time there, we observed how loving and caring the staff/houseparents were to each and every child. We had times of interaction with the children, and observed the love they felt for not only their houseparents but for each other. The children were happy, mannerly, well-behaved, and seemed to really enjoy interacting with us volunteers. We had picnics with them from time to time and other activities, the most memorable of which was the chapel program which they held for us volunteers. The presence of God filled that chapel!!! What a blessing! The staff/houseparents were certainly brought to RLCR, it is truly evident. How fortunate we are to have RLCR, a place where children receive the love they so desperately need and a chance to become productive adults in our society. We praise God for all of those who contribute their time and energy to making this place such a wonderful environment for those placed there.

I began working with Real Life Children's Ranch about 1993 when I went to "check them out" for a church outreach committee I was serving on. I was blown away by the child centered, professional, and caring enviornment that I encountered; so much so, that I became a Board Member and have been spreading the word about RLCR ever since. I even started the Holiday Wishes Program to assist with the winter holidays. I believe that the children should receive gifts that are meaningful to them; clothing that fits in the correct sizes; new shoes; toys; games; and the kinds of eletronics that are current and beneficial to the children's personal, social, and emotional well-being. This is a result of my experiences as a child when I did not receive these types of items. It is such a joy to receive feedback in January and February about the joy the children share with their house parents during the holidays when each family on the ranch celebrates with their children. The gifts are given anonymously so that the children can experience a family holiday, rather that receiving items from "strangers".

Having lived as a ward myself in far different settings, I can assure you that the Real Life Children's Ranch is a model program for abused, abandoned, and neglected children and youth. They specialize in keeping sibblings together and long term care if necessary. All donations are used to the benefit of the children. I have seen children who could have been "lost" succeed in school and in life due to the love and support received at the RLCR. Every volunteer or donor I send to the RLCR comes back to thank me for involving them in the program. RLCR would greatly benefit from on-going support, additional funding for youth outhings and summer programs, as well as support to add a fully funded transitional program for youth who are aging out of the Department of Children and Families system so that they can continue their postsecondary studies at their "home".

Real Life Children's Ranch is the best place I have ever been associated with. Kids get the love, encouragement and challenge they need to build for themselves a great life.

As a board member I get a first hand look at the daily operations,the staff, the care and the mission that the rlcr has in place. It makes me well up in side that I'm apart of the team that truly cares and under stands that with out christian values in place for these children that there chances to become productive christian adults are that much more greater. I thank rlcr for their dedication to the Mission of serving young children in their need and to mentor them in what a family that cares and loves unconditionally is like.

RLCR does wonderful work with the young people under its care. A great "home" atmosphere with strong Christian teaching and values. I have seen their kids in 4H, sports activiites, dance group, and other events in the community and they are really, really great kids. Outstanding job RLCR staff and volunteers!

I've been a volunteer at RLCR for the past two years. It's incredible to see how the children and professional parents interact. The parents are caring, loving and encouraging to every child that enters the Ranch. The children respond willingly to their kindness. Laughter rings all through RLCR and to me that means "happiness". I pray that the Ranch will be there as long as children need it.

I am the co-Director of Cambridge School of Music and we have an annual concert to bring awareness to this wonderful group of people who make a REAL difference in the lives of needy children right in our own back yard. So often the needs of people in other parts of the world get so much attention that we tend to overlook the needs of our own children. I sincerely hope that Real Life Children's Ranch is considered a top priority for any type of help.

I was a former child who lived at the Ranch, from 1994-2004. I have many great memories and Im proud to be a part of the Youngs family. Being raised around barn animals and being involved in 4-H and FFA was an added bonus, but it also kept us kids out of trouble while giving us a great experience at the same time. Bob and Mary young teach responsibility and morals and I can say that their teachings will stay with me forever. Thank you for taking me in to care for when no one else did. I love you and the rest of the staff at Real Life Childrens Ranch.

I am a daughter in law of one of the house parents. I have had the opportunity to visit the ranch several times and interact with the children. I have observed that children who live on the ranch are treated as part of a family. The environment of the ranch is warm and inviting and there are lots of fun things for the children to do--from swimming in the lake and playing basketball to having a cook-out at the pavilion. I would encourage anyone interested to get involved with the Real Life Children's Ranch. It is a wonderful opportunity to positively impact a child's life.

I have had the priviledge of visiting The Real Life Childrens Ranch over the past two years and have observed outstanding care of the children, wonderful facilities and a warm, inviting atmosphere. From the volunteers to the house parents, it is apparent that the children's best interest is at heart, that they truly love what they do. As a non-profit organization, it is one of the best I have ever experienced. The kids are respectful and given a structured, loving environment to learn and grow. It is a true pleasure to have met the members and kids at the ranch.

The quality of care at RealLife is extroidinay. The facilities are also top-notch. And the staff are not only professional and well-trained, but they have a true heart for what they do. This is not just a job for these people, it is an expression of their love and the children can tell the difference

My parents are full time House Parents at the Real Life Children's Ranch. I love going out to the Ranch and spending time with everyone. It's a great environment for the Children and everyone from the House Parents to the volunteers do a great job loving on and caring for the children there.

Our puppet team was invited to put on a program for all the families. We asked if we could come early and get a tour, and find out more about Real Life Children's Ranch. We were given a wonderful tour, introducing us to the parents, and various staff and volunteers. We were impressed how organized the familes were, how colorful and neat their homes were, how friendly and relaxed the entire atmosphere was. One young man asked us if he could play a piano number for us! We were impressed how the families truly are family! One family was preparing a salad TOGETHER for supper. Everything and everyone was very clean and friendly. Later when we did the puppet program, the participation and enthusiasm from the parents and the children was amazing. We left there VERY IMPRESSED that Real Life Children's Ranch was a safe and happy place!

Our dance troupe volunteered our time at Real Life about 1 1/2 years ago.
We were so impressed with the level of care the children there received.
The homes were well staffed and enviornment was pleasent. We felt the place was also organized. The families not only cared for the children in the home the whole place was a caring community.
Thank you Real Life for making a difference in the lives of the youth.
God Bless,
Jessica L.

One of the greatest gifts to give to another human being is "a second chance in life" and that is exactly what The Real Life Childrens Ranch is all about. One of the greatest Non profit organization around, investing in life's, that's what it's all about there and that is what they do. I have known about this place and there works for about 10 years, and have been blessed with the opportunity to be apart of the life's that have come through there through events and and being in the community . Thank GOD for this work!

Hi I would like to say that the Real Life Children's Ranch is an unbelievable place. I had the pleasure of coming with the youth group as part of an outreach. I was thoroughly impressed with how organized and nicely structured it was for the children staying there, giving them consistency, not to mention that the house parents genuinely cared for the children. The Ranch from the moment you drive on to the property has the feel of a loving, home environment. I personally know 2 of the parents and I know that they have a total heart for the children. The community and the precious children would benefit greatly from having more places like Real Life Children's Ranch.

Our family recently had the opportunity to visit Real Life Children's Ranch and we were amazed at what a "well-oiled" machine this facility is. These children are experiencing, most likely for the first time in their short lives, belonging to a loving family. They are placed in a safe environment with a strong balance between unconditional love and structure. The organization of the ranch also provides a community setting in which the children can further develop a sense of belonging, as well as responsibility. It was very obvious that all resource are utilized wisely, and the children are well provided for. It was also very obvious that the house families truly love and care for these children and are committed to assuring the best future possible for them. The house parents are teaching the children strong values through example. The community & other foster-type programs would gain greatly by following the example of Real Life Children's Ranch.

I have known the good people at Real Life Children's Ranch since 1994 when a group of teens and adult leaders from there went on a Big City Mountaineer hike I led. The kids were respectful and well behaved, and the adult leaders were caring and professional. That was where I first met one of the current administrators, Darlene Mayers. She and her husband, Mark, were in private practice at the time, and she was volunteering her time on the hike.

In 1999, I spent five months at Real Life working in maintenance and got a much closer look at the operation. It IS a ranch. The kids go to school, but when they come home in the afternoon, they have chores to do as well as homework. They live in one of several group homes with a biological family, where a healthy family atmosphere is modeled for them daily. Biblical values are taught and practiced there. The kids are taught to be responsible for their own actions. If they do wrong, they are chastened; if they do right, they are rewarded. Either way, they are loved.

Two things stick out for me from my prior association with Real Life. The former administrator and son of the founder, Scott Fraser, once told me that Real Life Children's Ranch was the foster-care facility of last resort for many of the kids there. When the State of Florida had tried everything else with a child, including adoption, and nothing seemed to work, it would send that child to Real Life in hopes that God could do something with him or her. From what I could see from my time there, He should have been called upon sooner. I also like the way the kids are taught to own their own stuff. They are taught that whatever the consequence, good or bad, they earned it. In other words, they are encouraged to be victors in life, not victims.

Real Life Children's Ranch provides a loving caring place for abused or neglected children. They learn acceptance and love as well as important life skills. It is one of the few places in the state that provides for sibling groups. They seek to develop character and hope in the children. This enables them to be prepared for the future.