HANGIN' OUT
Some of our volunteers wait
for the next group of visitors
Ayla
Ayla spends some time  
loving on Pepper.
Who are we ?
Crooked Creek Youth Ranch
". . . to make a crooked path straight "
We are a federal & state non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation
of Xtian Families, Inc.,
here to care for children ages 5 yrs. - 18 yrs.
Who are disadvantaged, at risk, and hurting.

The foundational program of Crooked Creek Ranch is
unique in that it pairs one child, one animal, and one
"guide", one hundred percent of the time.  No child is ever
left behind or lost in a crowd.  Our "one on one" learning
environment is dedicated to restoring the heart, soul, mind,
and strength of our kids.  Each child is unique and separate,
coming to the ranch for their own special needs.  Those
individuals' needs are identified by the staff and a tailored
course of action toward healing is created.  

This is faithfully accomplished for every child.
" Nothing does so much for the insides of a man like
the outsides of a horse ". . .         Theodore Roosevelt
It is a well established fact that there is a definite link
between how we treat animals and how we treat each other.  
Crooked Creek Ranch has created a unique program for
youth that unite ranch animals with the children in an
integrated responsibility, learning, and play program that
teaches the children positive and loving methods of basic
animal care and training.
We try to teach a non-violent way of dealing with issues, to city and town youth who
may be routinely exposed to violent culture. In so doing, they gain a strong sense of
responsibility, respect, patience, and kindness.

These children experience a new level of self-esteem and they learn . . .
* methods to attain positive relationships with others and,
* improve their communication skills.
* They develop a new understanding, respect, and empathy for the animal world, their
peers, and their environment.
Sherry and one of our pups
We raise AKC German
Shepherds to help fund the
ranch.

How can I get my child involved? Contact the ranch office to schedule an appointment during our open season.

How can I send my child to the ranch? Part of CCYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this
principle we ask that parents accompany their child. A parent's presence is quite often central to a child's healing
process. The impact of a parent cheering their child to victory has become very apparent to us. Allowing fathers
and mothers a chance to rest in the shade and enjoy the beauty God has provided is also a part of what we do.
If a parent is not available we ask for a legal guardian to be present if possible.

What kinds of children does CCYR serve? Crooked Creek Youth Ranch serves all children between the ages
of 5 and 18. Being a kid in this day and age is tough enough. Roughly 80% of our kids are considered
disadvantaged. To CCYR, the word "disadvantaged" takes on many shapes and forms: mental, physical,
emotional, and functional. The remaining 20% of kids we work with are simply kids who don't have access to
horses through any other means. It has been our experience that "healthy" kids play and grow beside "broken"
kids. Not only does it encourage both to have a greater appreciation and understanding of others, but it also
brings hope to the spirit of wounded kids to believe they too can have hope for the future.

What do you charge for a child to attend the program at CCYR?   $30 per day per child, donation; if needed
"scholarships" are available. The only requirement for children is that they have an open heart and
want  to attend.

Can we visit the ranch?
We would love to have you out to the ranch even if it is just for a visit. We are open to the public by appointment.
Please feel free to call our office at (712) 263-3543 to schedule a "walk-n-talk", if you are ever going to be in our
neck of the woods.

Does the ranch ever close?
CCYR maintains business hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM  in the summer months.  These
hours change subject to season and weather. Call our office for a schedule. However, the daily riding program
is not normally offered during the months of December to March due to safety issues during winter weather.

Is CCYR a residential facility?
CCYR has primarily day camps.  We also offer Thursday through Saturday camps, as well as Tuesday through
Saturday camps.  The ranch office will be glad to schedule a slot for you, or your group.

Can visiting families or groups be hosted overnight on the CCYR facility grounds?
We are able to host youth groups and men/women retreats.  We have a bunkhouse in one of the barns for this.

Is Crooked Creek Youth Ranch a religious organization?
No. The ranch is not associated with any particular religious segregation. CCYR is a faith based organization.
The ranch was founded on the same Judeo-Christian values that our nation was built upon. Faith on the ranch is
"lived"." The Founders, Board of Directors, and staff all believe in God and the saving grace of His Son Jesus
Christ. It is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action by our
love for Him and the support of families. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all
backgrounds.
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We are currently in DESPERATE NEED of another tractor.
Our Farmall 656 with a front end loader is now beyond repair.
If you have a similar size tractor in good working order
and would like to donate it, please, call the ranch office.

We are also in need of an ATV 4x4 for doing chores.

As we prepare for spring we are also in great need of HAY.
Grass or Alfalfa, square bales or round bales.  
We also need corn, oats, and sweet feed.
It has been a hard winter and tough on the animals.

Remember, all donations are tax deductible !

Please,
If there is any way you can help us meet these immediate needs,
it would be greatly appreciated!
It is this new view that we hope they take back into
their home culture and when faced with a choice of
*how to be* in a given situation**that they elect to
take the path of non-violence. Crooked Creek Ranch
is committed to uniting these animals with children
in a natural healing environment that promotes
compassion, awareness, and insight in a new way.  
2713 Donna Reed Road, Denison, Iowa
(712) 263-3543
jim@crookedcreekyouthranch.org
" Nothing does so much for the insides of a man like
the outsides of a horse ". . .         Theodore Roosevelt