Boys Farm Flagship IMPACT Programs
Over the decades Boys Farm has refined several programs to help the children in our care overcome obstacles they have faced in life, promoting mental, physical, and spiritual health and permitting them to aspire to a future that they may have never before imagined possible.
New in 2024: "Reins of Hope" Program
Meeting today's increasing needs by providing individual counseling, family counseling and equestrian therapy
Reins of Hope provides individualized services from a full time licensed professional counselor on staff who will work with children, families, and direct care staff to help transform lives through a variety of evidence-based practices including equine assisted services. Professional counseling services offered by Boys Farm will provide a tremendous resource for the children in our care by helping them heal, grow, and plan well for a bright future. These services also support families directly through family counseling and family support services, providing a wide variety of resources to help improve outcomes for the whole family as we work towards a healthy reunion. Counseling and therapeutic services will greatly improve the quality of care and the level of direct support. Equestrian therapy is one of the premier resources for meeting the therapeutic needs of the clients we serve, and we are proud to offer this powerful resource for the children in our care.
The Reins of Hope program includes planned construction of an equestrian facility to include a functional multi-purpose barn, a covered riding arena, and improvements to existing facilities to ensure safety, functionality, and success.
Character and Responsibility Program
This program is designed to help our boys learn the value of character and taking pride in one's work. The boys learn to follow rules, complete chores, and to have a solid work ethic. The CARP involves age appropriate tasks, volunteerism, and an on-campus paid work program. Each boy has a specific "job" they are responsible for completing each week. Not only does this help the boys prepare for work in the adult world, it also provides time for the boys to be mentored and work alongside Boys Farm staff.
This is also a good opportunity for them to learn about money management as they can decide to save their money or use it for some other purpose. The CARP teaches the boys to take pride and ownership in their work, appreciate the value of a job well done, learn about money management, and build character.
Recreation and Athletic Program
RAAP is designed to facilitate the physical and emotional development of the children. In this program the children are exposed to and learn the basics of the major sports, minor sports and basic outdoor living skills, as well as attending summer camps. The RAAP Coordinator makes contacts, schedules clinics and events, and secures funding to benefit the children. College athletic departments, hunting and fishing clubs, equestrian clubs, recreation and school athletic programs, and summer camps are all utilized to advance this program.
Pathways to Independence Program
The Pathways to Independence Program (PTI, formerly known as College Advancement Program) was started in 2005 in an effort to promote successful on-time high school graduation and pursuit of higher education. Beginning in the 10th grade, participants aggressively learn basic living skills (cooking, cleaning, time management), pursue regular employment, obtain a drivers license, study basic financial skills, research college and career choices and assume leadership roles on campus. In their senior year, participants transition from the high school cottage to the CAP apartment, continuing to work on their personal goals with greater independence.
Boys Farm plays an active role in the child’s life all the way through post-high school education. Beyond an on-campus apartment, graduates receive support in financial management skills, college and career planning, academic scholarships, social and spiritual support, and independent living skills. This ongoing relationship promotes long term positive outcomes as participants successfully launch into independent adulthood.
Adventures in Academics Program
Success in academics is the number one predictor of positive outcomes for at-risk children. On average, the boys are behind one to three years in school when they come to us. Some are not reading on grade level; some struggle with math, English, science or social studies. Virtually all of them find schoolwork a challenge when they first arrive. Each child receives the individual help, tutoring, encouragement and personal attention required to meet the challenges of school.
Our Adventures in Academics program provides professional tutors and retired teachers recommended by the local community schools to support students in need of remedial assistance. The tutoring program teaches how to study in a way that promotes academic success and empowers children to independently achieve their goals.
Agricultural & Environmental Program
The AEP is designed to use our property and animals to help the children overcome the many challenges they are facing in their lives. Land management, animal care and handling, and an understanding of "Farm to Table" food production cycles give children a healthy understanding and respect for where their food comes from. The AEP also uses hay production, cattle, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs in various roles from daily chores to livestock show events. The program has been fundamental in helping the children to develop the character traits crucial to the other programs.
Efforts are underway towards the funding and development of our new equestrian program "Reins of Hope", which instructs the boys in the various aspects of owning, enjoying, and caring for horses, while building self-confidence and respect. With construction of a covered riding facility and barn, and providing therapeutic animals to work with, Reins of Hope will facilitate Equine Assisted Therapy through community partnership with local universities and counseling centers.
