The Mississippi Sheriffs Boys and
Girls Ranch, Inc. was established by the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association
in 1976 as a 501(c)(3) public charity to help prevent juvenile delinquency
and to serve Mississippi's abandoned, abused, and homeless children.
Under the Sheriffs’ leadership, and with the generous support of concerned
citizens in
Mississippi and beyond, the Ranch developed two campuses, the
Mississippi Sheriffs Boys Ranch between Columbus and Starkville in
northeast Mississippi, and the Mississippi Sheriffs Girls Ranch located in
Lucedale in south Mississippi.
The Sheriffs’ dream was to serve as
many needy youngsters as their resources would allow, helping each
youngster achieve his or her full potential and to prepare for a
productive future. Today, that dream remains flourishing and intact
through action taken by the Sheriffs at their conference in December,
2004, when they voted unanimously to join forces with Palmer Home for
Children. Both the Palmer Board and the Sheriffs view the union as a
great fit and as a natural step, since the Ranch and Palmer have long
been close allies, sharing the same values and serving the same type of
youngster. Both are also supported entirely by voluntary gifts and
believe in private enterprise and initiative. As Dr. Ed Waldron,
Palmer’s president notes, “There has long been a Sheriffs presence at
Palmer Home. I worked for 10 years for the Florida Sheriffs Youth
Ranches prior to coming to Palmer Home in 1990, so I have firsthand
knowledge and appreciation for what Sheriffs have been doing to provide
solid help to youngsters in need. Everything I know about quality child
care I learned at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch.”
Under the union, the Ranch will operate
as a division of Palmer Home, maintaining its own identity, programs, and
core values, including the continuing endorsement and support of
Mississippi Sheriffs.
In June, 2007, the Girls Ranch in
Lucedale, Mississippi, was relocated to Lowndes County where the two
became one. The original Boys Ranch is now known as the Mississippi
Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch and is located near the Golden Triangle
Regional Airport between Columbus and Starkville, Mississippi. The
consolidated ranch allows siblings to remain together just like they do
on the Columbus and Hernando campuses of Palmer Home. As a result,
brothers and sisters now have the opportunity to grow up together “ranch
style”. From therapeutic horseback riding to a working farm, Ranch
siblings are provided with a full array of services and opportunities,
according to Arrington Rhett, Executive Director of Mississippi Sheriffs
Boys and Girls Ranch.
There are three cottages located on the
ranch, and two are already in full use. Kelly Home houses older youth
who are enrolled in area colleges or vocational training. Faith Home
houses the girls, and Oak Ridge Home, which is undergoing renovation, is
a traditional boys cottage.
To the Ranch’s vision and dream, Palmer
will add its experienced management team to help get the job done. The
first priority is to renovate aging facilities and to build upon the
relationships and successes that the Sheriffs have established. Next,
with the continued support of loyal Ranch and Palmer friends, both
programs need to grow.
With your support and prayers, these
plans can and will become reality. Together, we can change the future
for a needy child and make a difference that lasts.
Palmer Home for Children - P.O. Box 746,
Columbus, MS 39703 - Phone:(662)328.5704
