Re:Boot Sioux Falls Beneficiaries: McCrossan Boys Ranch

Founded in 1955, McCrossan Boys Ranch (MBR) is a group care facility for at-risk boys ages 9-20 who primarily come from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, but McCrossan welcomes boys from across the U.S.  We offer a variety of services including: group counseling, individual therapy, chemical dependency services, psychiatric care, restorative justice, livestock programming/equine therapy, moral development, and recreational offerings.  We also have a fully accredited, on-campus school that offers year round classes which allows our boys to catch up on academic coursework and learn in a unique environment with personalized educational experience.

McCrossan Boys Ranch also offers an Independent Living Preparation Program, Short-Term Assessment Services, Respite Care, Community Reintegration, and Crisis Stabilization among many other programs.  All services and programs are designed to help our boys and young men leave the Ranch equipped to make positive contributions as community-minded citizens. Our hope is that they will find success in school, at work, and at home with family.  It is our mission to provide “New Hope for a Better Life” for every at-risk child that comes to McCrossan Boys Ranch.

McCrossan Boys Ranch recognizes that there are very few “bad” kids.  More often than not, kids simply come from a bad situation or environment.  We recognize the ongoing need to care for boys whose lives have been set on a difficult path.  Lives can be changed through the provision of love, care, structure, and consistency. Showing young men the path to breaking cycles of abuse, neglect, delinquency and dependency has helped shape a better future for many young men and their families.

It takes perseverance to overcome the challenges that exist in helping young men heal from their traumas.  Often these young men are angry, disconnected, and many find it difficult to trust adults. However, through our programming, they have the opportunity to overcome obstacles through interactions with our caring staff to help them heal and grow. These young men will grow to be positive contributors to our society, and will break the cycle of substance abuse, physical abuse, and other things that have previously prevented them, or their families, from living fulfilled lives.  Our staff are committed to pushing through barriers to assist them with their transition and transformation toward becoming self reliant and empowered individuals. In doing so, we are able to help develop young men who will be an asset to their families, to their schools, and to their communities.

Please share one of the McCrossan Boys Ranch success stories.  

When Doug was 13, his father passed away. His mother struggled as a widow and single mother, which strained the relationship between the two of them. After some struggles, he ended up at MBR. After four years, he was able to return home. During his time at MBR, he learned to cope with his past, heal from his losses, and to take responsibility for his actions. He also learned independence as he matured. Doug is now a leading tax law attorney and partner at Sullivan & Worchester in Boston. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Boston University School of Law. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Doug credits the caring staff and quality programs of McCrossan Boys Ranch for helping him turn his life around.

How will McCrossan Boys Ranch benefit from the technology received from Re:Boot Sioux Falls?

Receiving this technology from Re:Boot Sioux Falls would allow our staff to use these computers for their day to day operations.  These computers would help improve efficiency and would allow our staff to better serve the boys.

In addition, McCrossan Boys Ranch will soon begin a building project to expand and renovate our school.  Part of the school’s improvement plans include upgraded technology. This would then free up future funds that could be used for new technology for our boys in the school, once the expansion and renovations are complete.

What do you wish the public knew about McCrossan Boys Ranch that you don’t think they know already?