A new program slated to open in 2008
Group to Open Ranch for At-Risk Girls
By WOL Staff
The Woodlands, TX -- A group of South County residents are working toward opening Diamond Star Ranch, a faith-based academy for local at-risk teen girls.
The ranch will be located on over 100 acres of ranchland and will be
operated by local volunteers as a faith-based youth initiative helping at-risk teenage girls.
The program will include a structured routine of education and chores, including taking care of a horse. Activities will also include mission projects to restore low income homes and help care for the elderly.
Promoting a
"get-help-early" approach, the ranch will remove teens from unhealthy peer influences to a safe and controlled environment.
Diamond Star Ranch is currently seeking volunteers and financial support for its in-depth residential care, family reunification and responsibility program. A "Kick-off" Gala will be held at Flemings on Friday, June 15, featuring keynote speaker and best selling author Kay Haugen, author of "From the Poor House to the Penthouse." :question:
Tickets to the event are available for a suggested donation of $50.00 or $200.00 per table. For more information or to purchase tickets with your PayPal account please visit their Web site at the link below.
From their website
http://www.diamondstarranchyouth.com/1.html"Among the most precious natural resources of any society in any economy is the YOUNG PEOPLE."
Why does South Montgomery County and the 22 mile radius we serve need this program?
The national average for children under the age of 21 buried in a cemetery is:
2%
Forest Park Cemetery of The Woodlands average for children under the age of 21 buried in this specific cemetery is:
14%
Our community has an alarming above-average teen mortality rate!
We must ask ourselves...Why?
"For some reason our young people are in a downward spiral of hopelessness thats beyond our understanding"
In fact, one of our board members has lost a teen-aged loved one. Please visit
www.kaitlynspromise.com for more information.
We Believe Strongly that healthy, well-adjusted children and families ARE our future!
Development Stages of DSR
Phase I
Announcement of the vision at the Chamber networking breakfast in September of 2006.
Formulation of the team and board of directors in October of 2006.
Incorporated and recognized by the state of Texas in April of 2007.
Submitted form 1023 to the IRS for non-profit status in May 2007. (Official status pending)
Announcement of kick off and awareness campagne in June 2007 (NOTE: Phase 1 is successfully completed)
Phase II
Site selection and securing land in 3rd quarter of 2007.
raise through monthly donations a target 50 thousand dollars.
Start of fund raising goal: 5 to 7 million dollars by December 2007.
Start immediately and complete the Texas license application.
Secure our Executive Director for DSR by the 4th quarter.
Secure a Development Director /master fund raiser by 4th quarter.
Start construction on the ranch in the 1st quarter of 2008.
First teen girls admitted in 2nd quarter of 2008.
To build a facility for highest at-risk-teen boys in 4th quarter of 2008.
Phase III
Initiate an endowment of over 50 million dollars by 2010.
Expand to other towns in order to serve universally.
