SPIRIT OF HOPE YOUTH RANCH INC

On my first visit to SOHYR I saw a stoic, non-emotional and apathetic child begin to change right in front of my eyes! DeMarcus (name changed) got off the van with an almost visible wall around him - a wall built by years of hurt, disappointment, neglect, and betrayal from those who were supposed to love and care for him. But, as he learned the stories about each horse and the difficulties and challenges it had survived, DeMarcus began to identify with the horses. He began to think differently and realized that he could recover, just as the horses had. I saw that same child become tender, compassionate, and eventually trusting of his favorite horse, Shadow. I could see the broken soul of a child connect with the once-broken soul of a horse, and right then and there a relationship formed. Trust comes hard for many of these kids, but working with the horses and volunteers helps them learn that they can trust again. While at SOHYR, children like DeMarcus learn so many life skills and develop the confidence to use these skills in other areas of their lives. I began volunteering at SOHYR three years ago, looking for a way to help others. Instead, I’ve been blessed beyond measure myself knowing that I’ve been part of helping so many children like DeMarcus leave the ranch with a lasting memory of love and kindness, and the realization that there’s always hope.

Libbi Isbell

Shelby County, Jefferson County, Columbiana, Wilsonville, Birmingham, Chelsea, faith based, outdoor, children, teenagers, christian, equine, abuse, restore, group homes, foster care, volunteers, Kings Ranch, Highway 280, Kings Home, 35186, 35150, 35216, 35209, 35094, 35043, 35243, 35157, 35178, 35078, 35242, 35007, 35051, 35244