Wrap-A-Round

Today I met with a group of people who facilitate the "Wrap-a-round" process for eligible recipients in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties. Wrap-a-round is run by Highfields and is a team of people from the community who work together to get the help a child needs. The teams usually consists of people in the child's life; school, home, court, and community. They have asked the Lazy B's Ranch to represent the "community" part of this process. Right now there are 19 kids in this program with all kinds of needs. This is very new to us, and not sure how it will all work out, but God is always good to us and provides for us when needed. We know that the horses are just one avenue to help reach a troubled youth. As soon as I have more details, I'll let everyone know. Please pray for us for guidance.

One Special Girl

Let me introduce Ashley to you. Ashley came to the ranch to complete community service hours. We have been working with Ashley since October 2008. She doesn't mind doing anything that has to do with horses, including mucking out stalls! She is very calm and quiet around the horses and really relates to them. Ashley has completed her hours, but will continue to come on a weekly basis to help us in the barn. We hope to have Ashley help with our kid programs after she gets trained. Ashley's counselor has come to the ranch to watch Ashley in action and she is very happy with Ashley's progress. She asked Ashley what has contributed to her success, and Ashley said, "Coming here and being with the horses!" "I've come in like a lion and out like a lamb!" She is a good example of how horses, and animals in general can make a difference in a kids life. Ashley LOVES Paint!

Networking Again

Yesterday, I spent some time talking with the great folks from Behavior Educators in Adrian. Chris works for them and is a mentor to some really cool kids. She has been bringing them to the ranch and Bill and I have had a lot of fun showing them around. Behavior Educators is an organization who matches kids with mentors. They will be bringing the kids out this summer for a couple of hours to "horse around" at the ranch. The kids will come with their mentors. This gives the mentors something free they can do with their kids. We are looking forward to servicing these kids and providing fun things for them to do this summer.

A Jackson Community is Blessed

Many of you who were at the benefit at New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship on Feb 28th probably don't know this, but we had LOTS of spaghetti sauce left over. Our dear friend Miss Wendy (We Can Make A Difference House) volunteered to take it with her the the Wilkins House and use it for her "Soup with a Purpose" lunch during the week. Wendy always has very creative ideas, and on the way home from the benefit she decided she would make lasagna, not sure why. Anyway, that night she got a call from a neighbor on Wilkins that a neighbor had passed away. His church didn't have a lot of money to have a funeral luncheon, so Wendy decided that was what the lasagna was for! She made the lasagna, the ladies from the church made salad and 60 people were fed! I was so happy that the left over food was used to bless someone else! God does fun stuff like that! I love it.

Silent Auction-Huge Success

Hi Friends of the Lazy B's
Our first charity benefit in this area was a huge success. We were amazed at the public support we had and the funds that were raised. Jan opened with a awesome prayer and word about unity. Our ranch kids were there helping set up and serve meals. They seem excited to help out. Migual Russell, from Jackson, was doing dishes in the kitchen with a smile. Desmond Russell, Emily Bush, and Ashley Foulk all donated their artwork to the auction. Between the three of them, they raised $136.00 for the ranch. Brendal Gamez spoke to the audience about how the ranch has helped her; Heather Johnson spoke about how horses have been instrumental in her recovering from issues of her past. Chuck Lake starting a VERY LONG chain with the silverware ties, to signify that with everyone's help, something big can he accomplished! Travis Matchulat, from Redford, did a beautiful painting of our very own "Skeeter". Travis has offered to help this summer with the kids in the area of art. Great music by "What a Band,What a Band", and New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship Praise Team. Thanks to all the musicians! I could go on and on about what happened, but it would take too long. Three people were taking pictures, so when I get them I will forward them on to you. Watch your local papers to see the thank yous that went out to all who particiated, especially our local businesses. Many thanks to all of your support, and may the peace and blesssings of God fall on you in 2009.

Cowboys Boots Needed

We got an idea for a new craft to do with the older kids at the ranch. The idea came from our friend Pegg, from the Jackson Non-profit Support Center. It is a cowboy boot birdhouse. It is really cool. If anyone has old cowboy boots that they don't wear and want to donate them, let us know. They do not have to be in great condition and they don't have to be in pairs. Bright colors would probably be best. We have to cut a hole in them anyway so the birds can feed. It looks like a really fun craft.

Also, we are in need of old work boots, doesn't matter size or condition. We have had kids come to do community service work, but do not have the proper boots to work in the barn. Any donations of this kind would be appreciated.

Thanks for all you do for us, God Bless.

Silent Auction - Feb. 28th 5:00 p.m.

Wow, do we have a surprise for you!!! As we are preparing for the auction, we discovered that we have A LOT of very cool items for you to bid on! Too many to mention here. It is a very long list! However, I would like to mention a few:
Leather Tooling Kit, Circular Saw & Case, Brad Nailer, Ranch Play Set, Skate Board, Red Ryder BB Gun, Hand made Afghans and Quilt, Electric Guitar with gig bag and strap, Darren McCarty Autographed Bobblehead, gift certificates from local business, and the list goes on............ Come and see what we have and get a good deal, while helping the youth and kids of our city.

One more thing, if you are planning to come, please RSVP to 517-592-4252. We would like to get a count of people so we know how to prepare.

We have three of our ranch kids donating their artwork. Please encourage them by bidding on their work. They are very excited about this and we want them to continue their passion in the arts.

p.s. Don't forget to take a look at our new pictures; First Ride/Lake Livernois
See ya soon.