Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches

10/08/2026

Everyone deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday! 🎂🎉 Last month, we had the privilege of celebrating Meira’s Sweet 16! 💗
Our Ranchers have experienced their share of life’s ups and downs, which makes celebrating the good days even more meaningful. Birthdays are a chance to remind each child just how special they are and to create happy memories together.
Happy Sweet 16, Meira! 🥳🎈 Here’s to a year filled with new adventures, lots of laughter, and plenty of reasons to celebrate! 💙💚
Special thanks to Crumbs Up Bakery for the beautiful cake!

10/07/2026

In case you missed it, ASYR CEO Nancy Fulton and CDO Matthew Cleveland sat down with THV11's The Vine to talk about our 31st Annual Arkansas Children's Award Dinner Honoring Laura Landreaux. To sponsor a table, purchase tickets, or learn more, visit: ASYR.org

For 50 years, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches has been providing support and opportunities for children across our state.

10/05/2026

As a teenager in 1986, Sean’s family left him stranded in Arkansas. With no family in the area, Sean was placed in several foster homes before the Sharp County Sheriff was able to get him to the Ranch.

While living at the Ranch, Sean found structure and stability. He attended public school, had responsibilities on the Ranch and opportunities to have fun. These every day, real-life experiences taught him responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army and served 21 years, including service in Iraq and Kuwait during Desert Storm. Now back in Batesville, Sean has started a new career in banking and currently serves as a Branch Manager for First Community Bank. When he isn't at work, he is a caregiver for a family friend, maintains the facilities at an apartment complex for people with disabilities, and is an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is also a proud father and grandfather.

Sean’s story reflects the mission of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. Children do not choose the circumstances that bring them to the Ranch. But with a safe home, a stable community, the guidance of loving houseparents, and plenty of opportunities to learn, they can begin building their own future.

Read more of Sean’s story here: https://www.youthranches.com/2026/09/17/former-rancher-who-felt-like-a-throw-away-kid-reflects-on-a-life-of-service/

10/02/2026

The recent rain may have dampened some of our activities, but it has made for some happy cows! 🌧️🐄💚
Sometimes a few soggy days bring something worth smiling about! ☔🌱

09/28/2026

UPDATE: 2026 Race for Hope Canceled 🏁
The 10th Annual Race for Hope, scheduled for September 30–October 3, has been canceled due to weather.
While we're unable to hold the Race for Hope this year, we’re already looking forward to the Race in 2027! Stay tuned for details and new race dates.
A special thank you to Batesville Motor Speedway and First Community Bank for including the Ranch as the Race for Hope's charity beneficiary. We look forward to working together for a fun and rewarding 2027 Race for Hope! 🏎🏦💙💚

09/24/2026

For 31 years, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches has recognized Arkansans who have made outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for Arkansas children. This year, we are excited to present the 2026 Arkansas Children’s Award to Laura Landreaux for her efforts to build brighter futures for the children of Arkansas!

Join us for the 31st annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner presented by Entergy Arkansas
🗓 Monday, Oct 26
📍 Little Rock Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom
🍷 Reception and silent auction: 6pm
🍽 Dinner, program & live auction: 7pm

Former Arkansas Razorback and 103.7 the Buzz host David Bazzel will be our emcee, and we have some amazing items to bid on in our auction, including four Dallas Cowboys tickets in the Lexicon Luxury Suite, beautiful jewelry from Sissy’s Log Cabin, a guided duck hunt at LET Varsity Farms, a custom chef’s dinner for 12 by Trio’s Capi Peck, an extravagant Saracen Casino & Resort package, and more!

For tickets or to donate, visit ASYR.org or call 501-940-3440 to purchase by phone.

09/22/2026

“Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year’s mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” - Wallace Stegner, American novelist and writer
🍁🍂

09/17/2026

At just 12 years old, Jamey was forced to confront something no child should have to face—his father’s su***de attempt. His dad was unemployed, his mom was disabled, and Jamey was afraid. He started mowing yards to earn money for bread and lunch meat.
One day, Jamey came home and found his dad unconscious, with empty pill bottles scattered nearby. He called 911.
Thankfully, Jamey didn’t have to face everything that came next alone. When home was no longer a safe place for him, he found a home at the Ranch. And for the first time in a long time, Jamey could simply be a kid.
September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and at the Ranch, we are especially mindful of the children whose lives have been impacted by su***de. Because of the generosity of our donors, we can provide safe, stable homes and the support children need to heal and move forward.
Jamey was able to move forward, eventually training as a paramedic and police officer. The little boy who once had to call 911 is now an adult trained to answer the call when someone else is in crisis.
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is 100% privately funded and a 100% free service to children in crisis. Because of people who care, we can continue providing hope and stability to some of Arkansas’s most vulnerable children.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.