By Ramsey Sullivan
Riverbend News
In 1957, a group of Florida Sheriffs saw the need for a residential care facility for troubled boys. Within a short time, many young boys had their lives turned around by the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch (FSYR) and became more responsible people. The goal of the FSYR is to prevent delinquency and develop productive citizens in society.
The FSYR now has seven locations in Florida, with the main office located in Live Oak, and has helped more than 165,000 children and families in Florida. There are currently four residential campuses, two summer camp locations and multiple youth outreach programs in the state. By utilizing these residential campuses throughout Florida and having a devoted staff, neglected boys and girls in need are given a sense of security and guidance.
"The FSYR is the best charity in Florida," said Sheriff Harrell Reid, of Hamilton County. "They take children who are victims of bad circumstances and give them the opportunity to become productive citizens of our state. All they need is a loving family."
Using residential care means that youth are cared for by “cottage parents,” who help develop the children's work ethic, sense of responsibility, teamwork and respect; but most importantly, the cottage parents love the kids. Certain requirements must be met before a child can be accepted into the residential care system. Some of these requirements include: the youth must be between ages eight and 18, youth must not pose a threat to self or others and youth must agree to participate in religious activities. To read the full list of requirements for the FSYR residential care, visit youthranches.org/index.php/our-services/residential-care.html.
"I believe the FSYR serves some of our state's most vulnerable children," said Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb. "They gain trust with our youth, which prevents delinquency and develops lawful and productive citizens."
Another service the FSYR offers is summer camp. The two camps, located in Barberville and Yankeetown, provide a wholesome experience for youth and children ages 10 to 15. The camps offer a therapeutic experience for those attending and recreational activities, such as canoeing, archery and swimming, allow them to build basic teamwork and communication skills. The camp provides an opportunity for deputy sheriffs and other law enforcement officers to get involved with the kids and form a positive, healthy relationship with them. The staff for the summer camps includes college students, graduates, teachers and other professionals.
Another option for families to participate in with FSYR is through the Harmony in the Streets program, a mobile camping program that provides day camp activities directly to local communities that may be socially or economically challenged. This program teaches children to utilize free time positively and to foster the acceptance of others.
"This [FSYR] is a wonderful organization," said Sheriff St. John, of Suwannee County. "It gives kids an opportunity they wouldn't have had without the ranch and gives kids a purpose and a goal."
After graduating high school, kids who took part in the FSYR can continue in the program and can even get help going to college. The FSYR location in Bartow, Fla., is used for college-aged kids who still need a place to live or help getting into a college. The FSYR is partnered with Polk State College, in Polk County, to help those who want to continue their education do so.
After seeing the success and accomplishments of FSYR, one would likely assume that this program is state-funded. However, 80 percent of the funding for this program is self-funded. For more information on the FSYR, call (386) 842-5501 or visit youthranches.org.