Turnaround Ranch
STATEMENT OF HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Turnaround Ranch is located on the grounds of the Big
Brothers campus in Joplin, Missouri. Caring for children
has been the focus of the work for many years. Early in
the 1950's Thurman Kelly, a Joplin minister established a
home on this property for the sole purpose of caring for
a large number of orphaned children. In 1979 Ozark Center
leased the property from Big Brothers and began operation
of Residential Treatment Services for troubled teens. This
program was designed to work with youth 10 to 18 years of age who were suffering with emotional and behavioral problems, often as result of an abusive or neglectful home life.
Ozark Center's Residential Treatment Services has continued to provide services to children and their families for over a decade. Ozark Center recognizes the need for more normalization and socialization opportunities for our residents.
Turnaround Ranch provides an environment in which our youth have the opportunity to learn responsibility, positive work ethic, and re-establish their self-esteem through therapy and various activities. Our program focuses on a normalization of the youth experience and therefore relies upon the cooperative efforts of individuals, the community at large and the professional treatment team of Ozark Center to provide all of the necessary elements of a program that will successfully re-integrate our children into society.
Although the needs of children have changed, the purpose of the work being done had remained the same; to help children! We strive to employ the highest and most advanced techniques of today's sciences, with a well-trained professional staff and commitment to excellence, Ozark Center's Turnaround Ranch has the resources and the will to respond to the evolving needs of today's youth. Therefore, "Turning lives around...one child at a time."
OUR PROGRAM
At Turnaround Ranch we believe in the worth and uniqueness of each individual child. Our programs are designed to help all residents achieve optimal functioning and a high degree of independence. The children attend school, participate in recreational activities and when possible in community activities. Each child meets with a professional therapist on a regular basis. Our caring staff works with the children and their families, planning treatment and establishing goals.
Turnaround Ranch provides "residential care" in 6 cottages. Each cottage houses 10-12 youth being supervised by two child care workers. Children typically reside at Turnaround Ranch six to nine months. Length of stay may vary depending on each child's individual needs and the availability of a less restrictive placement.
For more information regarding the Turnaround Ranch or The Ozark Center, visit their website at www.freemanhealth.com.
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