Typically children come to St. Jude’s Ranch with nothing but the clothes on their back and the siblings at their sides.  This was the case for a sibling group of seven children that came to live on the Ranch in early 2008.

For nearly a month after their arrival, the children refused to put their clothes in the drawers or hang them in the closets in their bedrooms. Instead, they kept these items in their suticases - something they had learned from being moved from place to place so frequently. The youngest of the group, Lola did nothing but cry when she arrived.

Today, Lola sings and lights up the campus with her smile and cheer!  She is the youngest child placed at the Ranch in many years.  Her arrival led to new trainings across the campus that helped prepare the Ranch staff for the care and needs of a baby.

The oldest of the group, Dorian, sets as great an example for his siblings as any 12 year old could.  He is a smart young man who knows what it means to be responsible for his brothers and sisters.  Like many of the kids on the Ranch, Dorian had to grow up quickly and assume the role of parent to his siblings.  Since coming to the Boulder City Campus, he has adjusted well and has finally had a chance just to be a kid for the first time.

Four more boys and another girl complete the group.  All high spirited and a little rambunctious, the children keep the staff on their toes each and every day!  From late night cuddling with the baby to afternoon snacks with the kindergartners and homework with the school age kids, there is always something being done to help these children adjust to their new and busy family lifestyle.

Finally given the chance to attend school regularly, build healthy relationships with positive adult role models and visit the doctor to assess their physical health, these kids are thriving.  St. Jude’s Ranch is providing them with all the care and attention that they could ever need or want.  The kids are progressing through the program and working on skills that will help with their emotional and physical development.

With no lack of staff willing to play with the baby or do homework with the older kids, this little family steals the hearts of everyone who comes in contact with them.  They have found a safe and loving place to call home and we are proud to say that St. Jude’s Ranch for Children allowed all of these kids to stay together at a time when they need each other the most.