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Upcoming Events:
Sentinel Butte, N. Dak. Home On The Range is pleased to announce that they have been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) by maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement designed to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality of services. COA is proud to recognize Home On The Range as one of these outstanding providers. Home On The Range is accredited through April 30, 2013. COA reaccreditation is an objective and reliable verification that provides confidence and support to an organization’s service recipients, board members, staff and community partners. The COA reaccreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations and its service delivery practices. All are “measured” against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence based, and outcomes-oriented. In addition, COA confirms that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Home On The Range is a residential childcare facility licensed to care for 62 boys and girls, ages 12 – 18. COA is an independent not-for-profit international accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioural health care and human service organizations and founded in 1977. (Excerpts from actual COA letter sent to Home On The Range) Home On The Range receives $10,000 donation
August 3, 2008.
Sentinel Butte, ND. “84 degrees with a slight breeze” – that’s what Home On The
Range prayed for, and received, on August 3 for the annual Champions Ride Saddle
Bronc Match. It was a great rodeo day. NATIONAL GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT ANNUAL AWARDS In 2002, the Medora Ranger District
of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) made initial contact with Home On The
Range (HOTR). District Ranger Ron One of the commitments made early on was that HOTR students would not just be “free labor,” and the Medora Ranger District committed to adding an educational element to the mix. Specialists appropriate for HOTR involvement and development of projects took advantage of the time to explain the project, the reason for it and the desired outcomes. Some of the discussions with the HOTR students and staff covered myriad topics related to natural resources, including USFS careers. Over the years, HOTR personnel and students have provided considerable assistance to many Medora Ranger District projects. Utilizing materials and working closely with the Range Specialists, Botanists, Wildlife Biologists and others, the HOTR residents have provided some of the “heavy lifting” needed to put projects on the ground. Past projects have included tree plantings, hitching rail installations, participation and understanding of bio-control methods of noxious weeds and collections, trail surfacing, painting/staining and fence repair. This diversity of projects has provided participants with opportunities to learn from various specialists about the USFS role in public land management. It’s hard to beat a "hands-on" experience when it comes to creating a memory, and that’s learning. Groups were usually 6-8 people including supervisor, the largest group has been 25 participants for a trail surfacing project at Buffalo Gap campground in celebration of National Trails Day June 2006. Feedback from the youth and staff at HOTR about program and relationship with USFS has been outstanding! Home On The Range and the Medora
Ranger District have created a good working and learning environment for kids in
dire need of both. Support of good projects and on-the-ground results continue
to be a very pleasant by-product. Home On The Range is a good neighbor to the
Medora Ranger District and the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. They are a true
“Prairie Partner.” Home On The Range welcomes Ron Zachmann as a new director to our Board of Directors.
Ron has an extensive knowledge of construction and buildings. He worked in the construction field for many years before opening his own lumber business in Golva. In 1984 he purchased the Beach Building Center and renamed it Prairie Lumber Company. Ron is a very community oriented person and involved in different areas to better the southwestern region. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Trustee of St. John’s the Baptist Church. He has served on the local Chamber, Economic Development, Golden Valley County Fair boards and the parish Council. Ron and his family have been supporting Home On The Range’s projects since 1987. He served on the steering committee for the girls’ dorm and was advised HOTR on the construction and purchase of materials for the dorm. At the annual basket bash fundraiser, Ron builds and donates unique items to the auction, many times more than one. Prairie Lumber Company is a loyal supporter of the Champions Ride Rodeo. In Ron’s younger years, he helped sell snow cones at the concession stand, and currently sponsors cowboys and advertises in the program. Ron was asked what he thought he would be bringing to the board. He said, “I’m coming in with an open mind, having not been on a board this size before. I really don’t have any expectations. Hopefully I can bring to the Board my knowledge of the building industry and my ties to the local community.” HOME ON THE RANGE DREAMS COME TRUE December 27, 2007 CODY WRIGHT WINS
TOP HONORS AT CHAMPIONS RIDE Sentinel Butte, ND -- It was the right kind of day at Home On The Range for the 50th Annual Champions Ride Saddle Bronc Match –beautiful weather, many rodeo legends on hand to reminisce and celebrate, and a talented group of cowboys to ride great bucking horses. It was a day fitting a celebration fifty years in the making. It was the “right” kind of a day in more ways than one, as Cody Wright of Milford, Utah spurred his way to the winners circle. The talented young saddle bronc rider is currently sitting 6th place in the PRCA standings and headed off on a plane to Dodge City to compete in the finals there following his last horse at Champions Ride. Wright was also the $100,000.00 winner at this year’s Calgary Stampede held in July. Dickinson’s Dusty Hausauer scored the high point ride in the first go with a score of 79.5 points. Rod Hay, currently ranked 8th in the PRCA standings, won the second go round. Hay, from Alberta, Canada, is a three-time Champion of the Match. The Jim and Tom Tescher Championship Round was won by Cody Horwedel, Parkfield, California. The crowd came alive when the bronc blew out of the chute and Horwedel rode him with great style. The crowd liked it. Horwedel liked it. The judges liked it, and scored it 87 points – enough to earn Horwedel the High Point Ride Award and Mullen Hill, the Burch Rodeo Company bronc he rode, won the Best Bronc honors of the Match. The father/son tie-down roping event was fun to watch as the Tierney family competed against the Pruitts. The last time Paul Tierney had roped calves in the Home On The Range arena was in a match against Joe Beaver over twenty years ago! Spectators enjoyed having the tie-down event back at Champions Ride as it had been in the early years of the Match. Riley Pruitt, a junior-high-aged competitor, and Paul David Tierney, a high school rodeo contestant, certainly showed rodeo fans that they have the stuff champions are made of! The win went to the Tierney’s, but it was fun watching for all. All the activity of the day wasn’t focused in the arena, however. The morning started with a Cowboy Reunion Brunch where past Champions and contestants of the Match, as well as other rodeo enthusiasts, gathered in air-conditioned comfort to reminisce of Champions Ride events of years gone by. A Silent Auction of commemorative, hand-made items, signed photos and rodeo collectibles were sold to the highest bidders. Towner artist Andrew Knudson was also on hand to autograph the commemorative prints that were done in honor of Champions Ride’s golden anniversary. “Little Britches, Big Dreams,” the title of the painting, was a big hit. It is now in the record books. The 50th Annual Champions Ride Saddle Bronc Match is history. And in looking back to the early years and remembering two bronc riding brothers presenting the idea of a saddle bronc riding match to their parish priest in hopes of bringing fans from all over to watch and raise money to support Home On The Range, who could have imagined that 50 years later, the idea is still going strong – bringing people to the Ranch and hope to the children who call it home? That is what has made Champions Ride so important – supporting the ranch home that has spent 56 years making a difference in the lives of the children. It truly was the right cause in which to invest fifty years of rodeo heroes and the building of a western legacy. Photo by Doll Rodeo Photos ### Sentinel Butte, N. Dak. Four Home On The Range staff recently became social skills trainers certified by Boys and Girls Town of Nebraska. Jodi Ebel, Gordon Pinnow, Brian Miller and Josh Wirtzfeld participated in a three-day, 24-hour course at the Boys Town facility. The staff practiced teaching the social skills curriculum and role plays to each other, and then gave a presentation on a section of the social skills for comments. They also toured the Boys Town facility, studied professionalism, and discussed how the program would be implemented within the Home On The Range program. These staff now have the specialized training to instruct all HOTR staff in the proper use of social skills.
The social skills program has been used at Home On The Range since 1989. The primary goal of the system is to replace inappropriate skills by teaching and reinforcing the use of more socially acceptable behavior. This method is effective in promoting better relationships between residents and staff. The children are awarded positive points when they do things correctly, and they earn negative points for incorrect actions. The residents have to earn a specified amount of points to receive certain privileges and activities.
The social skills begin by teaching specific target areas such as how to follow instructions or ask for permission. Once the children have accomplished this level, they move on to more advanced role plays such as how to introduce themselves to guests, volunteer for jobs, interrupt appropriately, or how to accept feedback and criticism. The social skills program is used by all of the Home On The Range staff. The staff uses the same program, whether the child is in the dining hall, chapel, dorm or going to the doctor. It is the consistency and use of the same terminology over and over which helps the children learn and practice it in their daily routine.
The newly trained staff joins six other trained instructors, for a total of 10 social skills trainers on staff. Home On The Range employees are required to have a minimum of 20 hours of training each year. This includes social skills curriculum, CPR/first aid, CPI nonviolent crisis prevention intervention, HIV/Aids, Child Abuse and Neglect Act, sexual harassment, HIPAA privacy rule, cultural diversity and discrimination, and any other training specifically pertaining to their job description. Sentinel Butte. Shamrocks are for more than just the Irish or leprechauns. Each March for St. Patrick’s Day, the North Dakota Knights of Columbus sell green chenille shamrock pins to raise money for Home On The Range in Sentinel Butte, N. Dak.
Knights and volunteers across the state ask for “a green buck for a green shamrock.” Last year, the Knights raised more than $12,000 and over the past 43 years, more than $500,000 has been given to the ranch on behalf of their fundraising efforts.
The pins are hand-made by students from the North Dakota Developmental Center of Grafton, N. Dak. It takes several months for the residents to put the pins together and attach a message flag to each. This year, they made 13,000 pins and the slogan is “ND Knights and Home On The Range supporting children in 2006.”
Jim Lahey, from Lakota, N. Dak., came up with idea of selling shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day to help Father Cassedy’s ranch. Mr. Lahey served as the first chairman and assisted with the project for many years after. The Lakota Council had the distinction of selling the most shamrocks per capita of all the councils in North Dakota, and today remains in the top six fundraising councils. In 1963, the Shamrock project was adopted as a state project by the State Council of Knights of Columbus.
Shamrock pins are available from most Knights of Columbus members, or you may contact Home On The Range at 701-872-3745. All proceeds benefit the teenagers living at Home On The Range.
Home On The Range is a residential child care facility licensed to care for 79 boys and girls. The children may have family or school problems, been abused, neglected, or experimented with drugs or alcohol. Home On The Range provides therapy, education, recreation, spiritual development, and work programs to help the child become a responsible and productive person.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against
such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22
This bible verse truly describes Salvatorian Brother Samuel Larson, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary this month of working with children at Home On The Range. This active, vibrant man has seen a lot of things and changes over the years, but remains dedicated to do all he can, until something stops him.
Brother Sam, as known by his friends and co-workers, was raised in the town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, along with his three sisters. He attended school at St. Mark’s Catholic Grade School. He graduated from the 8th grade and in 1948, he entered the monastery. In 1950, he took his vows as a Salvatorian Brother of the Society Divine Savior of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After 25 years of religious life, he took a sabbatical leave for three months at a Christian Brothers school in Sante Fe, New Mexico, where he studied spirituality and psychology.
While in New Mexico, he received a call and was asked to consider one of four assignments; help in a parish in Milwaukee; teach a junior and senior CCD class in Washington, D.C.; work in a hospital in Arizona to experience death and dying; or to be a counselor of children at Home On The Range. A friend had once told Brother Sam he would make a good counselor, and when the opportunity came up, Brother Sam knew this was the job meant for him.
Brother Sam visited Home On The Range for a few days and completed his interview with Father William Fahnlander. At the time, there were only three counselors and 48 boys. Brother Sam spent some time with Father Fahnlander and met some of the other staff. He was told he was a “God-send” and knew in his heart he was meant to work at Home On The Range.
After working as a counselor for just two weeks, Brother Sam was put in charge of the whole south wing of the boys’ dorm. This meant he would be responsible for 20 boys. It was more than a full-time job; he worked 24 hours a day, six days a week. Brother Sam not only worked out of his office, but lived and slept there too. When asked how he supervised the boys at night when they were sleeping, he winked and said, “I slept with one eye open and one eye shut.” In the early days of his employment, Brother Sam stated that being a counselor was more like being a father-figure, not a baby-sitter. His job title originally started out as counselor, then changed to child care staff, and then changed again to residential specialist. He jokingly said, “but it’s the same cotton pickin’ job.”
In 1979, Home On The Range started sending the residents to SEARCH. This was a beginning trend for the spiritual department. Brother Sam recalls a specific time when a young man was asked to go to SEARCH for the first time. The boy had a history of being a heavy marijuana user and would outwardly tell people that there was no better high. “Doug” had been involved in the spiritual program, but didn’t seem to commit himself to believe in a higher power. After attending the weekend SEARCH, Doug sought out Brother Sam and confessed, “You were right, Bro… spirituality is the highest high.”
Brother Sam has seen many spiritual transformations over the years – some inspired by him and his STEP group. Based on the 12 steps of AA, Brother Sam instills the importance of a higher power. With his own spiritual strength and commitment, Brother Sam teaches kids about spirituality and feeds their need for knowledge about God and Christianity. It has become a group that children ask for. One time, Brother Sam had a rather rambunctious group of boys, cancelled the STEP group, and sent the boys back to their rooms. One young man wouldn’t leave, and stood in the hallway and sobbed. He pleaded with Brother Sam to continue the STEP group because it was the only time he got to learn about spirituality. This inspired Brother Sam to continue his class and work harder at helping kids.
In 1985, Brother Sam was ordained as a Deacon at St. Mary’s Church in Golva, N. Dak. Bishop Kinney conducted the service. Also ordained that day were Don Nistler and Alvin Schmitz. Brother Sam became a Deacon to serve God and help others. He said it fit well into his vows as a Salvatorian Brother.
Over time, Brother Sam has noticed many things at Home On The Range that have changed. There are the physical changes such as the additions and moving of buildings, and increase in the staff, especially the people which work with children. The types of kids and their needs have changed. Brother Sam feels it is harder to form relationships with the kids because they are at Home On The Range a shorter amount of time. Also, the children seem to have a lesser understanding of appropriate morals, values and are confused about life. Many troubled young people aren’t getting the direction and support they need from their family.
The Home On The Range spiritual department has evolved over the years. It now has two youth ministers that minister to the children through bible study, praise night, private consultations and Christian music. Brother Sam says he has time to do other things with the kids he couldn’t do before. The child care staff actively participates in the activities and Church, and they encourage the kids to become involved too. It is Brother Sam’s hope that the spiritual department can maintain its strength and momentum, because that in itself will substantiate the future of Home On The Range and its children.
Brother Sam is a caring, creative, compassionate and conservative person. He practices these four C’s every day of his life. Patrick Petermann, former HOTR Executive Director, said, “Whenever Brother Sam was talking in the chapel or in the dorm with one of the kids, he commanded their attention, not by expressing that they listen, but by his gentle approach and caring nature. I am honored to call him my friend.”
Brother Sam has become well-known for his hand-made and beautiful cards for birthdays, encouragement or in sympathy. Many friends, employees and children have been blessed with his creative cards. Brother Sam makes sure that each child at Home On The Range receives not only a card, but a small gift. He cares deeply for everyone and is willing to listen anytime, or help to the best of his capabilities. It is common to see him help clean up after a banquet or help move chairs and tables for guest speakers’ presentations. He always has new ideas on how to re-use different pieces of equipment or furniture, and recycles aluminum cans and cardboard to conserve the environment while simultaneously saving the recycling proceeds to help purchase new statues for the Home On The Range Family Chapel.
Brother Sam sees the good in everything and every person. The most rewarding thing for him is when a former boy calls, writes, or comes back to Home On The Range for a visit. Patrick Petermann recalls, “I saw in his eyes a man with a great love of his fellow man and a kind heart to others who need direction and someone to confide in. I know that to be true by all the former residents through his 30 years of service to children that contact him through letters and visiting.” Patrick continued “Over my 14 years at Home On The Range, I met hundreds of former residents. Almost all of them asked about Brother Sam or had a fond memory to share.”
In his spare time, Brother Sam volunteers at the local food pantry, helps pick up food from the food bank, makes posters for holidays and special events, speaks to CCD and youth religious classes, is active in his parish ministry, and conducts prayer services for the Home On The Range staff. Brother Sam is also a huge football fan, and whether it is a good year or bad, according to Brother Sam, the Green Bay Packers are always the best team.
So what is in the future for Brother Sam? You can bet it’s not retirement. Brother Sam said, “I’m in good health, happy, work with beautiful people, and as long as I can work, and have the desire to work, I will. I don’t have plans to retire until I have to.” He continues with a twinkle in his eye, “Only God knows when I will retire.”
Diane Szudera, HOTR co-worker, said, “I have worked with Brother Sam for over 22 years and he has always radiated a love for the kids and passion for his work. He is a model of Christianity that many of us aspire to achieve.” It is Brother Sam’s positive attitude, belief and dedication to his work, sense of humor, and outlook on life that makes him a role model to the Home On The Range children and staff, friends, family and anyone that meets him.
April 25, 2005 Sentinel Butte, N. Dakota
On May 6, the public is invited to tour the new Fahnlander Hall. The ceremony begins with opening remarks by Father David G. Morman. Other dignitary speakers include Lois Nelson and Joanne Rott, National Eagle Past Grand Madam Presidents; Brother Sam Larson, HOTR employee for 28 years; Clarence Fischer, former HOTR Board member for 14 years; and Pat Lazenby, National Eagle Grand Madam President. They will be sharing their personal stories and experiences about Home On The Range and Father Fahnlander.
The building will be dedicated to the memory of Father William J. Fahnlander. A special area in the lobby will have pictures and memorabilia in tribute to his life at Home On The Range. There will also be church pews to provide seating. These pews were originally a part of the HOTR Chapel and have been refurbished to coordinate with the furnishings of the lobby.
Another special area in Fahnlander Hall will be dedicated to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The Eagle Memorial Foundation donated more than $150,000 towards the project. The conference room will be a tribute to all Eagles who have supported the project. Each of girl’s bedrooms and its furnishings were sponsored by a club at a $1000 each. The clubs selected the bedding and decorations to complete a room. Each room has a different look which we hope will make the girls feel more at home.
There are many people who have given generously to see Fahnlander Hall open its doors. They will be acknowledged on a unique donor wall located in the welcome lobby. The hand-made cross and plaques were created and donated by HOTR employee, Greg LaBelle. The wall also proudly bears the names of all employees contributing to the project.
It has been 45 years since Home On The Range has opened a new building. Home On The Range has been anticipating this celebration for four years. Please plan on attending and sharing in the joy of this monumental event. Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m., and tours of Fahnlander Hall will begin immediately thereafter. It has truly been through the generosity of many that this dream has come true.
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September
2008
Jablonski and Zone Fire Management Officer Faron Krueger met with HOTR staff
regarding some questions they had concerning fire, fire education and possibly
presenting a program to the students and staff. In the initial meeting, the
possibility of utilizing HOTR students for work projects was explored. During
that same period of time, it was discovered North Dakota Job Service was looking
for work for the HOTR students, as there was state money and target to be
achieved. So, Ranger Jablonski met with HOTR and North Dakota Job Service and a
triad was formed: Medora Ranger District would develop the work plan, North
Dakota Job Service would provide funding and HOTR would provide the students,
crew leader and all necessary logistics (transportation, meals, etc. for their
crew). Though North Dakota Job Service has since pulled out because of budget
cuts, a partnership remains in place with the DPG and Home On The Range. The
relationship is as strong as ever and has been coordinated through the DPG
Recreation staff.
Ron
is a graduate from Golva, North Dakota high school. He attended college at
University of North Dakota in Williston taking carpentry and drafting classes.
Ron is one of eight children from the Harry and Elaine Zachmann family. Ron
married Sherry Barthel thirty years ago and was blessed with four girls –
Jessica, Crystal, Kari and Kim.
