Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch

Bluegrass and Burgers a Huge Success!!

joyoneal — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:50:16 +0000

Thanks for a great Bluegrass and Burgers!!

Alabama Gives Day!

joyoneal — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:07:48 +0000

On February 2, 2012 the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association and the Razoo Foundation, is doing something in Alabama that’s never been done. We’re taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide, connecting new and existing donors with thousands of Alabama nonprofits.

“The Alabama Broadcasters Association is excited to participate in what will be a historic event for philanthropy in our state and possibly across the nation. The concept of Alabama Gives Day is heartwarming for all who will be part of the event. Alabama radio and TV stations will endeavor to raise record amounts in gifts for charities across the state in a 24 hour period,” said Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

Watch Our New Video!!

joyoneal — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:20:46 +0000

Scroll down to watch our new video and learn more about our riding program! A big thank you to Stasi Bara at See It Productions for creating this special video highlighting the ways that riding instills confidence in these young people and gives us an opportunity to share God’s love with them.

On behalf of the hundreds of children who have participated at SOHYR this year, thank you for your continued prayers and donations!

joyoneal — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:02:52 +0000

Order your 2011 Christmas Cards asap! Our supplies are limited and you don’t want to miss out on these great cards featuring the photography of Mary Lou Davis.

2011 PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS

joyoneal — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:37:27 +0000

In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps, and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals and families who have answered that call and provided extraordinary service to certified agencies. Please join us in congratulating these volunteers:

Bronze (at least 100 hours per individual): Alexis Braswell, Mike Connor, Suzanne Graham, Lauren & Bobby Lake, Jeff Morrison, and Paulina Taylor.

Silver (at least 250 hours per individual): Bill & Sylvia Vanderwilt.

Gold (at least 500 hours per individual): Libbi Isbell, and Joy O’Neal.

Gold (at least 1,000 hours per group): Cornerstone Christian School.

Additionally, we’d like to recognize the volunteers who have been invaluable to us in this past year by serving over 20 hours: Amy Finley, Mike Rigg, Jerelyn Tiller, Laura Vogtle, Belinda Ross, Cissy Jackson, Marlene & Ron Cashin, Kat Tucker, Marty Murdock, David Hamrick, the Forsyth family, and Jamie Key. If you have volunteered with SOHYR this past year and have not yet registered your hours, please complete this survey.

WELCOME KELLY COUSETTE!

joyoneal — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:04:18 +0000

Kelly Cousette will be beginning as Executive Director of Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch on November 21st. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in nonprofit management at UAB and needs the next several weeks to finish up her studies. She is a licensed professional counselor with certifications in hypnotherapy and rapid trauma resolution. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, both from UAB. Kelly has counseled clients of all ages and mental abilities. But, she has a special passion for working with at-risk youth via experiential learning modalities. And while her horse experiences commenced with her position at SOHYR, our riding instructors have said that she is “a natural horse rider.” So, while she doesn’t officially start for a few more weeks, you’ll be seeing Kelly around the barn!

PONY EXPRESS A HUGE SUCCESS!!

joyoneal — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:43 +0000

What a great success!!! We simply could not have created a more perfect day for The Pony Express – 70 degrees, sunny, and a gentle breeze. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to make the day run smoothly for the 300+runners. Special thanks to our wonderful volunteers, especially Libbi Isbell for chairing the event, Lauren Lake for handling logistics, Tiffany Story for marketing, Suzanne Graham for sponsorships, Whitney Price for refreshments, Cissy Jackson for program, Skye Coody and Ashley Bunt for the children’s area, Missy Cox for bringing Abby the therapy horse, Tech Rentals, LLC for the sound system, and the Hosmer Family for the stage. Please visit the event website at www.ponyexpress5k.com to see a complete list of our sponsors and donors. Also, keep checking the event website to see a posting of race times. If you missed the race, you can feel like you were there by watching our pre-race video or a video of the event and by browsing these beautiful photos by Mary Lou Davis.

SOHYR RECEIVES REMY FUND GRANT

joyoneal — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:50:08 +0000

We are thrilled to be one of the first agencies selected to receive a donation from the Remy Fund for Pet and Animal Services (a special fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham). The Remy Fund was started by Ken Jackson after the death of his beloved dog Remy. The $5,000 grant will allow total care for our five horses for two months and approximately 160 hours of interaction time for the children that participate in our programs. Ken understood perfectly the love that a child can experience through bonding with an animal and we are honored to be selected as an agency that will carry on Remy’s memory. For more information about other recipients, please read the story in The Birmingham News.

JOIN US FOR THE PONY EXPRESS ON OCTOBER 1st

joyoneal — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:19:24 +0000

It’s less than 54 days until the Pony Express, but you still have time to be a sponsor!

The Pony Express 5k will take place in the heart of Crestline Village at 9am on October 1st, 2011. The 1 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15. The 5k race will be chip timed. Register at First Giving through 12:00 noon on 9/29/11. Packet pick-up at Homewood Trak Shak on Friday, September 30th from 11:00-5:00. Race day registration begins at 7:30 am in the grass lot adjacent to the Emmet O’Neal library. Music, refreshments, kids activities, therapy horses, clown….bring the whole family!

Registration Fees: $25- 5k ($30 day of race) $10- 1 mile fun run ($15 day of race)

T-shirts to first 300 registrants.

Awards: Overall Male/Female Winner (5k), 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners in each age category (5k), Overall 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners (1Mile). All fun run participants will receive a blue ribbon.

Door Prizes will be announced after the race – must be present to win!

Check out our FirstGiving Page to register for the race and start your own fundraising page.

joyoneal — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:38:09 +0000