James and Kathy Higginbotham had been in connection with a variety of donors, former residents, and sponsors for years. The stories the Higginbothams heard compelled them to take a visit to Boys Ranch themselves.

They were traveling from Colorado and were close to the Boys Ranch campus, so they took a detour to get a glimpse of the place they had already come to cherish.

“We knew how important the organization was, but it wasn’t until we actually drove in and had a tour that we really became consistently and actively involved,” James said.

“They had the neatest houseparent give us a tour to see the facilities and meet the kids. That just sealed the deal. This is really a place where you can see what your donations mean in the lives of kids.”

The couple says they appreciate that children at Boys Ranch have opportunities to participate in activities, attend chapel and learn skills.

“We see the opportunities afforded to these kids they wouldn’t otherwise have. We appreciate the difference Cal Farley’s has made in their lives, which in turn allows them to go out into the world and make a difference to others,” Kathy said. “It’s a continuing cycle that these new young people come in, and they are the future.”

The Higginbothams enjoy attending chapel when they visit Boys Ranch and knowing there is a spiritual component to the programs on campus.

“Cal Farley’s is fertile ground to sow seeds. We know it is,” James said. “We enjoy participating when we can, and it’s a blessing for us to bless the kids who are there and can be in a safe environment.”

The Higginbothams believe the Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) set youth up for success in independent living.

“We especially like ELP because they can learn a trade, see what they are good at and investigate areas. It also gives them confidence,” Kathy said.

“It’s all geared to making a difference in one person’s life. I don’t know any other place where we put our money, where we can go, see and feel the difference it makes. We feel like we are a part of it.”

While Boys Ranch is why James and Kathy became donors, they are also pleased with the organization’s community-based services. Those services provide free, in-home support and assistance to families who are coping with circumstances that put children at risk of being separated from them or placed in out-of-home care.

“We are just amazed at how many different areas Cal Farley’s reaches. Even though not all kids in need can come to the ranch, there are so many other ways to help and minister to families,” Kathy said. “That’s important. It just widens the whole area of ministry to children in need.”