As I sit down to read the winter edition of the Cal Farley’s alumni newsletter, I came across an article by Dan Adams, and was impacted by just how much Cal Farley’s boys ranch alumni Association (CFBRAA) does throughout each year to help young men and women to adjust to life outside of the ranch or Girlstown. The alumni Association has stepped in to help not only the young men and women but also the veterans of military service who were raised at Cal Farley’s. Just this year the alumni supported support centers for adults, case management services, college scholarship programs, and is in the process of building a wall of honor and memorial for service members, which will include a center monument with the names of those who have died in military service. The alumni Association, in the last year, has helped out several individuals who have had catastrophic events happen in their life. Just a few months ago CFBRAA was called about an individual who had had a heart attack and could not work until released from a doctor’s care. In this situation the alumni Association’s special needs committee investigated the need, provided food in the form of Walmart cards, and followed up with this individual until he was able to get back to work. The unique thing about these situations is the people that the alumni Association helps are previous members of Cal Farley’s organization as a child. This means the recipients did not have a stable family environment until reaching Cal Farley’s. After they left Cal Farley’s they fell into a sort of “purgatory,” and were faced with the option of going throughout their lives alone. The alumni Association tries to fill the gap of the lack in a family by providing a way to enhance the lives of each person they come in contact with.
Your ongoing support of Cal Farley’s Alumni Association is very important for not only the organization’s future, but the future of all who cross through the doors of Cal Farley’s and into the public. Over 9000 young men and women have left Cal Farley’s and stepped into the public becoming productive citizens. Without your support we would be unable to meet the overwhelming needs of critical care management. It is important to understand that CFBRAA is different than many other nonprofit organizations in one major way. “The alumni Association directs 100% of all donations to the funding of these responsibilities, and no funds are directed toward any type of processing fees,” (D.A). The members of this organization are all volunteers and do not received any monetary value from their efforts.
At this time the alumni Association is working with Cal Farley’s to build a memorial to all former residents and staff of Cal Farley’s who have served in the armed services, and especially recognize those alumni who had given their lives in service to their country. At this time we are raising funds to build this Veterans Memorial. When we have the money we will begin the construction. At this time we have raised over $2400 toward the project. It is important to remember that every dollar towards this endeavor helps us to reach our goal of honoring the veterans. If you want to be a part of helping to honor and recognize those who have served and given their all, please contact our executive director, Bill Sarpalius for information at 817-788- 8782 email bobby@sarpserv.com%20 to discuss contributions.
CFBRAA seeks help in the costs of building a Veterans Memorial for boys, girls, and staff of the Boys Ranch and Girlstown, who have served and or have died defending our great nation. Donate by ordering a T-shirt or making a online offer at http://www.calfarleysboysranchalumni.org/VeteransMemorial.aspx
Dennis Linam BR – 1978 – 1982
Soldiers book of life 