In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, instances of teen depression and anxiety are rising at an alarming rate.
For many families, finding effective solutions for enhancing teen mental health and fostering a sense of purpose can
feel like an uphill battle. Ben’s Ranch Foundation is offering a promising avenue through its unique blend of work-based programs set in the serene backdrop of farms and stables.
At Canterbury Manor Stables, Anderson Vestel is a testament to the powerful impact of these programs. His journey with Ben’s Ranch, an organization designed to connect teens to meaningful work in nature, serves as a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar mental health challenges.
The Symbiotic Relationship with Nature and Animals
Anderson’s days filled with chores like letting horses out, ensuring they are watered, and cleaning stalls might seem mundane to some, but for him, these tasks are therapeutic. “There’s some horses that are closer to me than others,” Anderson shares, highlighting his deep bond with Doc, his favorite horse. This connection is not just about routine; it’s an emotional anchor that helps soothe his anxiety and manage the depression that once clouded his days.
The natural setting combined with the therapeutic nature of animal interactions plays a crucial role in these teens’ recovery and growth. Horses, being intuitive creatures, have an uncanny ability to sense and respond to human emotions. “They’re non-judgmental and have a huge instinct,” shares Brose McVey, the Executive Director and Founder of Ben’s Ranch Foundation. This unconditional companionship offers teens an opportunity to be themselves, free from judgment, and foster a sense of responsibility as they care for the animals.
Purpose and Skill Building Through Work-Based Programs
Teens involved in Ben’s Ranch internship program are not only overcoming their personal struggles but also gaining invaluable life skills. The process of being entrusted with the care of animals and the responsibilities of maintaining a stable environment provides a structured routine that many teens find grounding.
Anderson’s experience mirrors that of many others who, through these work-based programs, channel their energy into something productive and rewarding. He explains, “It’s helped me focus more on my studies instead of these feelings that I’ve been having.” This redirection of focus helps alleviate some of the anxiety associated with teen mental health, providing a constructive outlet for emotions that might otherwise be overwhelming.
A Larger Impact: Expanding Reach to More Teens
The roots of Ben’s Ranch Foundation’s mission lie in a personal story—McVey’s own son, Ben, who battled bipolar disorder. The transformative impact of Ben’s 18-month stay working with horses in Wyoming inspired McVey to develop a program that could offer similar life-changing experiences to other teens. In memory of Ben, who tragically passed away at 24 from an accidental fentanyl overdose, the foundation continues to grow, impacting teens who struggle with their mental health.
The foundation’s expansion means more teens like Anderson can access these life-changing opportunities. By partnering with local farms and stables, Ben’s Ranch is actively seeking more locations willing to participate in its mission, ensuring that no teen has to face their mental health struggles alone.
Hope for the Future
For Anderson’s mother, Naomi Vestel, the change in her son is undeniable. She recounts a time when Anderson’s depression led him to make a plan to harm himself. Thankfully, timely intervention from his school counselor, leading to a referral to Ben’s Ranch Foundation, has put him on a path of recovery and hope.
For Brose McVey, seeing the positive impact on teens like Anderson is deeply fulfilling. “When we see somebody like Andy, who’s been helped, and we see the smile on these kids’ faces, and how quickly this can help them, we know he’s pretty proud,” McVey asserts. Each success story is a tribute to Ben’s legacy, illuminating a way forward for teens struggling with mental health issues.
Join the Cause
Ben’s Ranch Foundation invites more local farms and stables to join them in their quest to support teen mental health through meaningful work experiences. By fostering interactions with nature and animals, teens gain not only work skills but emotional stability and confidence—keys to a healthier, more hopeful future.
As our nonprofit continues to expand its reach by offering more programs, we urge the community to come together in supporting this vital work-based program that transforms the lives of young individuals facing mental health challenges.
For more information, click [here] to read WRTV’s full article and watch the news video [here].
By offering a lifeline to those who need it most, programs like Ben’s Ranch Foundation are reshaping the landscape of teen mental health, proving that sometimes, the path to healing starts with simple chores and a loving touch from a friendly horse.