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 […]
Lilly Endowment Gives Generous Grant to Ben’s Ranch
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Ben’s Ranch Foundation a grant of $97,660 to help establish school-based programs, expand small group programming, and serve more Central Indiana teens struggling with their mental health. Ben’s Ranch Foundation’s work is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s initiative, Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana. The aim of the competitive initiative is to […]
Ben’s Ranch Foundation Launches Small Group Programs
Central Indiana nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation is launching new Small Group Programs to reach additional teens struggling with mental health issues. The programs bring together 14-18-year-olds from Central Indiana who have been diagnosed with mental or emotional health conditions and are physically capable of performing farm chores. Ben’s Ranch Small Group Programs are designed to […]
Boot Camps Offer Teens Chance to Try BRF Programs
Boot camps are the latest addition to the Ben’s Ranch Foundation (BRF) programming options. To serve more youth and create pathways for teens to create a ladder where they can grow and progress within our programs, BRF offers several types of small group programs, including one-day “boot camps.” How boot camps work Groups of our […]
The Front Lines of Our Teen Mental Health Crisis
The below op-ed from Ben’s Ranch Foundation Founder Brose McVey originally ran in the Corydon Democrat, Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette and Carroll County Comet: Not too long ago, if an adolescent began to experience a mental health crisis at school, a parent — or the police — would be called, and the next stop was often […]
Conner Prairie Hosts ‘Barn Bash’ That Focuses on Teens’ Mental Health Awareness
The following story originally ran on WRTV.com. CARMEL — Ben’s Ranch Foundation hosted its annual Barn Bash at Conner Prairie on Sunday. The event focused on mental health awareness and healing in the heartland. Ben’s Ranch Foundation operates and supports programs designed to connect teens who have mental health challenges to employment opportunities on farms, […]
A Powerful Mental Health Therapy for Kids — Nature
This commentary by Ben’s Ranch Founder Brose McVey was originally featured in The Indiana Capital Chronicle. On a hunch, I pulled out of the rat race and West 38th Street traffic in the state capital the other day, and to my delight, found myself in a wonderful garden right in Indianapolis. I hope I’m the last […]
Ben’s Ranch Foundation Partners with New Host Facilities
Carmel-based nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new host facilities for its teen internship program. Ben’s Ranch connects teens who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety to paid internships with farms, stables and equine therapy facilities. The combination of animals, nature, and hard […]
A No-Cost Mental Health Boost
By: Tina Rhoden-Lewellyn, Executive Director, Ben’s Ranch Foundation You turn on TV news each day and see the evidence of our nation’s declining mental health through stories of school shootings, assaults, and addiction. While professional help is a must for those struggling, there is a free complement to therapy and medications – spending time outside. […]
Statement on Surgeon General Advisory
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued an Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. Carmel-based nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation operates and supports programs designed to connect teens who have mental health challenges to jobs on farms and in stables and equine therapy facilities to harness the healing power […]