About Us It was a beautiful spring day in 1956 when the founding mothers and fathers of Morning Star Boys' Ranch wrote the Articles of Incorporation. They determined that the objective of the "Ranch" is to do all things in a material and spiritual way that will encourage the development of the boys into good citizens. Boys live in the Murphy House built in 1976 and named in honor of Thornton Murphy, one of the founding fathers of the Ranch.The entire Ranch overlooks Spokane from 224 acres at the foot of Browne's Mountain on the southeastern edge of the city. Our campus includes the Ralph and Rose Phelps education and counseling center, and the Richard Boyd gymnasium. The facilities for the horses, are named in honor of Pete Dix. The administration offices are housed in an old school house located one mile from the main campus. District 81 teachers run the Morning Star Boys' Ranch Transition School at this site. For four decades Morning Star Boys' Ranch has been building traditions and providing services to over 1,272 young boys. The Ranch is grateful to donors who have generously supported the needs of the boys in the Inland Northwest over so many years. Strategic Goals Leadership Goal: With the retirement of Morning Star Boys' Ranch Director expected to occur after he completes 50-years if service in 2007, a strong Leadership Succession Plan will be created to assure a smooth transition from one generation of leaders to the next, and continue a strong and stable organization well into the future. Strategies - Develop and implement the Leadership Succession Plan and Timeline. Program Goal: Programs will be in place to help address the needs of families in our community and the children and youth the Ranch serves. Strategies - Ensure that Morning Star Boys' Ranch is accredited within 18 months. Develop, maintain, and support a broad variety of innovative programs that meet the needs of children, youth, and families including, but not limited to: two residential programs; Social Services Programs; Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy; Equine Program; Spiritual Life Program; Healing Arts and Diversity Program; Independent Living Skill-Building Program; Responsible Living Skills Program; Therapeutic Recreation Program; Agricultural and Livestock Management Program; and a collaborative Transition School. Financial and Develpment Goal: The Ranch will be financially secure so that it can provide its services and programs to the next generation. Strategies - Develop and implement the following: Planned Giving and Major Gifts Programs that honor donors' intent; Donor and Volunteer Recognition Program; Financial Aid Program to help provide services to children and youth with financial hardships; a campaign to fund new programs and facilities; and keep the overall cost of fundraising within national and regional standards. Operational Goal: The Operations of the Ranch will effectively and efficeintly support the mission, vision, values, programs, and services provided by the Ranch. Strategies - Develop and implement a business operations and systems improvement plan to ensure that the organization expends the time, talent, and treasure of staff, volunteers, and donors in a wise and prudent manner, and to be good stewarts of the resources given us. Program Goals Provide a safe, therapeutic environment in which residents increase self discipline and develop appropriate behaviors and sound decision-making skills. Provide spiritual, educational, therapeutic and recreational opportunities for boys and family members in efforts to increase skills and reduce problems. When and where feasible reunite boys with their families or develop other placement resources. In collaboration with the community, develop additional resources for the boys and their families, to broaden their network of support and thus increasing their chances of success. Continually strive for excellence by attracting and maintaining a competent staff dedicated to implementing an effective program. Expend time, talent, and treasure in a wise and prudent manner, so as to be good stewards of the resources given to us.