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The Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches' mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children. Our philosophy has always been that it is better to build a child rather than repair an adult. Founded in 1976 by a group of sheriffs and concerned citizens, the Ranch began as a single cottage (mobile home) that served as shelter to three young boys. The Ranch now consists of three campuses across Arkansas with eight cottages for boys and girls. During its history, the Ranch has been "a place to call home" to more than 1,200 children and touched the lives of many more. Many of the children who come to the Ranch are often the product of a broken home of abuse and neglect, lacking the nurturing relationship of a loving family. The Ranch provides a healthy home environment filled with emotional support to help each child learn to trust those around them and cope with their emotions, all the while learning responsibility and building self-confidence. When children enter the Ranch, they are surrounded with individuals who care about their immediate needs and their future aspirations. It is the Ranch’s commitment to every child – a commitment that extends from the Board of Directors to management personnel, administrative staff, house parents, support staff and volunteers – to help them believe in themselves and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Residents may stay at the Ranch through post-secondary education until they are socially and financially prepared for independence and have stable employment. More than 900 children have experienced life at the Ranch, and for those and many in the future, the Ranch will always be a place to call home.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. Our network of around 76,000 club members in 120 countries and territories works at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International of the Americas is an international organization for business and professional women who provide volunteer service to their communities. About 45,000 Soroptimists in 20 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects benefiting women and girls. Soroptimist International of the Americas is part of Soroptimist International, which comprises almost 95,000 members in about 120 countries.

The Joan Angela D’Alessandro Foundation honors the memory of 7-years old Girl Scout Joan. The Foundation promotes child safety via programs we provide and legislation we advocate. In addition , we provide support to neglected and abused children through fun and educational excursions; and we help victims of crime by way of consultation. Joan’s story has brought hope through awareness and prevention. The lives of thousands will continue to benefit from the impact of her legacy.

To model to our rescued girls in Peru what a happy and healthy family is like. To provide for them love - in addition to the emotional, psychological, and physical security that they did not have before arriving to us. To provide for them a good education so that they can become agents of change for their society, culture, and world. Most importantly: We serve to be an expression of God’s heart towards the children He gives us. His heart is expressed very well in Psalm 68, verses 5 and 6 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” We consider it a privilege to be used of Him to provide a family for the children and youth that He has placed into our hands.