Facts Sheet

West Texas Boys Ranch

Mission:

Reflecting its ranching heritage and commitment to Christian values, WTBR provides loving, caring families and homes for boys in need so they can become healthy, happy, self-sufficient citizens.

License:

WTBR is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide residential basic child care for up to 78 boys ages 6-17. The Ranch is licensed to provide program services for (a) child care and (b) transitional living. WTBR is exempt under IRS 501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). WTBR is a public charity.

History:

WTBR was started in 1947 by a group of businessmen in San Angelo. 965 acres were purchased along Spring Creek near Tankersley, about 12 miles west of San Angelo. The first living quarters for the boys were remodeled U.S. military barracks from nearby Mathis Field. In the early 1980s the first of five homes was constructed as the model of child care evolved to a family-based environment. Today in each house a married couple, as parental role models, cares for up to eight boys. In its 60+ years, WTBR has been home to nearly 1500 boys from 130 counties in Texas and five states. WTBR is privately funded by individuals, corporations, organizations, businesses and foundations.

Leadership:

The Ranch operates under the guidance and oversight of the Board of Directors. The current CEO is James W. Satterwhite, a licensed Child Care Administrator. The current Chair of the Board of Directors is Joey Henderson.

WTBR Foundation:

The foundation oversees and solicits money to endow the Ranch. Gifts in the form of cash, wills, trusts, annuities and other financial planning instruments may be made to the Foundation. The WTBR Foundation is exempt under IRC 501(c)(3). Contributions are deductible within the extent of the law. The current CEO of the Foundation is James W. Satterwhite and the current chair of the Board of Trustees is Raymond Meza, a San Angelo business man.

Education:

Throughout the history of WTBR, the boys have been educated in Texas' public schools. The boys attend Irion County ISD in Mertzon. The Doss learning center, which includes classrooms, a library, a computer room and other facilities, was constructed in 1988 by the The M. S. Doss Foundation, Meadows Foundation and Abell-Hanger Foundation. This facility is used for tutoring and educational enhancement as well as a "home school" for those boys who need to catch up on credits before attending IrionCounty schools. Several of the boys will receive their diploma and attend college or a trade school. Some also serve in the Military. Many of our alumni are now productive citizens and have families of their own.

Programs:

In addition to ranching and farming, the boys at the Ranch are involved in 4-H, FFA and other community programs. Each boy shares in his family's chores, meals, and activities in his home. The boys hunt, fish, camp, ride horses, care for animals and other chores around the Ranch. The boys take educational trips, learn the value of work, as well as other skills that will help them in their adult life. Other facilities at the Ranch include a gymnasium, ropes challenge course, and swimming pool.

Referral sources:

Currently most boys at the Ranch have been privately placed. A small percentage are placed by the Court system. WTBR encourages a minimum stay of one year. A service plan is designed to address specific need of each boy. Our goal is reunite each boy with his family if and when possible. WTBR welcomes referrals from school counselors, ministers, law enforcement officers, parents, grandparents and others.

For more information:

West Texas Boys Ranch
10223 Boys Ranch Road
San Angelo, Texas76904

(325) 949-1936
(800) 756-9827

www.wtbr.org

James W. Satterwhite, CEO
jsatterwhite@wtbr.org