Riding high: Special-needs adults relax at welcoming ranch
The Runnin’ WJ Ranch became a centerpiece of celebration Saturday as hundreds of special-needs adults gathered for fun and fellowship and to move forward with their lives in Christ.
The ranch held its first fish fry for the gathering, which also was attended by staff members from local organizations such as Opportunities Inc., Evergreen Life Services and New Horizons—all of which assist these adults with daily living skills.
Raquel Rhone with Evergreen Life Services Direct Care, who works with special-needs adults, said her employer and many of its clients became connected with the ranch through Highland Park Baptist Church.
Runnin’ WJ Executive Director Sam Clem and retired local insurance agent Dean Barry teach a Sunday school class there for adults with special needs.
“We’ve also had several of our Evergreen clients come out to the ranch to ride horses—but a lot of them have been in this Sunday school class for a couple of years now,” Rhone said.
Paula Harmon, a weekend assistant home manager for Opportunities’ special-needs program, said she’s been involved in helping these adults for four years.
“This ranch gives our adults with special needs a chance to come out and ride horses,” Harmon said. “This gives them a real chance to just break out of the daily box of life and do something that makes them feel special.
“When Sam found out about us, he reached out and invited our clients to this Sunday school class, and now we have a church for our clients, as well as a church where they can be themselves.
“These clients are like family to me. I think this is a wonderful gathering. We have good company, good food and good music.”
Rhone agreed.
“I like the welcoming the ranch has given us,” she said. “The ranch makes us feel like we are part of a big family. It’s a place where we can come, listen to great music, take hay rides and socialize.”
Erin Franklin, who is now part of a Sunday school class called Extraordinary at First Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas, said the class started about six months ago— specifically for special-needs adults.
“This is my first time out here, but this ranch is something our class members might be interested in,” Franklin said. “This ranch helps people with special needs feel like they are really a part of something.
“I’m impressed with the ranch because it’s well-equipped to offer fun.”
Clem said the ultimate goal will always be to share the Gospel with people with special needs.
“Our belief is that no matter where you belong in life, we all belong to Christ,” he said. “When someone’s soul is healed, that’s all that matters.”
“These clients are like family to me. I think this is a wonderful gathering. We have good company, good food and good music.” —Pam Harmon, weekend assistant home manager for Opportunities Inc.’s special-needs program