CHANGING LIVES:

ECHOING HOPE RANCH, CHANGING LIVES, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

BY ROBERT MUCCI

It is estimated that by 2023, there will be 380,000 adults with autism in need of a variety of supportive services. Families of people with autism face an uncertain future not knowing if they will be able to provide a satisfying life for their loved ones. Echoing Hope Ranch and its programs are modeled to make a difference for these families

Founded in 2008, Echoing Hope Ranch, located in Hereford, was formed from the experiences and concerns of families, striving to ensure a happy and productive life for their now adolescent loved ones. As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) the ranch was originally leased from the Kolbe family. The ranch was purchase in December of 2018, with funds secured from the United States Department of Agriculture, Community Facilities program.

As a mother of an autistic son, Harlie Garcia came to Echoing Hope Ranch after finding her son, staring out a window at the facility where he resided. Much like other parents who now have their family members at the ranch, she did not want this type of life for her son. She and other likeminded parents found that the ranch is a place that is different from other facilities that provided care for autistic individuals. Della Thompson and Eleanor Williams, who also have family members at the ranch, realized that a farm and ranch environment would provide a home that promoted growth and wellbeing not provided in a city setting. “The residents at the ranch get to be outside interacting with animals and other residents. Contrast that with being in a city, surrounded by concrete and asphalt.”

In addition to the residential program, the ranch provides day services for individuals who require support in their daily lives. More important is that these services are provided in a farm and ranch setting with programs and employment for residents that are farm and ranch based. Residents have their own rooms and depending on their level of ability live as independently as possible. Day programs provide activities that promote interaction and behavioral training to promote skill development for participants.

The farm program, managed by Lance Linnebur, provides a fully functional farm program. This program, combined with interactions with ranch animals, provides sensory stimulation that is not available at other facilities in Arizona. Participants assist in growing vegetables, gathering eggs from the ranch chickens and selling what they grow at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market. The ranch provides a pastoral setting that gives residents a sense of belonging and purpose as they are involved in daily activities and ranch life.

A day in the life of a resident or participant may involve weeding in the garden, working in one of the green houses, taking care of the ranch animals or participating in programs that provide stimulation for autistic individuals. Participants in the day care program share equally with ranch related activities. The goal of the ranch is to get residents and day care participants to interact, both with each other and their surroundings.

Every October, the ranch hosts a Fall Festival highlighting the ranch and its programs. At that time, the ranch is open to the public with vendors, a petting zoo and entertainment. A common comment from visitors is “Wow, we did not know this place existed!” A goal of the ranch is to let more people know that this type of program exists and to get funding to increase the ability of the ranch to increase the number of residential facilities and the day time program. While continuing to grow the agriculture program.

If you would like to find out more about the ranch, visit our web site at www.EcohoingHopeRanch.org or plan a visit. The ranch is open on Monday through Friday and visits can be arranged by calling 520-508-2087.