History

Since its founding 35 years ago, Texas Boys Ranch has been giving young boys the chance to grow and develop into productive men, fulfilling TBR’s motto of “believing in boys of today for the men of tomorrow.” To date over 800 young men and boys from more than 125 Texas communities and representing a variety of backgrounds and circumstances have called Texas Boys Ranch home. Some came because they literally had no place else to go; they were homeless. Others came through referral from social workers, seeking to remove them from home environments of abuse or neglect. But no matter the circumstances bringing these young men to Texas Boys Ranch, they are given a renewed opportunity.

The Texas Boys Ranch was first conceived in 1972 by concerned citizens of Lubbock, who wanted to make a difference in the lives of homeless, neglected, and dependent boys of the South Plains area. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin L. Forrest also wanted to make a difference and, in 1975, this pioneer Lubbock couple donated the land on which Texas Boys Ranch is located. With this act of concerned generosity, the Ranch took the first step in making a dream become reality.

 

Others soon stepped forward to help make a difference in the lives of boys. The first cottage was finished in the summer of 1975, and the Ranch was ready to accept boys. Simmons Pump Company donated an education/office building. Mrs. Fern Cone donated a recreation/dining hall.

In 1976, the Lubbock Lions Club constructed a second cottage, and the Caprock American Business Club built a vocational training building. In1986, a beautiful chapel was completed, named to honor Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bruckner, Sr. In 1988, a third cottage was built by Lions District 2T2. The donations and support of countless others helped build a pavilion, corrals, animal shelters, and a hay barn.

In 2002, the Lubbock Lions Club donated funds to provide for a new playground. Until then, the Boys Ranch did not have any kind of playground on campus. This new addition met a pressing need for the boys, who are now coming to the ranch as young as four years old.
In 2006 a fourth cottage was built with contributions from foundations, companies and individuals.

 

For the young boys and young men who call it "home," Texas Boys Ranch is, first of all, a place far different from what most have experienced - a working ranch covering some 440 acres located a few miles northeast of Lubbock.

The Texas Boys Ranch is also a place of opportunity, better than most of these boys have ever known. TBR is a place to learn the value and rewards of hard work. It is a place to receive whatever individualized attention is needed to attain a sound fundamental education. It is a place to learn cooperation, teamwork, and respect for others. It is a place that encourages healthy and meaningful religious experiences.

Every resident is responsible for his fair share of ranch work and household chores. In return, each boy earns wages and learns to manage his financial resources, held for each individual in a money management account. With their wages, the boys buy some of their clothing and personal hygiene supplies along with those items boys always feel they need. The boys are given guidance along with some freedom in how they spend their money.  They also are taught to contribute and to save.

 

The boys learn the relationship between the work and effort they invest and the rewards - both financial and personal - they receive as a result. As they care for the ranch and farm animals, and as they haul hay, fix fences, do lawn care or repair work, they learn life skills. Equally important, they and their fellow residents become part of a real, functional, and supportive family. And, as part of that family, they learn what it means to be respected and to have respect for others. They learn to be proud of themselves and their abilities. They learn what it takes to be a responsible and productive citizen.

The future looks great for Texas Boys Ranch. We are working toward an education/recreation facility. We also plan to build more cottages as soon as possible.
One exciting new project is a “Transitional Living” program for young men between 18 and 22 years old where they will have a home and adult guidance while they learn to live independently.  An existing house inside Lubbock’s city limits has been identified and will soon begin operation.