[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 27, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. JUDE'S RANCH FOR CHILDREN, NEVADA CAMPUS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of the St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Nevada Campus.
  St. Jude's Ranch for Children was founded by Father Jack Adam to 
support abused and neglected children and give them an opportunity to 
learn and grow. Father Adam initially faced challenges in acquiring 
funding for the project. However, with the help of Nevadan community 
leaders, including Claudine and Shelby Williams, Forrest Duke, and the 
Sisters of Charity, the project raised $30,000, and the facility was 
built. Eddie, a resident of Elko, NV, became the first child to attend 
St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Since then, the organization has been a 
sanctuary for numerous abused and neglected children and is a 
recognized landmark in southern Nevada.
  St. Jude's Ranch for children offers supportive housing and 
nutritional services for children and families. The Therapeutic 
Residential Foster Care program provides children an opportunity to 
live together, receive the nutritious foods they need to be successful, 
attend school, and participate in extracurricular activities. Children 
are nurtured in the program until they are ready to transition out of 
therapeutic are. Later, children are placed with loving foster 
families, and siblings are kept together.
  April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. It is important that 
every April we work together to raise awareness for programs that 
support the physical and emotional well-being of children and recognize 
organizations, such as St. Jude's Ranch for Children, that transform 
the lives of children and families in our community.
  Our youth are an important part of our history and future. We must 
ensure that children are protected and have a nurturing home that 
allows them to succeed. When a child suffers from abuse or neglect, the 
whole community and country suffers with them. The services provided by 
St. Jude's Ranch for Children ensure safety, health, and opportunity 
for many of our Nation's children. Their work is appreciated and 
admired, and I wish them continued success for years to come.

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