[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15531]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 TRIBUTE TO TEXAS BOYS RANCH OF LUBBOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Texas Boys Ranch 
of Lubbock in celebration of their 25th Anniversary Telethon on August 
26th, 2000. Texas Boys Ranch provides adolescent boys of the South 
Plains an opportunity to realize their dreams and reach their goals.
  The Texas Boys Ranch began in 1975 as a way for community leaders to 
minister to the lives of troubled youth. For 25 years, Texas Boys Ranch 
has served over 400 boys and young men from all walks of life. Texas 
Boys Ranch is a working ranch with cattle, hogs, horses, and ponies. In 
addition to their full academic schedules, the boys live on the ranch 
and are required to preform chores in their cottages and on the ranch. 
Texas Boys Ranch also offers a unique program to young men age 17 or 
older. The Independent Living Program allows these men to live at the 
Ranch's Cottage III, where they are given the responsibility to make 
choices regarding their day to day lives.
  For the past 25 years, the Texas Boys Ranch has provided boys and 
young men of the South Plains with a stable environment in which to 
grow and develop. Generous contributions from individuals, churches, 
businesses, and foundations, as well as reimbursement by the Texas 
Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, provide the funding 
for Texas Boys Ranch. A recent capital campaign led to a much needed 
renovation project of cottages, Dinning facilities and infrastructure 
at the Ranch. The Silver Anniversary Telethon is yet another 
opportunity for the community to help the Texas Boys Ranch in 
influencing the lives of young men.
  At a time in our nation when young people have more obstacles and 
challenges growing up, and fewer quality role models, Texas Boys Ranch 
serves as a positive and stabilizing force in the lives in many young 
men. The success story of Texas Boys Ranch demonstrates how communities 
can come together and reach out to the needs of our young boys.

                          ____________________