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Scotty Brown
Marketing & Communications Specialist
sbrown@ranchlife.org
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January 28th, 2025
Good Samaritan Wins 2024 Aging Out Institute Fire Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Good Samaritan Boys Ranch has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Aging Out Institute Fire Award.
This esteemed award celebrates the nation’s top Transitional Living Programs that empower youth aging out of foster care by equipping them with essential life skills, fostering meaningful connections, and providing the support needed to transition confidently into adulthood.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the Aging Out Institute,” said Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living at Good Samaritan. “Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that the foster youth in our programs not only have their basic needs met but also have opportunities to grow, thrive, and build successful futures.”
As Missouri’s leading Transitional Living provider, Good Samaritan operates the largest program of its kind in the state. Each year, one-third of all transition-aged foster youth in Missouri pass through its doors.
“For our program, and our youth, to be seen by the Aging Out Institute is truly a testament to the work they put in every day. This award will allow us to expand our program to more young adults aging out of foster care.“
October 24, 2024
Central Bank Partners with Good Samaritan for New Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Springfield, MO – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is pleased to announce the launch of their new program, Fostering Stability, in partnership with Central Bank of the Ozarks.
Fostering Stability is an economic mobility pilot program that helps youth who have just aged out of foster care overcome crises, enrich their lives, and increase their vision for the future. Program participants receive a monthly financial gift for up to 24 months after aging out of foster care at 21 years old.
“Foster youth age out of care without the support of a family to fall back on,” says Vice President, Matt Moncado.
A 2024 study found that 74% of young adults 18-34 years old were financially dependent on their parents. Unplanned crises and inexperienced decision-making are inevitable for all young adults, but they are more unforgiving for youth who age out of foster care without relational and financial support.
“With Fostering Stability, it is our hope that youth can feel free to dream for the future without the stress of a crisis or making a mistake.” Moncado says.
With the launch of this one-of-a-kind program for Southwest Missouri, Good Samaritan sought out the partnership of a regional leader that holds the same mission for helping youth in foster care.
“I’m thrilled that Central Bank can partner with community organizations such as Good Samaritan Boys Ranch on a program like Fostering Stability. It makes me happy to know we are providing a firsthand experience for young adults starting life out on their own,” says Heather McGuigan, AVP Business Development for Central Bank.
In addition to establishing a banking relationship, youth will have access to free financial education resources through ProsperU powered by Central Bank. This program will provide youth with tools to help them manage and build a healthy financial life as they step out on their own for the first time.
“It can be very overwhelming. We see the impact that a positive bank experience can have on a young adult. Through our financial education partnership, we hope to help each program participant learn positive financial habits that they can own, be proud of, and create their version of future success.” McGuigan says.
Every dollar raised for Fostering Stability goes directly to youth who have just aged out of foster care. To join others in support of this new program, donate now at ranchlife.org/donate.
July 12th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Receives Appropriation to Help Build Resource Center for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SPRINGFIELD, MO – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is pleased to announce that they received an appropriation of $635,000 to provide essential support for vulnerable young adults in our community. The state budget signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson will help cover a portion of the $1.6 million resource center for youth aging out of foster care.
“This is a pivotal moment for our organization as we work to address the challenges facing youth transitioning out of foster care,” said Casey Wray, President and CEO of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. “By investing in this resource center, we are creating a safe and supportive environment where young people can build stability and independence as they start their journey out of foster care into adulthood.”
Studies show that 31-46% of youth aging out of foster care experience homelessness within five years. The resource center will offer 5000 sq. ft. of office and warehouse space where these young adults can access furniture, life skills training, and relational support to help them create a home environment that promotes security and well-being.
“Providing support like this resource center is vital in breaking the cycle of trauma and instability faced by many former foster youth,” said Wray. “Our goal is to empower these individuals with the tools they need to thrive independently so they can avoid falling through the cracks.”
In addition to supporting individual youth aging out of foster care, constructing the resource center will also pave the way for expanding Good Samaritan’s female group home program. By relocating furniture in storage to the new resource center, Good Samaritan will be able to enhance living spaces, add therapy rooms, and expand the program to serve more youth.
The appropriation from Governor Parson represents a significant step forward in creating positive outcomes for at-risk youth in Missouri communities. With continued fundraising efforts underway alongside ARPA funding from Greene County, and gifts from the Sunderland Foundation and Hulston Family Foundation, Good Samaritan Boys Ranch remains committed to providing critical support services that benefit the youth who need it most.
July 19th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Receives 70% NAP Tax Credits for The Catalyst Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Missouri – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is proud to announce the receipt of 70% Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The NAP Tax Credit program allows individuals and businesses to reallocate their tax burden into causes they care about most. This project will reinvest $230,110 into the Catalyst Program, a transformative, therapeutic initiative designed to support youth in foster care who have problematic sexual behaviors as a result of trauma.
The Catalyst Program for youth with problematic sexual behaviors is one of Good Samaritan’s specialized treatment programs. Youth that experience abuse and trauma at home develop low self-esteem and unhealthy coping skills, struggle to control their behavior and emotions, and have difficulty building relationships. The Catalyst Program seeks to empower young men by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and therapeutic interventions to build healthy relationships. With the support of these NAP tax credits, Good Samaritan aims to reduce the risk of recidivism for 80 participating youth in fiscal year 2025 by underwriting the salaries of its therapists and supervising staff and ensuring the availability of comprehensive services and dedicated care for youth.
“I am so grateful to the Department of Economic Development for having these credits available,” said Casey Wray, CEO of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. “These funds are so valuable in not only helping us fulfill our mission, but to enhance our mission. They’re a win for the organization because we get our bottom line bolstered to enhance our services and funding for the Catalyst Program, one of our specialized care programs for youth with trauma and problematic behaviors. It’s also a win for our donors who are so generous to us and then get to have their donation count for even more.”
The NAP tax credits offered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development are a testament to the commitment and 65-year dedication of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in creating positive change within the community. Through partnerships with businesses and individuals who contribute to approved projects, the NAP tax credits provide essential financial resources to advance programs like Catalyst.
May 14th, 2024
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation Stable re-opens at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Mo – With the help of generous community partners, Good Samaritan recently renovated the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation Stable at their Residential Treatment Facility in Brighton, Missouri for the Equine-Therapy Program. Equine assisted psychotherapy equips youth and families to build trust, enhance self-awareness, and work through self-limiting beliefs. The renovation to the stable enhances the impact of these life changing services.
A small reception for contributors to the renovations will take place at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Brighton, Missouri later this month.
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is celebrating 65 years of confronting the forces that push families into foster care and transforming the systems that fail youth as they leave it. Good Samaritan was founded in 1959 as an orphanage on a ranch north of Springfield but has since blossomed into a spectrum of community-based interventions, therapeutic residential services, and transitional living programs that disrupt the cycle of abuse and neglect, family separation, homelessness, and welfare dependence.
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation stands as a testament to the philanthropic spirit of its founders, Stanley and Elaine Ball. Driven by a deep-seated passion for community welfare and education, Stanley Ball dedicated his life to serving on the boards of various charitable organizations. Recognizing the unmet needs of many who aspired for better lives, he was committed to fostering communities that nurtured success and happiness. The passing of his wife, Elaine, in 2005, further galvanized his resolve to honor her memory. With that goal in mind, he established the foundation with a significant portion of his estate, aiming to perpetuate their shared vision of aiding the underprivileged and enhancing the communities they cherished. Even after Stanley’s passing in early 2015, his and Elaine’s legacy endures through the ongoing charitable work of their foundation, ensuring a lasting impact on countless lives.
April 19th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Announces Changes to Executive Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Mo – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch are happy to announce the promotion of Matthew Moncado to Vice President of Programs and the hiring of Samuel Bennett as Chief Operations Officer.
Matthew Moncado was promoted to Vice President of Programsat Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. Starting as a therapist 15 yearsago at Good Samaritan, Matthew brings his years of experienceto this new role that will oversee the Residential Treatment,Family Services, and Transitional Living Programs.
Samuel Bennett was hired as the Chief Operations Officer at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch on April 15th, 2024. Samuel will oversee the financial, information technology, and human resources operations at the organization.
Press & Media
Everyone has a story to tell.
All Press
January 28th, 2025
Good Samaritan Wins 2024 Aging Out Institute Fire Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Good Samaritan Boys Ranch has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Aging Out Institute Fire Award.
This esteemed award celebrates the nation’s top Transitional Living Programs that empower youth aging out of foster care by equipping them with essential life skills, fostering meaningful connections, and providing the support needed to transition confidently into adulthood.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the Aging Out Institute,” said Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living at Good Samaritan. “Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that the foster youth in our programs not only have their basic needs met but also have opportunities to grow, thrive, and build successful futures.”
As Missouri’s leading Transitional Living provider, Good Samaritan operates the largest program of its kind in the state. Each year, one-third of all transition-aged foster youth in Missouri pass through its doors.
“For our program, and our youth, to be seen by the Aging Out Institute is truly a testament to the work they put in every day. This award will allow us to expand our program to more young adults aging out of foster care.“
October 24, 2024
Central Bank Partners with Good Samaritan for New Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Springfield, MO – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is pleased to announce the launch of their new program, Fostering Stability, in partnership with Central Bank of the Ozarks.
Fostering Stability is an economic mobility pilot program that helps youth who have just aged out of foster care overcome crises, enrich their lives, and increase their vision for the future. Program participants receive a monthly financial gift for up to 24 months after aging out of foster care at 21 years old.
“Foster youth age out of care without the support of a family to fall back on,” says Vice President, Matt Moncado.
A 2024 study found that 74% of young adults 18-34 years old were financially dependent on their parents. Unplanned crises and inexperienced decision-making are inevitable for all young adults, but they are more unforgiving for youth who age out of foster care without relational and financial support.
“With Fostering Stability, it is our hope that youth can feel free to dream for the future without the stress of a crisis or making a mistake.” Moncado says.
With the launch of this one-of-a-kind program for Southwest Missouri, Good Samaritan sought out the partnership of a regional leader that holds the same mission for helping youth in foster care.
“I’m thrilled that Central Bank can partner with community organizations such as Good Samaritan Boys Ranch on a program like Fostering Stability. It makes me happy to know we are providing a firsthand experience for young adults starting life out on their own,” says Heather McGuigan, AVP Business Development for Central Bank.
In addition to establishing a banking relationship, youth will have access to free financial education resources through ProsperU powered by Central Bank. This program will provide youth with tools to help them manage and build a healthy financial life as they step out on their own for the first time.
“It can be very overwhelming. We see the impact that a positive bank experience can have on a young adult. Through our financial education partnership, we hope to help each program participant learn positive financial habits that they can own, be proud of, and create their version of future success.” McGuigan says.
Every dollar raised for Fostering Stability goes directly to youth who have just aged out of foster care. To join others in support of this new program, donate now at ranchlife.org/donate.
July 12th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Receives Appropriation to Help Build Resource Center for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SPRINGFIELD, MO – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is pleased to announce that they received an appropriation of $635,000 to provide essential support for vulnerable young adults in our community. The state budget signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson will help cover a portion of the $1.6 million resource center for youth aging out of foster care.
“This is a pivotal moment for our organization as we work to address the challenges facing youth transitioning out of foster care,” said Casey Wray, President and CEO of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. “By investing in this resource center, we are creating a safe and supportive environment where young people can build stability and independence as they start their journey out of foster care into adulthood.”
Studies show that 31-46% of youth aging out of foster care experience homelessness within five years. The resource center will offer 5000 sq. ft. of office and warehouse space where these young adults can access furniture, life skills training, and relational support to help them create a home environment that promotes security and well-being.
“Providing support like this resource center is vital in breaking the cycle of trauma and instability faced by many former foster youth,” said Wray. “Our goal is to empower these individuals with the tools they need to thrive independently so they can avoid falling through the cracks.”
In addition to supporting individual youth aging out of foster care, constructing the resource center will also pave the way for expanding Good Samaritan’s female group home program. By relocating furniture in storage to the new resource center, Good Samaritan will be able to enhance living spaces, add therapy rooms, and expand the program to serve more youth.
The appropriation from Governor Parson represents a significant step forward in creating positive outcomes for at-risk youth in Missouri communities. With continued fundraising efforts underway alongside ARPA funding from Greene County, and gifts from the Sunderland Foundation and Hulston Family Foundation, Good Samaritan Boys Ranch remains committed to providing critical support services that benefit the youth who need it most.
July 19th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Receives 70% NAP Tax Credits for The Catalyst Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Missouri – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is proud to announce the receipt of 70% Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The NAP Tax Credit program allows individuals and businesses to reallocate their tax burden into causes they care about most. This project will reinvest $230,110 into the Catalyst Program, a transformative, therapeutic initiative designed to support youth in foster care who have problematic sexual behaviors as a result of trauma.
The Catalyst Program for youth with problematic sexual behaviors is one of Good Samaritan’s specialized treatment programs. Youth that experience abuse and trauma at home develop low self-esteem and unhealthy coping skills, struggle to control their behavior and emotions, and have difficulty building relationships. The Catalyst Program seeks to empower young men by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and therapeutic interventions to build healthy relationships. With the support of these NAP tax credits, Good Samaritan aims to reduce the risk of recidivism for 80 participating youth in fiscal year 2025 by underwriting the salaries of its therapists and supervising staff and ensuring the availability of comprehensive services and dedicated care for youth.
“I am so grateful to the Department of Economic Development for having these credits available,” said Casey Wray, CEO of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. “These funds are so valuable in not only helping us fulfill our mission, but to enhance our mission. They’re a win for the organization because we get our bottom line bolstered to enhance our services and funding for the Catalyst Program, one of our specialized care programs for youth with trauma and problematic behaviors. It’s also a win for our donors who are so generous to us and then get to have their donation count for even more.”
The NAP tax credits offered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development are a testament to the commitment and 65-year dedication of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in creating positive change within the community. Through partnerships with businesses and individuals who contribute to approved projects, the NAP tax credits provide essential financial resources to advance programs like Catalyst.
May 14th, 2024
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation Stable re-opens at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Mo – With the help of generous community partners, Good Samaritan recently renovated the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation Stable at their Residential Treatment Facility in Brighton, Missouri for the Equine-Therapy Program. Equine assisted psychotherapy equips youth and families to build trust, enhance self-awareness, and work through self-limiting beliefs. The renovation to the stable enhances the impact of these life changing services.
A small reception for contributors to the renovations will take place at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Brighton, Missouri later this month.
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is celebrating 65 years of confronting the forces that push families into foster care and transforming the systems that fail youth as they leave it. Good Samaritan was founded in 1959 as an orphanage on a ranch north of Springfield but has since blossomed into a spectrum of community-based interventions, therapeutic residential services, and transitional living programs that disrupt the cycle of abuse and neglect, family separation, homelessness, and welfare dependence.
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation stands as a testament to the philanthropic spirit of its founders, Stanley and Elaine Ball. Driven by a deep-seated passion for community welfare and education, Stanley Ball dedicated his life to serving on the boards of various charitable organizations. Recognizing the unmet needs of many who aspired for better lives, he was committed to fostering communities that nurtured success and happiness. The passing of his wife, Elaine, in 2005, further galvanized his resolve to honor her memory. With that goal in mind, he established the foundation with a significant portion of his estate, aiming to perpetuate their shared vision of aiding the underprivileged and enhancing the communities they cherished. Even after Stanley’s passing in early 2015, his and Elaine’s legacy endures through the ongoing charitable work of their foundation, ensuring a lasting impact on countless lives.
April 19th, 2024
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Announces Changes to Executive Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brighton, Mo – Good Samaritan Boys Ranch are happy to announce the promotion of Matthew Moncado to Vice President of Programs and the hiring of Samuel Bennett as Chief Operations Officer.
Matthew Moncado was promoted to Vice President of Programsat Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. Starting as a therapist 15 yearsago at Good Samaritan, Matthew brings his years of experienceto this new role that will oversee the Residential Treatment,Family Services, and Transitional Living Programs.
Samuel Bennett was hired as the Chief Operations Officer at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch on April 15th, 2024. Samuel will oversee the financial, information technology, and human resources operations at the organization.
