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The graduates of 2003, three years later |
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from the April 2006 Newsletter |
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by Angela Moreno-Tijerina In May of 2003, five young women graduated from Ingram Tom Moore High School, and the Hill Country Youth Ranch. Each of them had called the Ranch home for a number of years. They had all become integral members of the family. While it was with tears that we hugged our quintent and said good-bye, we hoped they would stay in touch with visits and letters. In the past few weeks, we have been blessed to have each of them call, write and/or visit us, sharing memories and reporting on who and where they are now. They had much in common as children. Each of the five girls came to us from a background of abuse and neglect, all of them products of drug and alcohol filled biological homes. None of the girls knew what it was like to have a family that cared for them. Once here, they each found something much different – a place to call home, and people who loved them, and cared about their futures.
The girls are out in the world now, but each is still our daughter, and each stays in touch. In turn, we continue to do all that we can to assist them with their pursuits – to help them reach the goals they previously thought impossible. Our after-care support has helped each of these girls make their own dreams come true. By assisting with scholarship monies for their higher educations and living expenses, we continue to be the family they never had before. Three years after leaving the Ranch, these five women have become so much more than their own mothers were able to be, to or for them. As college students, mothers and respectable members of society, these five have done what so many HCYR graduates have done – broken the cycles of abuse, homlessness and criminality. Amber (see photo, top) has been in the Navy since graduation. She travels the world at sea on the USS Hue City, and writes often. She recently received yet another service award (see photo, bottom of page). Alyssa and her 1-year-old son live in Kerrville, and she attends San Antonio Communty College part-time. Denise will graduate in May from Career Pointe Institute with a certification as a medical assistant. She is mother to a 2-year-old daughter, Allana, and they live in San Antonio. Iris recieved her pharmacy technician’s degree in 2005 from Northwest Vista College. She lives with husband Matt and son Ashton near San Antonio. Anita still lives in Kerrville, working and volunteering time at local animal shelters. All except Amber, who is at sea, have visited their Ranch home here in Ingram within the past month, prompting reports (below) and this article. We are so proud of this group of women, who have proven to themselves and to everyone else, that with hard work and determination, no one needs to be limited by the past. They are making better lives for themselves, and for their childen, than any of their family histories would have predicted. * * * * * The poem below was written by Anita when she was living at HCYR as a 13-year-old in 1997. It was written as an ode to a mother Anita never really got a chance to know. The poem speaks about Anita’s own experiences, but also captures the feelings of ambivalence and abandonment that each of these women, and most children who come to HCYR, feel about their own mothers. Butterfly Mother I still remember her. Her name was Nancy And she liked to listen to music. She loved horses And swimming. I still remember her. Her name was Nancy And she was very very beautiful. She liked to buy me things. I still remember her. As I go from place to place, She stays with me In my heart. I remember her smile. She was like a nice beautiful Butterfly Mother. And she flew away. * * * * * Editor’s Note: Below are recent reports from Denise and Alyssa, who were housemates as they grew up at the Ranch. After graduating in 2003, each sought and received grants from HCYR’s educational fund for alumnae. We asked each to leave us with a personal "update" after recent visits. March 10, 2006 My name is Denise Reyna and I came to live at the Ranch in 1998. A "Home Sweet Home" is what I called it when I lived here, and that’s the way I still see it. Actually, I didn’t realize what I had until I left. Man, if I could go back . . . Wait, not anymore. Since I have a beautiful little girl named Allana, my life has changed "big time", and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The Ranch gave me a new start in life, a new way to live, and a better outlook on life. When I come to visit or need something, Gary, Carol and Angela are there to help, and I appreciate it. And, after all these years, I am so proud to see Gary running this place and seeing the comfort he still gives to the children, making you feel like this is your home and you are always welcome. When I bring my daughter to visit, she loves this place and it is a beautiful thing for her to see. Well, I won’t go on, but what’s new with me is that I’m graduating from Career Point Institute as a medical assistant this spring and the changes for the better will soon come from God, I’m sure. Love always, Denise Reyna ‘03 & Allana March 20, 2006 Dear Gary, I want you to know how grateful I am for still being
included in the Ranch family. Every time I have needed serious help, I
have known that I turn to the Ranch, because you are forever generous
and care for those who are in need. The Ranch is my second family. I am currently a part-time student at San Antonio College. I would like to pursue a career in the banking business. To do so, I will need a business and finance degree. I have a great little boy who is just a bundle of joy and God’s most precious gift to me. I also have a part time job and very soon will begin a full time job. I am just getting to where I need to be right now. I just needed a little push, with help and understanding. Everyone struggles in life, but it all works out in the end. Thank you, Hill Country Youth Ranch, for everything! Love, Alyssa Smith ‘03 * * * * * |
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