Susan Bagwell

Texarkana, TX (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

4 States Youth Ranch

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Location: Texarkana
Industry: Non Profit
Year Founded: 2008
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Business Stage: Growth (not profitable)
Entity Type: Nonprofit Corporation
Description: (URL removed) Four States Youth Ranch is a non-profit located in Texarkana, Texas dedicated to providing service to abused children from the Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana states. Although we cater to these four states we have never turned a child away due to location. Abuse comes from all areas. Children have been historically abused because they were considered unreliable witnesses, and they are easily threatened to keep quiet along with being an easy target. We believe that a child is a special gift from God our creator to be treated with kindness and mercy. As America and the church drifts farther away from God the children become more exploited and unsafe. Children that have to be removed from their home for their safeties need a safe haven in which to recuperate rejuvenate and flourish. Four States Youth Ranch more than meets the requirements. The best interest of each individual child is implemented with the love of Christ Jesus through the ranch and the staff. Biblical principals and moral values are taught to each child with practical application with the finished work of the cross as the basis. The children interact with farm animals and are taught their western heritage. The on campus school provides not only book studies, but ranch and farm life practical applications. Our school provides a Christian approach to education using the “Abeka” Curriculum grades pre K-3 through 12th grade graduation and is fully accredited. Children are taught to ride and care for horses along with feeding farm animals and collecting eggs. They are taught about agriculture and horticulture through daily application of ranch life. The children take great pride in facilitating the growth of their food and caretaking their assigned areas. We the owners, Donald and Susan Bagwell operate as if each child is our own. We instill the same values and lavish the same love on each youth ranch child as we did our own children. We consider each of them a personal gift to nurture that we are responsible for in every way. We are blessed by each of them daily. Upon completion of the ranch it will consist of a main house and 2 additional houses, a boys and girls. Also a dining hall, church and small school will be added. An additional house will be provided for visiting family members of the children for overnight visits. An enclosed riding arena with appropriate sized barn for horses including handicapped riders equipment and pastures for the horses and children to enjoy and train if any are interested. Their will be a commercial hydroponic and aquaponic (with fish producing fertilizer) green house that will actively generate produce year round. A small herd of cattle will be maintained to support the ranch along with the production and sales of produce. A small bio-fuel refinery using Miscanthus grass grown on the ranch will be implemented to allow the ranch to run green. Unused bio-fuel will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Texarkana area. All proceeds will be used to support and maintain the children and ranch as we seek no state or government support such as not to be a burden but rather trust God to provide. The ranch will be run according to state standards with well kept records in an orderly fashion. The ranch will be staffed by Donald Bagwell as president and Susan Bagwell as secretary along with Angela Wall as treasurer. Jeremy Wadsworth is a board member that volunteers all his spare time for the benefit of the children. Outside staff will consist of Christian teachers and maintenance workers, ranch hands and dormitory parents. Recreation will be provided daily during free time. Outside and inside play equipment will be available along with books and movies and a great number of bicycles. Plus a horse for every child will enrich their lives and provide a life experience they will never forget. Values that we teach the children include but are not limited to the old time values we knew as children such as, Be neat and clean. Be courteous and polite. Always obey your parents. Protect the weak and help them. Be brave but never take chances. Study hard and learn all you can. Be kind to animals and take care of them. Eat all your food and never waste any. Love God and go to Sunday school regularly. Always respect our flag and our country. We also teach “J. O. Y.”: Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last. This youth ranch came to existence because we have been asked by several parents to take their children due to situations outside of their control. After several years of supporting and raising children for others from Mr. Bagwell’s personal salary from working for Red River Army Depot the financial needs were getting out of control. In 2008 we pursued and were granted our non-profit. Since that time Mr. Bagwell has traveled to the countries of Kuwait, Iraq and currently in Afghanistan in an effort to purchase a suitable ranch and make it operational. In an effort to relieve Mr. Bagwell from the entire burden of supporting the youth ranch we have decided to seek and accept assistance or funding from outside donors and our local community where we plan to locate the ranch. This will also allow Mr. Bagwell to come home to run the ranch as planned. Your kindness and attention in this matter is forever appreciated. Thank your for your time.