BRAZIL, Ind. – A new Chaplain’s Fund is being established this holiday season at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch to help fulfill the expected spiritual, clothing and hygiene needs of teen visitors next summer.

“Decades of experience in other states and at Indiana sheriffs’ local and regional camps tells us many kids arrive in need of uplifting and devotional materials, shoes, socks and basic toiletries,” said Scott Minier, interim executive director. “We have established partnerships with different faith leaders and local retailers to quickly and quietly fill the teens’ needs.”

For generations, Indiana sheriffs and deputies have hosted local and regional safety seminars and summer camps for students interested in law enforcement careers. In the 1990s and early 2000s, as the nation moved toward crime prevention and community policing, many respect-for-law camps began including at-risk kids.

The Youth Ranch, now under development in West Central Indiana, will be a statewide home for free field trips, day visits, overnights and weeklong academies for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime. Middle schoolers selected by local sheriffs, deputies and educators from sponsoring counties will be eligible to attend.

“Many of the kids we need to mentor and bond with come from lower-income and lower-middle-income neighborhoods. Youth Ranch leaders nationwide can tell stories of kids arriving wanting their New Testament, without properly fitting shoes, and needing a toothbrush and toothpaste,” Minier said. “Our Chaplain’s Fund is being established so we can compassionately and respectfully fulfill those needs as soon as they’re identified by counselors.”

To donate or to learn more, click the button below or write to Chaplain’s Fund, c/o Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834