When Katie first came to the Ranch Campus, she had no intention of ever returning home. Adopted as a teenager, she feared that her parents loved their biological kids more and the resulting conflicts had torn the family apart. Her intention was to complete the Ranch program, move into independent living, attend college, and never look back. 

However, the help Katie received at the Ranch gave her new insight and understanding. Working with horses in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) helped her feel safe enough to open up and face her conflicted feelings toward her parents. She was finally able to see the role her own behavior played in creating the hurt feelings and miscommunication between them. At the same time, eager to help strengthen the family�s relationships to help support Katie, her parents began working with our Family Counseling and Reintegration Services. Together, the whole family learned better ways to communicate when problems came up. Katie's parents even continued going to couple's counseling after Katie completed services.

By the time Katie left the Ranch she was ready to move back in with her family until college started in the fall. They had a great summer together with little to no conflict, and Katie left for school knowing that she is loved and her family ties are strong. Katie also found the time to work two summer jobs and save up to buy her own car.  With the help of an Idaho Youth Ranch Scholarship, she�s doing really well in her first year of college. Katie plans to go into social work to help others in the same way she and her family have been helped.