About Us

1952

Crowes formed a nonprofit corporation and applied to the federal government for a piece of southern Idaho desert. 

On July 11, 1952, President Truman approved an Act of Congress that granted ReveIdaho Youth Ranch founders Reverend James Crowe and Ruby Carey Crowe envisioned a working ranch where kids in need could grow and learn. rend James Crowe the right to buy 2,560 acres of land in Rupert for $1 per acre per year for 25 years with no interest. With the land secured, the work was beginning. It took several years to cut roads, dig wells, and clear sagebrush. 

1957

The first boy arrived to live at the ranch near Burley in 1957.  

Over the years, the ranch expanded with facilities catering to residents, horses, and cows and services designed to meet the needs of the young people in Idaho Youth Ranch’s care. Eventually, the campus grew to include five large residential lodges, a full-size gymnasium, a dining hall, an education building, and a riding arena.  

1983

In 1983, the first Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store opened to generate revenue for the programs that supported the kids of Idaho Youth Ranch.

Today, a network of approximately two dozen stores across the state provides substantial revenue that helps to fund Idaho Youth Ranch programs.  

2015

In 2015, the decision was made to relocate the ranch facility from Rupert to a location closer to the state’s population center in the Treasure Valley.

The same year, a 258 acre piece of property was purchased outside of Caldwell to serve as the new ranch, called The Hands of Promise Campus.  

2023

In August of 2023, Idaho Youth Ranch opened the Residential Center for Healing and Resilience on the Hands of Promise Campus.

The Residential Center for Healing & Resilience includes:

• • Two residential halls

  • A wellness center

  • A dining and recreation hall

  • An education center

  • A welcome center for families 

These buildings and services were designed to support the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the children and teens who will live here. Youth are supported with 24-hour nursing, psychiatric care, proven treatment models, and a year-round school. Designed and modeled after leading national facilities, the center includes medication management, nutrition, and physical fitness in a secure environment with 24-hour supervision. All this care supports one goal: helping kids heal and return to their families and communities in a safe and supported manner.