Donald Miller was a resident at Parrott Creek Ranch from 1970-71. He contacted us recently to share his reflections on that time in his life, and how he has grown into a successful businessman.
“Dear Friends,
I spent 11 months at the Ranch. We worked hard doing things like stringing barbed wire or mucking out stables or landscaping grounds. We also worked on oursleves, through group sessions, one-on-one encounters with counselors and sometimes, just being allowed to walk along the creek in solitude and figure things out.
After many months at the Ranch, I had developed enough of an even emotional keel to be allowed back into the outside world again. I had completed my GED diploma at 16, and was under consideration for complete emancipation. I was also very fortunate to develop a friendship with one of the counselors there who made a huge difference in my life by providing both encouragement and butt-kicking and acting as a solid male role model. He connected me with a good friend of his who was willing to take me on as a foster child. I remain forever grateful for the effort and concern that was put into finding a suitable place for me to go after my time at The Ranch.
Eventually, I launched a career, made a decent life for myself, raised several children, and fufilled many of my goals I set when at The Ranch—including traveling to Greenland and wreck diving. I also kept in touch with my counselor for many years afterwards.
I firmly believe to this day, that one of the most fortunate events of my life was my acceptance at Parrott Creek Ranch, and I am very glad to discover that its still in operation, and I am sure, still providing a chance for kids to dare to dream, and the foundation to achieve them.”
