By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
Each year, right here at home, this community shows what it means to step up for our youth.
Through events like Hookin’ Specks and the Sheriff’s Shoot Out, we work alongside our partners, including our sister agency in Glades County, to support the incredible mission of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.
The recently released 2024 to 2025 impact numbers were shared by Sheriff Noel E. Stephen, who has the honor to serve on the Youth Ranches Enterprise Board of Directors, giving firsthand insight into how your support is changing lives across our state.
Total received in support of FSYR
$582,661 in cash gifts
$4,464 in gifts in kind
Total impact, $587,125
But these are more than numbers. They represent real young lives being guided, mentored, and given opportunity.
• Youth served in residential services, 71
• Youth served in community based services, 322
• Youth served through the camping program, 4,365
• Average age of youth in residence, 14 years old
• Average length of stay, 2 years
• Youth served at the Donald Ralph Cooke School, 44
• Youth on A and B honor roll, 18
• Youth on college scholarship, 14
• Youth volunteering in their communities, 8
• And since 1957, total cases opened, 190,864 lives touched and changed.
That is the return on your investment. That is hope in action.
To everyone who sponsors, donates, fishes, shoots, volunteers, or simply spreads the word, thank you. Your continued support directly benefits youth across Florida, including right here in Okeechobee and Glades County. Together, we are changing futures.
