About Sierra Nevada Teen Ranch

Founded by Marvin and Jan Neal in 2002, the Sierra Nevada Teen Ranch (SNTR) is a local, nonprofit 501 (c) (3), faith-based organization that is building a residential ranch in the rural Bedell Flat area of Washoe County.   The teen ranch will target youth between the ages of 9 and 17 who are needy, abused, neglected, underprivileged, dependent or delinquent.  We will provide structured, supervised residential care and programs in a ranch setting.  Our purpose is to provide treatment for young people who are experiencing social or emotional difficulties.  Our goal is to replace the hardness of the concrete with the softness of the land and to provide programs and services that will create a positive lifelong change.

In time, the master plan indicates that each of the 4 group homes will house up to 10 youth and will have house “parents” for family values supervision and instruction.  The youth will have daily on-site educational time using state-of-the-art programs.  They will receive an introduction to life skills through hands-on training, field trips and demonstrations.  This will enable the young adults to return to their homes and communities better equipped with attitudes and skills to succeed in life.  Students will learn decision making skills through curriculum including spiritual development, anger management, gang intervention, self-governing and leadership training.  Abundant recreation in this beautiful setting will enhance out programs.

SNTR has acquired the land and water rights and are currently entering the facilities development phase, starting with the infrastructure; including alternative energy sources, and four residential care homes.  Supporting facilities will include a multipurpose building, vocational building, reception center, athletic field, barn, corral, ropes course and a pond.