Our History

“I believe every child should have the chance to accomplish what is in their mind and heart to accomplish. In many cases, this is only possible when we act as the hands and feet of the Lord and give our time, energy, money and life to see it happen.”

Vicki Ellis, Heritage Ranch Executive Director

This philosophy, shared by Heritage Ranch board members, staff and financial partners is a foundational belief of our ministry. It is this philosophy that drove Vicki Ellis, Founder and Executive Director, to found Heritage Ranch in the midst of working to get an MSW degree at the LSU School of Social Work while waiting tables 30 hours a week. Vicki spent her remaining free time creating a Business Plan, filing for 501C3 status, and recruiting a Board of Directors for Heritage Ranch.

In the four years following its incorporation, Heritage Ranch has developed a strong organizational and financial foundation. We have a passionate network of volunteers and Board members which give their time, energy and money in support of our program. Also, due to the generosity of our financial partners, Heritage Ranch income has exceeded its operational expenses each year since its inception. Heritage Ranch received the LANO Standards for Excellence certification in 2006. The LANO Seal of Excellence is granted to well-managed, responsibly governed organizations that are deserving of the public trust.

Based on honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability, the codes are premised on 8 areas of nonprofit management and governance:

Mission and Program ~ Governing Body ~ Conflict of Interest ~ Human Resources
~ Financial and Legal Openness ~ Fund-raising ~ Public Affairs and Public Policy

Since 2006, Heritage Ranch has provided Life Skills training on wise decision making for more than 173 boys and girls at Valley Park and West Feliciana Alternative Schools. Additionally, we have served more than 43 through our summer Life Skills camps, also focused on teaching youth on the importance of making wise, safe, healthy and spiritual decisions.

We believe that inherently children have the desire to live in a way that will bless their family, friends and community while leaving a unique mark on society. At Heritage Ranch we are working to create a healing environment where youth, ages 8-18, in the Baton Rouge Region will have a healthy home environment, educational support, and counseling to empower them in overcoming their personal or family crisis. We believe that regardless of the situation, support, training and time will bring healing and reunification to hurting families.

We are currently projecting to open our residential children's facility in January 2011. We will serve six to eight youth year-round in a family environment while preparing the youth and their families for reunification.

About Us