McCrossan Boys Ranch "Providing New Hope for a Better Life"

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Christy Vastenhout, Chief Development Officer of McCrossan Boys Ranch about their upcoming fundraiser.

from their website:

April 3, 2025 McCrossan Banquet Auction

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with mesmerizing cirque acts, jaw-dropping magic, and a show-stopping performance by “Elvis” himself. Guests will enjoy spectacular photo opportunities, a fabulous meal, and the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences through our live and silent auctions.

Event Details5:30 PM

Sioux Falls Arena 

The McCrossan Beginning

In 1948, Melinda Bell McCrossan, the founder of the Ranch, directed that a trust be established in memory of her husband, a pioneer Sioux Falls businessman. From the onset, her declared intent was to create “a home where boys find New Hope for a Better Life.”

 

In 1953, Mrs. McCrossan appointed a Board of Directors who would help her purchase four military buildings from the former Sioux Falls Air Force Base. The buildings were then moved to the current location and were prepared to be a home to the boys who would soon move to the Ranch. The original trustees were Adolph Lodmell, Roy Hobson, M.T. Woods, Wayne Sutherland  and Francis Regan, all Sioux Falls business and professional men. With the housing work completed, the Board of Directors employed on June 4, 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Mayer as the first administrators of the Ranch. Mr. Mayer was a prominent Sioux Falls businessman and a state senator 

About Our Sioux Falls Nonprofit OrganizationMcCrossan Boys Ranch

For almost 70 years, McCrossan Boys Ranch has changed the lives of many young boys. It is our goal to continue providing New Hope for a Better Life for many, many years to come.  

About Our Sioux Falls Nonprofit for At-Risk Youth

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Sioux Falls Nonprofit

McCrossan Boys Ranch is a private nonprofit 501 (c) 3 charity organization in Sioux Falls dedicated to providing New Hope for a Better Life. We reach out to boys between the ages of 11 to 20 who have experienced conflict in their lives. At McCrossan Boys Ranch we are fortunate to have our boys  surrounded with dedicated and caring individuals that are living examples to the life the boys are striving for. Through values, goals, education and skills we prepare our boys to live a balanced life outside the Ranch. We also provide the boys with one-on-one counseling as well as specialized educational services so they can heal and grow intellectually. Through ranch activities such as horsemanship, 4-H, Boy Scouts and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, each boy is given the  opportunity to learn and expand their horizons.

Sioux Falls Nonprofit Campus Information

McCrossan Boys Ranch is located Northwest of Sioux Falls,  South Dakota. It is just off of Interstate 90 on Marion Road. The 90-acre campus provides a real Ranch atmosphere. Residents are housed in  cottages and there is an on-campus school, gymnasium, chapel, outdoor  recreation field, riding arena and livestock barn located on the campus.  Several staff are also housed on campus.

Mission Statement

McCrossan Boys Ranch: Providing New Hope for a Better Life.

Licensing, Accreditation, & Professional Memberships

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McCrossan Boys Ranch is licensed by the South Dakota Department of Social Services and adheres to Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) standards.

Since 2018, McCrossan Boys Ranch has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Our school also holds accreditation from the South Dakota Department of Education.