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SUBJECT: Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation FORMERLY known as Nebraska Boys Ranch BUT, WHICH CAME FIRST?????? Some supporters and donors of Nebraska Boys Ranch continue to be confused about what has happened to the group home that operated 17 miles south-east of Alliance, Nebraska for over 45 years. The following paragraphs will, hopefully, clarify what has transpired during the past several years. In 1964,The Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation was created. At that time, the Snow-Redfern Board decided to create a residential program The Nebraska Boys Ranch, and filed an Articles of Incorporation with the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Boys Ranch was to remain in operation “so long as the Board determines that it can be a feasible” operation”, as outlined in Mrs. Redfern’s will. In 2010, the feasibility passed for NBR due to a lack of financial and political support for children’s programs in the State of Nebraska. (Historically, programs and foundations supporting children’s issues are frequently the first to be cut by the legislature.) Therefore, it is extremely important that everyone understand that the need for the Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation to continue in operation may be greater now than ever. With the SR Foundation continuing as a 501 © 3 tax exempt organization, we can continue to help those less fortunate. Unfortunately, NBR as we knew it for over 45 years is not able to provide these services. So, with the CLOSURE of NEBRASKA BOYS RANCH, the Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation will continue with Mrs. Redfern’s wishes, which is to serve children!
The Foundation has already extended their 50 year history of helping those less fortunate, or in need, by providing food, clothing, bedding and other personal products to families who are in transition and needing many basics at a critical time in their lives. For a second consecutive year we have followed our NEW MISSION STATEMENT (see below) by giving grants to organizations that provide direct services to youth and families. We have now given over $200,000.00 in grants in the past two years. Bottom line: The Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation was created FIRST. In turn, the Foundation Board THEN created the Nebraska Boys Ranch a year later. Due to State of Nebraska decisions, the Board determined the need for a group home, was no longer financially practical. The bad news is: Nebraska Boys Ranch no longer exists. The good news is that the Snow-Redfern Foundation NOW is able to provide help to MORE youth than before, by assisting organizations that in turn provide direct services to youth and families. We NOW help several hundred youth EVERY year.
NEW MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE SNOW-REDFERN FOUNDATION THE SNOW-REDFERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION WILL RECEIVE, EARN, ADMINISTER, AND DISTRIBUTE FUNDS TO QUALIFYING CHARITABLE AND/OR HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES, AND FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS. THESE ORGANIZATIONS WILL IN TURN PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS, EDUCATION OR TRAINING OF DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
The Snow-Redfern Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, consists of 11 to 15 highly dedicated volunteers from our very own community. They have re-created the Mission Statement to more clearly align with new practices. Rest assured, those of you have been donors and supporters in the past; will be pleased with how we will continue to serve youth for many more years.