FAQ’s
Cal Farley's Boys Ranch
1. What is Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch?
Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch provides basic care residential programs and services for at-risk boys and girls from throughout the United States. There is no charge to parents or government agencies. Boys and girls in residence generally range in age from 5 to 18. The children live in group homes and enjoy a variety of academic, vocational, spiritual and extra-curricular activities to help them become responsible and resilient young people. Sometimes referred to as “America’s First Boys Ranch,” Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch was founded in 1939 by Cal Farley, a successful Amarillo businessman, civic leader, champion athlete, and humanitarian. Since its beginning, Boys Ranch has provided thousands of boys and girls "A Shirttail to Hang Onto."
2. Where is the Ranch located?
Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch is located 36 miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas, on US Highway 385. The Ranch sits on the site of Old Tascosa, the historic Old West town that was once considered the “Cowboy Capital of the Panhandle.”
3. Is the Ranch affiliated with any organization?
The Cal Farley organization consists of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Cal Farley's Girlstown, U.S.A., and Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Foundation. The Cal Farley organization is not affiliated with or directly supported by any city, county, state, or federal agency. Many churches, fraternal groups, sororities and civic organizations support and contribute to the Cal Farley organization.
4. How is the Ranch supported?
Faithful giving from friends provides approximately one-third of the organization’s total operating expenditures each year. As we continue to provide homes, educational opportunities and spiritual guidance, we will always need friends to help with the current and future needs of the organization. All private contributions received are spent each year for the health and welfare of the children in care. Contributions are tax deductible.
5. Where do the boys and girls attend school?
The Boys Ranch Independent School District provides educational opportunities for the boys and girls. Children from kindergarten through twelfth grade enjoy small classes, an exceptional teacher-to-pupil ratio, various academic and vocational programs, and extra-curricular activities.
6. Does the Ranch receive any state or federal funds?
The Boys Ranch Independent School District qualifies for the same funds as any public school district in Texas. These funds provide for a portion of the teachers' salaries and various school operations. This, however, is only a small part of the Ranch's total operating budget.
7. How is the Ranch managed?
Cal Farley's Boys Ranch is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas. An active, volunteer Board of Directors controls oversees the operations.
8. How many children live at Boys Ranch?
The current coed population ranges between 230-270 children.
9. Is there a fee or tuition?
Boys Ranch accepts no fee for services provided. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the campus and medical expenses for the child.
10. Who can make application?
Any interested person or agency can recommend a child, but the parents, managing conservator and/or guardian must make the actual placement.
11. Who determines which boys and girls are accepted?
Referrals are considered on an individual basis by the intake staff and the campus assessment team.
12. On what basis is a child accepted?
Children are accepted on the basis of need, the Ranch's ability to fill that need, and the availability of space. Every referral is given full consideration. Because we are not a treatment facility, children with personality disorders, severe emotional problems or who pose more than a minor danger to themselves or others are not admitted. In general, children who are dependent on psychotropic medications to control their behaviors or emotions are not admitted. Children must not require sustained, in depth, psychological services, ongoing counseling, or be in need of intensive supervision. The child must be able to function in a regular classroom setting.
13. Are there any age limitations?
Boys and girls are accepted who are at least five years old but will not have reached their 17th birthday by the time of admission.
14. Where do the children come from?
Boys and girls from all over the nation are accepted at Boys Ranch. The number of states represented varies from time to time.
15. How long do children usually stay at the Ranch?
Boys Ranch specializes in short and long term care; however, the length of stay is determined on an individual basis.
16. Do the children get to go home for vacation?
Yes. Extended vacations are scheduled during the Christmas holiday. Also, families are encouraged to take the child home for a weeklong vacation in the summer. This vacation is frequently referred to as “Christmas in the Summer.”
17. What are the living arrangements?
The "Boys Ranch Family" is divided into individual homes with approximately 10 - 12 children and one set of house parents in each home. Generally, two to three children share a bedroom.
18. Is there any religious affiliation?
The religious training is non-denominational Christian. All children attend chapel services Sunday morning and a wide range of religious activities are available throughout the week on a voluntary basis.
19. What about medical and dental care?
Boys Ranch maintains its own well-equipped clinic. A registered dental hygienist and several medical support personnel serve on staff. When special services or hospitalization are required, doctors, specialists and three large hospitals are within easy driving distance.
20. Do Ranch graduates receive financial assistance after graduation?
Graduates who choose to further their education may apply for assistance through Boys Ranch scholarships.
Girlstown, U.S.A.
1. What is Cal Farley’s Girlstown, U.S.A.?
Girlstown, U.S.A. is a residential basic-care home for at-risk adolescent girls. Amelia Anthony founded Girlstown in 1949.
2. Where is Girlstown located?
Girlstown, U.S.A. is situated on 1425 acres of land eight miles south of Whiteface, Texas, (west of Lubbock) on FM 1780.
3. Is Girlstown affiliated with any organization?
The Cal Farley organization consists of Cal Farley’s Girlstown, U.S.A., Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, and Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Foundation. The Cal Farley organization is not affiliated with or directly supported by any city, county, state, or federal agency. Many churches, fraternal groups, sororities and civic organizations support and contribute to the Cal Farley organization.
4. How is Girlstown supported?
Faithful giving from friends provides approximately one-third of the Cal Farley organization’s total operating expenditures each year. As we continue to provide homes, educational opportunities and spiritual guidance, we will always need friends to help with the current and future needs of the organization. All private contributions received are spent each year for the health and welfare of the children in care. Contributions are tax deductible.
5. How is Girlstown managed?
Cal Farley’s Girlstown, U.S.A. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation organized under Texas State laws and is controlled by an active, volunteer Board of Directors.
6. How many girls can be cared for?
Although Girlstown, U.S.A. is licensed for 81 girls, the current population generally ranges between 50-60 girls.
7. Who determines which girls are accepted?
Referrals are considered on an individual basis by the intake staff and the campus assessment team.
8. Are there any age limitations?
Girls are accepted between the ages of 10 and 17.
9. Where do the girls come from?
Most of the girls come from within the state of Texas, but girls from throughout the U.S. are eligible.
10. Who can make application?
Any interested person or agency can recommend a child, but the parents, managing conservator and/or guardian must make the actual placement.
11. Is there a fee or tuition?
No. Girlstown, U.S.A. does not charge a fee to parents or any government agency for its services. The parents or managing conservators are responsible for transportation and medical costs.
12. Are there any religious affiliations?
Girlstown provides non-denominational Christian religious training. Girls attend on-campus chapel services on Sunday mornings and religious activities are available during the week.
13. What are the living arrangements?
The Girlstown "family" is divided into individual homes generally with 10 - 12 girls and one or two sets of house parent couples in each home. Two to three girls share a spacious bedroom with an adjoining bath. A large living room, dining room, kitchen and basement comprise the remainder of the home.
14. Where do the girls go to school?
The girls attend school in Whiteface and the school bus picks them up each day. For those girls needing additional help, the school district operates Girlstown’s on-campus educational program.
15. Where do the girls receive medical and dental care?
Some medical, dental, and orthodontic services are provided at our clinic on campus. If needed, girls are referred to physicians or hospitals in nearby Levelland or Lubbock. Girlstown requests that the parents or the placing agency retain medical responsibility for the girls.
16. Are the girls allowed visits or a vacation?
Yes. The family and/or managing conservator are expected to be actively involved in the girl’s placement. Regular family contact through visitation, phone calls and letters is necessary and encouraged. Girls are eligible to go home for extended visits at Christmas and during the summer.
17. Do Girlstown graduates receive financial assistance after graduation?
Graduates who choose to further their education may apply for assistance through organizational scholarships.