The Tierra Blanca Ranch is a 30,000-acre working cattle operation situated in New Mexico's Black Range. For almost 20 years, this beautiful and historic ranch has been the setting of Chandler family efforts to work with troubled and at-risk youths. These endeavors were a principal motivation for the founding of the High Country Youth Program.
The Tierra Blanca Ranch has a fascinating past. The Blackrange was the home for the talented and artistic Mimbres Indians whose ruins are still a significant part of the landscape. The Apaches, led by Victorio and Geronimo called this area home.
Eventually, gold and silver led many to mine the precious metals from many mines located on the ranch. The remnants of the Tierra Blanca mining district are still visible. The H.Q. where Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Chandler currently live was built back in the 1880s. The H.Q. was the nerve center for the Sierra Land and Cattle Co. which spanned from Hillsboro near the AZ border. Since the late 1880s, many families have continuously owned the TBR. The rich history and location are used to provide a physical environment where your child can learn, rebuild relationships, work ethic and be mentored, unlike most any other environment offered. It truly is the perfect setting to eliminate distractions, peer pressures, drugs and difficult situations that may be impeding your child from success.
We seek to teach responsibility, self-discipline, and the existence of consequences to the youths in our care, in addition to the necessity of having respect for themselves, their families, and others. Leadership skills are cultivated. And very significantly, we strongly promote intellectual development; education is very firmly emphasized here.
Parenting is never easy. Parenting a troubled teenager can be overwhelming for you and your family. You may worry because your teen is defiant, angry, or withdrawn. You may feel worried, angry, and overwhelmed.
Your home may seem filled with chaos and tension. You know that something has to change. The following tools for parents will help you as you seek to minimize conflict and increase communication within your home.
While at the ranch, youths that once had a dismal and limited view of life can begin to enjoy themselves again. Initially, a youngster may dislike the rules, routines, and rigors, but, with sufficient time, the child will very likely embrace the effort with enthusiasm. We believe the discipline and the undertaking of challenges are not inconsistent with happiness, but are conducive to it. At the same time, the staff seeks to provide a safe and caring environment within which the youth can flourish. A careful balance between love, discipline and structure.
Feeling Overwhelmed - Hopeless?
Parenting a troubled teenager can be overwhelming for you and your family. You may feel hopeless, desperate, angry, and overwhelmed and confused with your childs choices. Your home may seem filled with chaos and tension. You know that something has to change.
A Simple Life
The ranch is a 30,000 acre working cattle ranch 40 miles from the nearest town. The Chandlers are Cattle ranchers with a heart for God, and turning kids lives around. The environment is similar to what a ranch would be like 100 years ago. It is a simple life, where kids get back to nature by camping, cooking, physical fitness, working cattle, riding horses, caring for animals, doing school work, reading, singing and being in a loving environment.
For over 15 years Tierra Blanca Ranch (TBR) has been working with kids that are:
1. Unmanageable & uncontrollable by their families or society 8. Unwanted or at-risk,
2. Spiraling out of control. 9. Emotionally, mentally or physically damaged by their environment
3. Not responding well with traditional counseling 10. Sexually abused
4. Defiant and noncompliant 11. Addicted to drugs, sex, pornography,
5. Stealing and Lying 12. Suicidal
6. Physically threatening 13. Hurting themselves or others
7. ADD, RAD, ADHD and other morbidities
There are instances when parents, counselors and therapists see a child needs to be removed from their current environment to help break the stalemate, the downward spiral, the irrational cycle in which the child is stuck before its too late.
Unmanageable Kids are taught:
• Responsibility,
• Self discipline,
• Leadership skills,
• Intellectual development,
• Consequences,
• The necessity of having self respect and respect for others.
• Sound biblical principles.
Approach for Restoring and Growth
• Role Modeling
• Relationships are fostered.
• Love and respect are taught and demonstrated,
• Consistent discipline is administered,
• Consequences are given.
• TV and the internet are restricted.
• Work, responsibility and respect are expected.
• The past of these kids is forgiven.
• Kids receive a fresh start.
• The Bible and its teachings is integrated.
• Their hearts are healed
• Character Lessons
Kids are given a second chance to learn to act responsibly, re-gain trust and build relationships. The healing, restoration and turn around of most of the attendees is amazing. Kids that are defiant, angry, uncooperative, self-destructing and emotionally checked-out learn how to love themselves again and come to love others. In the system, often kids medicated to the point of compliance, to the point of being a zombie, are now smiling, loving, cooperative Kids.
Supervised & Consistent Environment
The environment includes close supervision and consistency at the Ranch. The kids learn to care for animals such as cattle, horses, dogs, cats and even a llama. Over time the kids are able to develop strong loving and nurturing bonds. They gain confidence and self-esteem learning to ride horses, herd cattle and begin to feel self-esteem again.
The Program is a multi-faceted effort that also typically incorporates, among other things, wilderness discovery, horsemanship, work projects, physical conditioning and other athletic activities, outdoor skills development, life skills development, and occasional community service. Throughout each youth's enrollment, we establish boundaries, foster communication, and seek to mentor the youths. Professional psychology services, if desired, are available. We believe the structure, challenging experiences, work, and other learning strike an excellent balance.
This endeavor has been a resource for parents, psychologists, and therapists from across the Nation. Our services have also been utilized by the State of New Mexico, various local governments, and school districts. During the summer of 2000, we completed a preventative effort in which 104 pre- and early teens deemed to at-risk took part in sessions here at the ranch. The project, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, brought us into partnership with a major university and New Mexico's second largest county. Our portion of the venture has already been deemed to be very successful.
Directors
The Program's directors are Clinton and Scott Chandler. Clinton is a former United State Senate legislative staffer and an honors graduate, with a triple major, of the University of New Mexico. He was an intercollegiate football player, and has studied abroad. Scott studied administration of justice at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was a defensive end on the Miner football team. He, too, was an honors student in college.
Staff
The Program staff is comprised of very capable individuals from such disparate backgrounds as education, psychology, business, government, and agriculture. The diverse assemblage is well-suited to this type of effort.
Team Approach
The TBR staff works with families, therapists, counselors school districts, county and state governments, judges and mental health professionals as a team. TBR is a safe healing remote environment that brings healing and wholeness to troubled kids and their families.
TBR has provided placement for youths failing in standard Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) environments. These entities experience positive results with the Kids in TBRs care.
Often kids arrive at TBR ready to hurt themselves, their parents or anyone that gets in their way. They often have uncontrollable anger and have been into things that are destroying and causing despair and hopelessness within the family.
TBR has helped OVER 300 kids & their families heal and change.
Meet the Staff
Scott Chandler
Director/Founder
Oversees program admissions, staff development, aftercare, loves riding the ranch, working cattle and projects with the students.
•Played college football for
UTEP Miners
•WNMU Criminal Justice Degree
•Commissioned Special Duty-
Luna County Sheriff department
•EMT-B
Colette Chandler
Director's Assistant
Billing, organizing events, finding Scott, loves riding, cooking, and putting together our special events.
Jim Hurt
Camp and projects specialist. Mentor/role model. Enjoys teaching the students the art of camp cooking.
•BA Agricultural Science Sul Ross
•Masters Education Tarlton University
•USN Specail Operations Operator
•NM State Police
•Special Deputy Luna Co Sheriff dept.
Harold Gifford
I lead and guide the young men be being a good example. To protect, to love, to bring Christ into their lives, to give them the knowledge and wisdom that I have. I have been certified in first aid and CPR.
Lives at Creek Ranch (honor lodge for boy's). Enjoys building projects such as bows and arrows with guys.
•United States Navy
Emily Campbell
Senior staff: oversee work projects, academics, daily life, client communication, Bible Studies, character studies, leads hiking, leads repelling and rock climbing, handles college preparatory and application process, logistics, aid other staff.
Enjoys playing games and leading studies with the students.
•B.S. at Oregon State University in Forest Recreation Resources
Tim Roberson
Went through the Tierra Blanca Youth program from 2008-2010 and returned as staff fall 2011. Can relate well with the boys. Helps with camping, turtoring and hiking.
•Current Student at WNMU - Criminal Justice Major
Hannah Magnuson
Oversees livestock, horses, teaching riding lessons to the boys. Enjoys seeing the animals touch the youth's lives since she is passionate for horses.
•17 years formal horse training
•BS in Agricultural Business from Sul Ross State University
Joel Samuels
Day to day oversight of the boys in the program. Welder, fabricator, cattle work, and oversees hiking. Lives at the boys lodge. Enjoys welding with the guys, riding the ranch and seeing new country.
•First Aid+ CPR
•Hardin-Simmons University Criminal Justice
•Played College Football
Education
We are in partnership with two New Mexico public school districts, both of which send certified teachers to the ranch during the academic year. The Program staff has an important role in the process. We establish high, yet reasonable, performance expectations, and monitor each student's work. The youths are taught good study skills, and are provided ample instruction and time to accomplish the goals that are set for them. The staff can also provide intensive tutoring for the children, if necessary. It is our experience that this concentrated type of effort, in conjunction with the other elements of the Program, is conducive to academic excellence.
Indeed, the arrangements with these districts have been effective. Each of the Program youths educated by one of the districts during the past academic year consistently posted grades of 3.0 or above, while a majority of the youths educated by the other turned in honor roll performances during their enrollment. One boy carried a 4.0 GPA throughout both terms, while several others were almost as accomplished.
A substantial number of the youths improved three to four letter grades from their respective levels of performance prior to their arrival at the ranch. Probably as a result, the Program was a featured presentation at a spring 2000 New Mexico School Board Association meeting. One of our partner districts usually educates the majority of the youths in the Program, as the other typically focuses on youths from its community. The latter district has received Federal grant monies to make its own placements into the Program. Certain program youths enrolled in the former have been able to participate in varsity athletics, although the youths that might be candidates for such participation must meet Program, district, and New Mexico Activities Association eligibility standards.
TBR Newsletter December 2011.doc
TBR November 2011.pdf
January Newsletter.pdf
February Newsletter.pdf
March Newsletter.pdf
April Newsletter.pdf
July Newsletter.pdf
June Newsletter.pdf
May Newsletter.pdf
Alex 2011
Ok, so my life before the program wasn't too hot. I got into plenty of trouble with school grades, basically flunking out and with my friends. I didnt exactly have a good relationship with my family, if any.
How I was referred to the program is that my grandparents are neighbors to the ranch. So knowing that this was a troubled youth program, I was sent here. My life changed because of the program by the fact that I have a pretty well rounded knowledge of many things. I can dig and tamp a posthole; some people dont even know what that is, even though it is self-explanatory. What I liked about the ranch is working at the flower shop on holidays, fat camp with Jim, and the spontaneity of the ranch. Not many people can say they tied a truck bed liner or a hood to a trucks engine with twine and surfed down a dirt road on it. Or making a truck bed swimming pool, or even climbing the roof of the house and having a massive water fight with the boys, which resulted in a huge wrestling match in the creek pool. All in all, my stay was pretty good. Im glad my grandparents are neighbors, so that I can visit more conveniently. I appreciate everybody basically saving my life in one way or another.
Thank you,
Alex
Brittany 2011
My life before TBR was destructive. I didnt care about myself. Nor did I care what happened to me. My mom randomly found this place. I was being kicked out of another program and she had 2 days to find somewhere. She came upon TBR. My mom didnt know New Mexico was even in the U.S. I guess that pretty much says how desperate she was for me to have a good life.
I had many up and downs here in my life at TBR. However, the way I think about things is very different. I no longer have both guns out ready to fight. Ive learned to be respectful and Ive learned how to push through even in the toughest of times.
The thing I like best about living at TBR was learning and experiencing things that I probably wouldve never been able to. Em taught me so much and she made me a stronger person physically and mentally.
The thing I liked least? Well, nothing I didnt like punishment, but I most definitely deserved it. It was very hard for me to learn how to take responsibility of things, because I didnt like taking responsibility.
Im very thankful that I was sent here.
I had a chance to start over and now I have the chance to begin my life!
Brittany
Ryan 2011
Before I came to TBR, I was a loser. I sold drugs to support myself and prior to arriving here I was about to go to prison. My parents found this program.
As a result of being here I have discovered how to contribute to the world. I am going to college and have a future. While here I most enjoyed working with the horses kept here, I have learned to both shoe and train horses. I have been given so many opportunities and am grateful for all of them. Im not sure what I disliked, nothing here is actually bad, and I suppose there is nothing that I truly like the least.
Ryan
Logan 2011
My life today is much different that it was during the past few years. The way I view things now is much different than it used to be as well. Before coming to the ranch I honestly did not care about anything. My first priority was myself and making myself happy. My family and education was not of very much of importance to me. For the most part I figured that I could do whatever I wanted and it would somehow work itself out in the end.
Now after my stay at the ranch, I realized that life does not work like that and that success only comes with hard work, and I realized that I still have a long road ahead of me. I intend to take the skills I have learned and the work ethic I have to do the best I can. During my stay at the ranch there have been many things I like and of course, some things that I did not. The one main thing that I think is a good thing about the ranch is that it is a good working environment where everybody can thrive. I also enjoyed how I could have fun doing things like lifting weights and having the chance to run the Bataan.
On the other hand, the one thing that I really did like the least is morning running. Although I can see that it builds character and self-discipline, I just hate running in the morning.
That just about wraps it up,
Logan
Katie 2011
Before I came to TBR, I was a mess. I was obsessed with my looks and I pretended to be a girl that everyone would like because I didnt think people would take me for who I really was. Because I was so self absorbed, I didnt think about anyone else and I treated people and my parents bitterly. To escape my problems I put my security in guys and I developed a habit in partying, drinking, and smoking, and all of which I was deceitful to my parents. My parents knew that if they didnt send me somewhere I would probably end up pregnant, a high school dropout, and living life at its lowest.
My daddys friend told him about a client that she had who sent her son to the program. She told my daddy how it changed that boys life and thus my parents sent me here in hopes that it was possible for me to change my life.
I have been here for a long time, basically grew to maturity here. I consider the people here family although sometimes, well most of my time here, has been filled with my foolish mistakes that probably upset them very much. I really care about this place and although I have been engrossed in heartbreaking trial after trial, I came to know the Lord here and what He desired for my life. He taught me that it is the trials in life that bring out the most in a persons character. I also learned that in life, it brings out the most in a persons character. I also learned that sometimes He allows us to hit difficult points in our life to bring us closer to Him, so if you would ask me if I wished my time here would have been less heartbreaking and more fun, well I would tell you that I wouldnt have changed my experience for anything. If I didnt experience pain here than I would be the same person I was when I came here.
I learned my identity, who I really was and trials have taught me that I dont need to change for other people. My security cannot be in how people like me because I would be unhappy all my life. Trials also have taught me that I dont have to settle for what everyone else may settle for. I learned that I should never change, who I am, what I believe in, and what I desire for someone elses satisfaction. I can be my own person, keep my bar high, even when everyone else around me tries to tear me down because of it. I love the person I have become and I love all of the things I have learned how to do.
I found out my interests and my aspirations that set me apart form everyone else and that makes me, well me. I come here as a city girl and now, I love the country in New Mexico in general not really (its kinda to dry and dead for me) but the country, love it.
My most favorite times at TBR are when Mrs. Chandler would come stay with us for a week or a few days. I love her so dearly and she always created the perfect balance between uptight and carefree lifestyles. I also loved loading hay in town with Scott, not just backing up to the stack, but actually getting in the field. You got such an awesome workout! I love Mrs. Allie and how much she cares for us kids and how hard she fights for us. She never for a moment let me settle for something that was lower than she believed I was capable of. Although camping was never my favorite, mainly due to the lack of personal hygiene, sleeping bags, sub-zero nights, and dust, my favorite times were when we were camping at Lockwood with Jim.
I really enjoy being around him. He has taught me so much and I care for him a lot. I like his sense of humor, although most people dont understand his jokes. Clyde is such a cool guy, I really loved when he would come over, just to eat dinner with us. I love his heart and how he cares for us, really, how he cares for our futures. Working at the flower shop was also awesome. Colette is an amazing mom and she is so cute. I was really honored that she wanted me to handle the phones at the shop, it was such a good experience for me and I felt really trusted. I really look up to her and I want to be just like her when I get older. I also loved how Scott allowed us to go to the tea parties and how he taught us to love our country and that we could make a difference. John is the hardest working man I know. He is so creative and is so knowledgeable. Because of him, I developed a fascination with cars and how they work. He taught us how to change a tire, change a transmission, spark plugs, you name it. I love how he appreciates us and how he is so patient. Carol is amazing also, she taught me to love cooking a to love decorating. I love how I feel so comfortable and open with her. Emily is the main reason for my change and the one thing that I didnt like about my time here was how I treated her. She is an amazing person and I mean that truly. I owe who I am today solely on her and all that she has done for me. She really cares about us.
Katie
Robert 2009
Before I entered the Tierra Blanca Ranch troubled youth program, I was in a bad part of my life. I did any drug I could get my hands on. I did many things that were against the law. I stole stuff, I smoke.
I was referred to the program by the Albuquerque Judicial System. One of the counselors there told my mom about the program who told my dad and eventually sent me here.
My life has changed for the good this time. I have quit smoking, I have been clean for 1 year, 5 months and hopefully for good. I have found Christ and accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior. I also have a brand new outlook on life. I m going to be a senior in high school and not drop out. I now have an awesome work ethic and know a lot about camping, hiking, riding horses. I can fix a fence or what ever is needed for the ranch. I know a lot more about cars and building houses.
The thing that I liked about the ranch was the staff. They always were there and helped about a lot. Well that is a very short summary of what the ranch has done to my family and me.
I hope to come back soon and visit,
Robert
Skylar 2009
My life before TBR was very unhealthy. I didnt really care what happened to me or what others were trying to do for me. I just wanted to be left alone.
My life has changed in many various ways. I have a way better work ethic and have also learned how to rain my feelings in. The most dramatic change thats happened was through Clyde. Not only did he fill the void for my father, but he taught me how to value myself for who I am and push myself to my full potential. Scott and Clyde both taught me how to learn the proper functions of a family and helped me understand that not everything was the way I saw it. The thing that I liked the best was riding horse and doing hands on work. I also liked that constant support and positive encouragement that came from all the staff, especially Emily. She never said a negative word towards anyone the whole time Ive been here (2yrs 8 months). Overall, out of all of the places Ive been, TBR has helped me the most and has made me want to listen to them and become a better person.
All my memories here are great and I wish I came here 6 years ago instead of this place being my last chance,
Skylar
Curtis 2008
My life before I came to the ranch was very out of place. I was lazy, disrespectful, obnoxious and much more. I was so caught up in my own personal satisfaction that I became oblivious as to the people I was hurting. My family became so confused with my changes that they started looking for programs to send me to. After many hospitalizations that failed time and again, I was sent to the ranch. My life was completely turned around once at the ranch. I fought for a while, but realized that being a willing participant of the program was in my best interest. After much correction by the councilors at the ranch, I started to shape up.
After 6 months of being in the program, it was smooth sailing from there. I was able to start working on my long-term changes as well as mental and spiritual changes. I could then start thinking about the people I hurt as a result of my behaviors at home and start repairing my relationships at home. The thing I liked best about the program was when I had time to sit down and look back on my changes and progress. It gave me such a feeling of accomplishment! The thing I liked the best was realizing the people I hurt through my behaviors and having to humble myself and apologize. Overall, I truly believe the program has saved my life ! I would have been in jail or dead had someone not intervened. I am so much more happy now than before.
It really has been a life changing experience,
Curtis
Ben 2006
My life before the program was crap. I was involved with drugs, gangs and caught up in never ending lies. If I was to never come, I would not be in a very good place right now.
Through the help of this program I have learned the grace of God and by this He has changed my life. Now my life is headed in the right direction. I was referred to the program by my coach talking to my parents. Further more, there is nothing about this program that I have disliked. The punishments have helped create what I am today.
Ben
Tierra Blanca Ranch has helped shape the woman that I am today. They have helped me build a foundation on which I can stand. I am proud of who I have become and I owe it all to Tierra Blanca Ranch, they have become and always will be my family.
Bianca
Mason's story is not a petty one but the end was the surprise. A lot of people told me that it was to late for Mason to turn around even the doctor that told me about Scott's program told Scott that maybe Mason might be one he couldn't turn around. Guess what!!!!!!! They were all wrong and Scott and his Staff & family did just that. There were times when I think Scott wanted to give up because Mason is so hard headed. Thank god he didn't because Mason is doing just fine, learning some hard lessons, but that is life. I see each day in Mason, the things that Scott instilled in him and the way Mason uses the tools he learned at the ranch in his everyday life. As you can tell I think the world of Scott and his mom and dad. If there is anything I can do to help the Program and Scott let me know.
- BP Stone, Mason's Grandmother
Tierra Blanca Ranch ended too soon. You know how when you wish you could go back to something after its gone... well thats how I feel about the ranch. It was the most fun I have ever had (even though at times I hated it with a full heart). Definitely the best experience in my life so far. I learned more in the 19 months that I was there than I did growing up. Clyde became like a father to me. This "Ranch has shaped not only my life in a positive way, but I've seen with my own eyes, the molding of many young men throughout my stay at Tierra Blanca. When I showed up with Scott and Clyde Chandler from Pleasanton California; I refused to eat a hamburger because a fly had landed on it. This is a common joke about the ranch but its true. I was a spoiled pampered brat. When I left, I was a good shot. Only weeks after leaving the ranch, I became paralyzed in a dirt bike accident. This was a huge life-change. I moved back to California for Rehab and was living with my mother again. 2 years later after the accident; I live in my own apartment and go to school for welding while working full time as a customer service representative. I live every day to the fullest and credit the ranch for instilling many valuable morals to my ethics. If I had the chance, I would go back to live _ Tierra Blanca Ranch in a single heart beat.
Ted
To read testimonies, click lower right hand corner of the book and pages.
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Contact Us
Tierra Blanca Ranch
PO Box 1266
Deming, NM 88030
Phone: 575-544-1340
General Email: ranch_tierrablancaranch.com
Scott Chandler : scott_tierrablancaranch.com
Colette Chandler: colette_tierrablancaranch.com
In most cases we respond to your request immediate, however, please allow 24 hours for our staff to contact you regarding your submission.
Thank you in advance,
Tierra Blanca Team
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