JaLynn Hogan "fell in love" with social work when she worked for Child Protective Services, but wanted to make a bigger impact on children's lives when she found her "dream job" as a Therapeutic Director for High Sky Children's Ranch more than three decades ago.
Hogan has worked at the facility for 34 years and now serves as executive director.
"I am always moved by the vulnerability of our clients and their willingness to change and grow," Hogan told the Midland Times. "Over the years I have learned so much from them. They have shaped my life in many ways."
JaLynn Hogan, executive director at High Sky Children's Ranch
High Sky Children's Ranch was opened 58 years ago by Joan Nobles. Originally it served as a home for girls who had nowhere else to go. In 1985, the ranch changed its license to accept both boys and girls so that siblings could stay together. High Sky was re-licensed again two years later as a treatment facility for traumatized children and those that needed high-level care. It later became a therapeutic foster care site.
"Over the years, High Sky has grown from a campus residential treatment center to a more comprehensive and innovative approach to healing child abuse and promoting family wholeness," Hogan said. "High Sky is in the process of adding a teen home for boys on our campus. Currently, all the teens in our region are leaving the region for placement. It is our desire to bring our teens back home."
According to High Sky's website, the programs the facility offers include: both therapeutic and community foster care, stay together runaway prevention, Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), Living Independently, Financially and Emotionally (LIFE), and Eagles and Abell-Hanger Emergency Shelters.
"High Sky is the only organization to offer free individualized parenting and in-home early intervention services. Without our services, many individuals and families in our community would have nowhere to turn," Hogan said.
High Sky Children's Ranch has offices in both Midland and San Angelo.
The facility has been certified transparent and an excellent place to donate to in order to help maintain their mission.
They're also always looking for people to volunteer to be a mentor to a child, help out at some of their events, or even work on projects around the High Sky Campus.