Thanksgiving Appeal 2026
Dear Friends,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many things we have to be grateful for at The New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches. There is always plenty to keep us busy throughout the year, and we are continually looking toward the next goal, the next opportunity, and the next way we can better serve our kids. But this time of year offers a wonderful reminder to slow down, look back, and appreciate the people who make our work possible.
To everyone who has supported The Ranches this year, thank you!
Whether you have been part of our story for decades or have joined us more recently, your willingness to stand alongside our organization and the kids in our care means more than I can adequately express. Your generosity, encouragement, prayers, and continued belief in our mission have helped us provide a place where kids can find stability, receive support, and begin looking toward a brighter future. We are grateful not only for what you give, but also for the confidence you place in us and the children we serve.
Working with kids is rewarding, but it also comes with challenges that cannot always be measured or solved overnight. Every child who comes through our gates brings a different story, different experiences, and different needs. Some are working to catch up in school. Others are learning how to navigate difficult emotions, build healthy relationships, or trust the people around them. There are days when progress is easy to see and others when it happens quietly, in small steps that might go unnoticed by anyone outside our program.
Those small steps matter. A child who begins to believe in their ability to succeed in school, takes responsibility for something important, learns a healthier way to handle frustration, or begins to imagine a future they once thought was out of reach is making meaningful progress. These moments are at the heart of why we do what we do, and they are part of what makes your support so important.
Because of people like you, we can continue walking alongside our kids through those moments. We can provide opportunities for them to learn, discover their strengths, develop practical skills, and experience the satisfaction that comes from working toward something meaningful. We can encourage them when they struggle, celebrate with them when they succeed, and remind them that their circumstances today do not have to determine the rest of their lives.
As I look back on another year at The Ranches, I am especially thankful for the community that continues to surround us. Your support is a reminder that our kids are not facing their challenges alone. There are people throughout New Mexico and beyond who care about their futures, believe they are worthy of investment, and want to see them succeed. That is an incredible gift, and one we never take for granted.
Thanksgiving is often a time when we reflect on the people and blessings that have shaped our lives. For me, the opportunity to serve these kids is something I am deeply grateful for. I am thankful for the privilege of watching them learn, work through challenges, discover new interests, and accomplish things they may not have believed possible. I am thankful for the staff members who pour themselves into this work each day. And I am especially thankful for supporters like you, who make it possible for us to continue providing the care, encouragement, and opportunities our kids deserve.
From all of us at The New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches, thank you for being part of our year and part of our story. Thank you for remembering our kids, believing in their futures, and continuing to stand with us as we work to make a lasting difference in their lives.
We wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, happiness, and time with the people who matter most. As we gather with our own loved ones and reflect on the blessings of this season, please know that you are among the many things for which we are grateful.
Sincerely,
Mikela Kull – President
Your Support Will Make All The Difference!
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