Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.

Vol. 32 No. 1 “Shepherding the Hesitant” March 2020

Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures. (406) 322-5520

One of the goals of Special K Ranch is that we wish to be financially available to anyone who is applying to live on the Ranch. It is one of many reasons that I am so

proud of the ministry of Special K. Over the past 33 years we have been able to keep our fee structure low to help achieve this goal. This has only been possible with your financial support and the additional support we receive from the Special K Ranch Foundation. With the current fee schedule, we are running about $2,300.00 a month short

of covering the expenses of a single house each month. One solution to this issue is to build the endowment in

the Special K Ranch Foundation. The Ranch receives 5% of the total endowment from the foundation each year to help with operating expenses. This means that the effort to raise these funds will benefit the Ranch for many years to come. It is also a great way to help ensure that SKR will be a “place to call home”, and that the ministry of Special K Ranch will be a light for many years after we are all gone. More on our plan to build the endowment as things develop.

“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.” – A.W. Tozer

I was doing weekend relief in February with the guys from the Ostrum House. This is always a fun time with our residents, and it is a really good way for me to stay plugged into their lives. They invariably want to go to my house on Saturday; we usually hot tub, order pizza for dinner, and end the night watching a fun movie while eating a bowl of ice cream. This particular Saturday, my son Jonah was joining us in the festivities. I love how they interact with each other

and they have very interesting conversations. One of the guys, Ben, asked Jonah if he knew there was a book in the Bible named after him. Not really knowing where Ben was going with this question, Jonah said that he didn’t know about the story and could Ben please tell him about it. Ben started out by telling us all about how God had asked Jonah to pray for the people in Nineveh because they were doing bad things. Jonah refused to pray for them and ran away trying to hide from God by getting on a ship and sailing away. Ben looked at us and said, “You know you can’t hide from God? He knows everything.” Ben continued to tell us that, for disobeying Him, God put Jonah in “time out” by putting him in a whale for three days. I told Ben that was a very unique way of viewing what God had done, and asked him where he came up with it. Ben told me he has two Bibles, one is a children’s Bible, and when he doesn’t understand something he has read, he goes to his children’s Bible to figure it out. I told him I was proud of him for figuring out a way to understand what he is reading in the Word of God. Ben then asked me if I knew who else God put in time out? I curiously asked him, “Who?” He said the Israelites. God put them in “time out” in the desert for 40 years because they were complaining!

“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16

Have I told you lately how much I love my job?

“Press On” Mike

Mike Oberg

Time Out

MONTANA INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ENDOWED PHILANTHROPY: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000 ($20,000 per couple). Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit, which is worth 40% of the charitable gift amount.

IRA ROLLOVER: Individuals who are 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account directly to a qualifying charity without recognizing the assets transferred as income. This tax-wise way of giving counts toward meeting the required minimum distributions from IRAs.

APPRECIATED STOCK: Giving appreciated securities yields powerful tax benefits. Generally, capital gains taxes can be avoided.

CASH: Cash gifts are the simplest way to provide support to the ranch.

HOW WILL MY GIFT BE USED? Your support can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.

How can you help?Special K Ranch operates independently of government funding.

Rod

Andrew

Jeremy

Ben L.

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, Special K Ranch will be suspending all public activities on the Ranch until we are given the all-clear. On a brighter note, the greenhouse season is in full swing, and the ranchers are busy planting beautiful hanging baskets and bedding plants to sell later in the spring. Look for them at all ACE Hardware stores in Yellowstone County.

• Saturday, June 13, 2020 - Open House at Special K Ranch, 12:00pm (watch for your save-the-date card in May).• Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Fundraising Dinner at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 5:00pm (invites to be sent in late summer).

In the meantime, from all of us at Special K Ranch, please know we are staying safe and healthy, and hoping that you all do the same.

We are currently seeking male and female applicants to become part of our year-round Day Program at Special K Ranch. Participants of the program come to the Ranch and take part in various Vocational Programs and lunch is provided at one of the eight (8) homes. Day Program hours are Monday-Friday, roughly 8:30am-3:30pm. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and will need to fill out an application prior to coming out to the Ranch for a tour and to meet the staff and ranchers. There will be transportation to and from the Ranch offered from Billings and Laurel three (3) days per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If the participant has their own transport to the Ranch, the days can vary and be flexible. Cost is $60/day. More details will be forthcoming in the next couple weeks. Please see our website @ www.specialkranch.org to print and fill out our Day Program application.

[Note: tours and Day Program will be postponed until further notice due to COVID-19. Please fill out the application if interested and stay tuned- we will get this back up and running as soon as humanly possible.]

On the Horizon!

Did you know that Special K Ranch has a Day Program?

CARLA OBERG Diane Frazier Frank & Shelley Haughton Andy & Joy Holman Gerard & Bonnie Huck James & Marilyn Kohles Clyde & Helen Oberg Mike Oberg Jeffrey R Peete Greg & Debbie Peterson Ralee & Kelly Rogers James & Mary Routson Sara & Dave Ruff Jim & Jo St John C.L. & Sharon WoodPAT OBERG Gerard & Bonnie HuckTIM OBERG Gerard & Bonnie HuckDALORIS OLSON Esther & Ron FischerNICK & MARIA PADILLA Jeremy & Julie SiemensBERNIE PERLEBERG Bob PerlebergCLIFF POTTS JC & Janet HortonDONNA REINKE Esther & Ron FischerYVONNE ROBSON Ralph & Carolyn GrannerJOELYNE ROGERS Stacey FaldettaGEORGE ROONEY Hilma StoneKATHY SALO Esther & Ron FischerJIM SCHOLTZ Ms. Nina E. ScholtzRICHARD SEDER Ed & Roxie Kraft Rick & Brenda Kraft Leroy & Norma Walter Ronald & Donna Walter

BOB SOLIE Chuck & JoLynn SommersKAY & DARRELL

STAHLECKER Mr Winston StahleckerHAZEL STEVENS Larry StevensHOWARD STONE Hilma StoneKATIE STRENDING Randy & Jennifer StrendingLESTER STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuJANICE STRUTZ Mike ObergCASH AUSTIN TAYLOR Stacey FaldettaSTEPHANIE TAYLOR Hollis TaylorAUDREY THOMPSON Doug & Kim McRaeLARRY THOMPSON Randy & Joy LalimSHERRY WADDELL Christine KuntzHARVEY WALTER William & Gladys Bernhardt Marlene Dolechek Leroy & Norma Walter Ronald & Donna WalterJOHN WARREN R & C Home Improvement

IncSANDRA RUTH WELLS Richard & Joanne NaumanMR. & MRS. KENNETH

WOLFE David & Jewel WolfeDONNALEEN WOODLEY Richard Woodley

Special K Ranch is special in many different ways. We are unique in how we combine a Christian home

atmosphere, on a working ranch, with several different vocational opportunities. This serves as a lifestyle for adults with developmental disabilities so that they can enjoy a life similar to what most Americans have access to. SKR is also special because of our 35 residents who are unique individuals each with their own stories to tell. The experiences within these

one-of-a-kind stories have helped shape our ranchers into the people they are today.

Though it is hard to pick any one story as my favorite, some just naturally are more astounding in how they work out. One of these amazing tales is about Brice Sheridan. Brice and I have a close relationship as we both started here at Special K at the same time; he as a

new resident, and me as Program Director. Brice’s story begins like virtually everyone else’s in that he had a typical life with hard working, loving parents and a great hope for his future. Then one day, when he was about three years old, things took a different turn, as Brice had an accident in which he took a tumble down some stairs and suffered serious brain trauma. This life changing event triggered severe seizures in various degrees, and he began experiencing increasing issues with them as he grew older. With countless doctor visits, various trials of medications, and several surgeries behind him, Brice has a pretty good outlook on life. He loves to be involved in all SKR’s vocations and activities. He also has a continuing hobby with his dad in Douglas, WY where they are restoring a 1961 Jeep. On a good day, I can even talk him into helping me make “Kraut Burgers” of our own special recipe. Brice still must deal with the effects of his seizures and has learned that avoiding anything with caffeine in it really cuts their severity and frequency. To say that Brice has been a good addition to Special K is an understatement, but we also know that Special K Ranch holds a special place in Brice’s heart as well.

Marvin Schieldt, Program Director

Marvin Schieldt

Leaving Your LegacyA Way to Help Others

A will is the simplest form of a planned gift and it affords everyone the opportunity to help others and have a living legacy.

Consider naming Special K Ranch in your will for a percentage, a specific amount, or as the sole benefactor.

The blessings you have received will continue to bless and help others.

When updating your will, check with your attorney for the proper legal forms and wording.

Honorariums and Memorials December 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020The people honored and memorialized on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.

A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.

IN HONOR OF:STEVE & KARI AADLAND Mike ObergMORGAN BAILEY Todd & Teresa RowenKEITH & DEBBIE BAKESLEY Donna BeutlerBRET BEAVANS Melanie L McCammon Mr. & Mrs. Bob SmithTAMBRA BERGEVIN Mike ObergLAURIE BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley G

BensonMS. JENNINE BUDGE Marjorie & Bud FunkALAN COLESTOCK FAMILY Diane HaydenCORONADO HIGH SCHOOL Hokunani KeehuJUDY CUFF Danny & Mandy Bronson Mrs Mary RuettenRUTH DRUMMOND Tim & Jan WeikertDALLAS EIDE Doug & Kim McRaeSTACEY FALDETTA Mike ObergDARREL & VIVIAN FISCHER Leland & Valeria FischerLEE GAGNON Bill & Brenda HarmonDEB HADLOCK Emily BurnsLINDA HALSTEAD ACHARYA Bharat & Linda AcharyaHANZ & SYLVIA HAYNIE Donna BeutlerTOM HELM Myrna M StoneJOHN & JOAN HERBERLY Beth & Thomas KeatingBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon Hodges Wayne & Linda HodgesPATRICIA HOLMAN Sandra AndersonJANE JONES Karen DoolenDOUG & JANE LARSON Donna BeutlerKATHY LEE Mike ObergJOHN LOCKIE Jennie SprattDAN LUTKE Ken & Peg OlsonTHOMAS & DEBRAH LUTKE Ken & Peg OlsonSUE MCBURNEY Mike Oberg

STEPHANIE MORELLI Malcolm & Mary HarawayPAUL & VICKI NUNBERG Donna BeutlerRAY & ANN REMMICH Donna BeutlerSHERALD REMMICH Donna BeutlerBILL & MAYBELLE RITTAL Donna BeutlerJIMMIE & MAE RITTAL Donna BeutlerMARVIN & ALISON SCHIELDT Mike ObergJUDY SMITH Marjorie & Bud FunkALIEDA STONE Myrna M StoneALEX & ELISE TITTLE Leland & Valeria FischerRUTH WARREN R & C Home Improvement

IncROBIN WILLEMS Greg & Cindy BrazellDAN & DARLA ZIER Donna Beutler

IN MEMORY OF:NANCY ARTHUN Don & Marilyn MussetterNICK & MARIA BADILLA Nick & Dora BadillaJACK BAILEY Doug & Kim McRaeBRAD BAKER Doug & Kim McRaeANNA & PETER BAKKER Nick & Dora Badilla Jeremy & Julie SiemensPHILIP BARNETT Joan BarnettFLORENCE BASZLER Char PollingtonJIM BAYS John & Vanessa BaysBONNIE BECK Bill & Shelley BernhardJOHN BOYLE Barbara BoyleJAY BRATSKY Jim & Linda PetersJIM BROMENSHENK Bradley & Lori Kraft Ed & Roxie Kraft Rick & Brenda Kraft Sylvia Kraft Harry & Sue StaleyHARRY CUFF Danny & Mandy Bronson Judy CuffWILLIAM CUNNINGHAM Thomas Blankenship

CAROL DAHL Mary D KasnerLAUREN DAMSCHEN Evelyn DamschenHENRY DOELY Tookie GeeMARCEY DOUCETT Arleene WepplerJIM EASTLICK Bev & Ralph Amen Wanda EastlickJOHN & JO EVANS Jerry EvansCHARLES FISCHER Richard & Joanne NaumanVICTOR FRANK Loretta FrankERIC FURSTENBURG Mylo & Kay SatherGORDON GAUB Donna BeutlerALICE GETSINGER Emily BurnsFLOYD GETSINGER Emily BurnsJOHNNY CRAIG GIBLER William T & Amy BrownJOHN & ESTHER GOEHNER Steen & Trina HudsonMARY GONZALES Jack & Audrey ParksALBIE GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffSTANLEY GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffHANK GREMMER Esther CuthbertsonHENRY GREMMER Ms. Jennine BudgePETER & FRANCIS

GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia HowardJUDY HADLOCK Emily BurnsNICK HANKINS Mike & Lois HankinsRAY HARDT Patricia HardtALMA HEDGES Bev & Ralph Amen Jeannette Cain Wanda Eastlick Dean & Betty Fausnaugh Duane & Mary Ann

Guenthner Marvin & Kay Kappel Norma Kappel Rudolph & Cheryl

Meinhardt Martin & Kathleen Mohr Carol SandsJOE HOEKSEMA Lynne Hoeksema

HAROLD HOUGHTON Patricia A Holman Gary & Darlene OstrumJIM HUCK Gerard & Bonnie HuckLAEL IANNUCCI Theresa LeoneKLARA ISTVANFFY Laura SteinmetzKAREN JACKSON Barbara WalterELLA JANSMA Maurice & Susan Kaiser Iline Rehling Dodie ZweifelLAVERNE JENSEN Otto JensenGLORIA KAPPEL Marlene B AndersonMIKE KELSEY Jim & Linda PetersERRIN & CLARA KNEPFLE David & Jewel WolfeROBERT (BOB) KRAFT Nick & Dora BadillaADELINE LANE Jack & Audrey ParksCHARLES LECHNER Lechner Family FoundationROBERT LOWMAN Mike & Kathy Alexander Bill & Shelley Bernhard June Campbell G. D. Christman Cucancic Construction Sheila Derheim Stan & Judy Eisenman Linda Fox David & Bridget Gauthier Brenda & David Hatten Marvin & Kay Kappel Mark & Karla Lowman Tammy Lowman Mary J Mattheis Rudolph & Cheryl

Meinhardt Mr & Mrs Ralph & Donna

Mitchell Kathleen & Martin Mohr Nardella & Associates Park City Water & Sewer

District Larry & Delores Simons Melvin & Fern StrauchTHOMAS LYNCH Arthur & Bonita DanielsLISA MCJUNKIN Donna BeutlerDENNIS E. MOOS Judith MoosCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Reedus Haraway

“Living and being with Cathy and Dennis Osgood,” replied Morgan, when asked, “What is your favorite thing about Special

K Ranch?” The Osgoods, home advisors of Carla’s House, have poured their love, faith, hard work, humor, and talent, into the Ranch for more than 19 years, and it shines on the beaming faces of the residents for whom they care.

With the arrival of four brand-new Ranchers at SKR, I find myself often saying or writing while deleting, “we have 31 . . . 35 life-long residents in seven . . . eight homes!” Since I began serving this one-of-a-kind ministry

in 2012, it has always been 31 and seven. As I gain life experience (when Larry Goehner hired me, I neglected to remind him that my youth was temporary) I may have created a saying: few things stay the same for very long. I’m not sure if I have heard that somewhere else, or if it is truly original, but it’s something I find myself perpetually thinking about. The Phase II Expansion of Special K is a great example of this “saying,” and it’s the sole reason I had the opportunity to visit with Morgan, who moved to the Ranch this past year.

Morgan, 19 years of age, first became involved with the Ranch through the Day Program. If you haven’t heard of this program, it is a service the Ranch provides to the community, in which adolescents and adults who have developmental disabilities, and who are not yet life-long residents, can experience our vocational programs, staff, and our supportive Ranch community. In turn, the people of Special K can enjoy the help and company of prospective residents. Morgan got a start in the Day Program when she was 15. Her favorite work activities include planting flowers and working with animals, especially the lambs.

Recreationally, Morgan likes to bake, play basketball, and bowl. I asked her, “What’s your favorite hobby, something you like most, more than anything else in the world?” She answered, “Hanging out with my Ranch family and friends.”

When I visited with House Mom Cathy, she had a multitude of pleasant compliments about Morgan. “She wants to please so much, and she will do anything to help. She’s thrilled to be here and she’s heading in the right direction, in every way. She has the potential to do some of the most amazing things we’ve seen here.”

This conversation was a great representation of what Special K Ranch is all about: love, family, friends, meaningful work, and contentedness of our residents. Often, I talk about how the Ranch is unique, because it has the power to enrich lives to an extent that, from my perspective, is impossible for me to understand completely. The Ranch experience is uniquely understood through the eyes of its residents.

It may be true that few things stay the same for very long, but I am certain of two very important and enduring things that will never change: the mission of Special K Ranch, and the unwavering support of our donors who make SKR a reality. THANK YOU ALL for your support! It is the foundation for the existence, survival, and growth of Special K Ranch.

Steven Aadland, Development Director

Steven Aadland

Few Things Stay the Same for Very Long

When you hear the word endowment, what comes to mind? The word can be mind-numbing because it’s somewhat intangible; however, the reason for having an endowment is very palpable. Simply put, endowments last forever and they can be used to purchase anything. As Mike mentioned in his message, each Ranch home runs an operating deficit that the endowment helps to offset. Growing the endowment is critical to keep the Ranch running, and to cover costs of the Phase II Expansion. Our goal is to endow every resident home on the Ranch.

What is the endowment? It is a pool of invested funds in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and fixed income accounts. The endowment builds earnings at Morgan Stanley and First Interstate Wealth Management.

How does it help the Ranch? It distributes five percent of its fair market value, annually, to the Ranch for

general operating or other expenses.

Can I get substantial tax breaks by making contributions to the endowment? Yes! Please see the “How Can You Help?” section in this newsletter for information on the Montana Endowment Tax Credit, and giving via IRA Rollovers and appreciated stock transfers.

How big is it? As of January 2020, the endowment reached the landmark of $5-million for the first time!

What are the fundraising goals of the Foundation? To endow existing homes and to keep pace with future growth, the Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $500,000 per year, or, $125,000 per quarter. The long-term goal is to increase the endowment to $12,000,000 as the Phase II Expansion progresses over the next 10 to 20 years.

Special K Ranch Foundation – Did You Know?

Morgan

• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com, rather than amazon.com.

• With Thrivent Choice®, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go. Since 2010, more than $330 million has been distributed to churches and nonprofits nationwide.

• See the instructions in the How to Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars at Thrivent.com under the Making a Difference section. You can also contact your Thrivent Financial representative or call the Member Connection Center at 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.

Special K Ranch has been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth consecutive year. Only 15% of the charities evaluated have received five consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Special K Ranch outperforms most other charities in America.

Does your employer have a matching gift program? Many companies, such as First Interstate Bank, Conoco, Microsoft, and countless others, have matching gift programs. How do they work? Depending on the program, companies will match, dollar for dollar, donations you make to charities of your choice.

Matching Gift Programs

It was a bluebird day at Red Lodge Mountain and the Special K ranchers were ready to hit the slopes

with Eagle Mount Billings! Justin Schiedler, JD Little Soldier, and Andrew Lathrop were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to advance new skills with the experienced Eagle Mount ski staff, Terry and Kim. With the above average temperature, and

the sun radiant in the Big Sky, it was a dream day on the mountain. There were relatively few wipe outs, and a lively time was had by all. Thank-you Eagle Mount Billings and Red Lodge Mountain! We will see you next year!

2020…and spring is almost upon us (hopefully)! I am so much a fair-weather gal. Staff gets such a kick out of making sure I know it is snowing whenever they can.

I wanted to take some time to introduce our houses in a little more detail as our “tilt-a-whirl” comes to a slow down.

Dianne Edinger is the Home Advisor for Broyles House. She came to us from Missoula in December of 2018. Dianne and the three girls (Robin, Cindi, and Kiele), have become a tight knit little family. God sure blessed us with finding her! Funny story…a

friend of a friend told us she knew someone who would be perfect as a house parent and that said person, Dianne, was interested in the position. When we contacted Dianne, she had no idea what we were talking about regarding a job but became very interested after chatting with us about it. After a few emails and telephone calls, she came to visit SKR, and as they say -the rest is history. Dianne joined our community and fit right in; she has a genuine love of God and it shines through her great smile. She has taken on the “job” of house mom like a pro. Formerly, Dianne worked for Teen Challenge for many years and is able to adjust mentoring and ministry skills to come along side our residents. Known as our “green” mom, she enjoys the outdoors and strives to keep her carbon footprint at a minimum. She is great at re-purposing and using the most natural of products (or making her own), and the girls are very active around the Ranch and neighboring communities. Dianne has set up an exercise room in their home and all of them use it together. Robin, Kiele, and Cindi enjoy their down time with Dianne and are learning great “stuff”.

Dennis and Cathy Osgood are the Home Advisors for Carla’s House. They arrived here in April of 2003 from Pennsylvania. This happens to be their second time working and living on the Ranch. They first moved here in 1993 and stayed for two and a half years, first as relief staff, then as Home Advisors for the Hawkins House. They returned in 2003 and become Home Advisors for the Stumvoll House. In their 19 years here, they have been at the Stumvoll House, Ostrum House, Craig House, and now moved to Carla’s House in 2019. Married for 29 years, the Osgoods have three children: Amber, Hannah, and Charlee. All three girls have grown up on the Ranch at one time or

another. Dennis and Cathy enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters, Emily and Daisy. Dennis

is the maintenance man for the entire Ranch including all eight

houses!! Cathy is a baker extraordinaire; her cakes/cookies are the best! The Osgoods have opened the doors at Carla’s House for: Stephanie L., Angela, Ariel, and Morgan. Dennis and Cathy bring to the table years of experience and compassionate hearts. Both are positive and genuine people that the residents just love. With Hannah and Charlee still at home, the Osgoods have combined their residents and own family into one large, fun-filled, happy family.

“Dennis and I were already house parents in a Christian Ministry in Pennsylvania. We visited his parents who lived near SKR and they took us to the ranch to meet Larry G. for a tour. SKR was small and everyone was vital to run the place. We were impressed with the ranch setting and wanted to be a part of a ministry where we could use our talents. SKR made a place in our hearts & after a few years away we were again ready to go back “home”. God has used us as a team of home advisors combined with various other positions for the past 29 years.”

These two homes are just the start to getting to know our Home Advisors and the houses they take care of. Stay tuned...Be Blessed and Happy Spring!!!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

– Psalm 34:8

Kathy Lee,Residential Director

Kathy Lee

Justin, JD, Andrew

Stacey Faldetta

Andrew L., Michael Swilley, Jeremy, Brian

JD Little Soldier and instructor Terry

• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com, rather than amazon.com.

• With Thrivent Choice®, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go. Since 2010, more than $330 million has been distributed to churches and nonprofits nationwide.

• See the instructions in the How to Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars at Thrivent.com under the Making a Difference section. You can also contact your Thrivent Financial representative or call the Member Connection Center at 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.

Special K Ranch has been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the fifth consecutive year. Only 15% of the charities evaluated have received five consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Special K Ranch outperforms most other charities in America.

Does your employer have a matching gift program? Many companies, such as First Interstate Bank, Conoco, Microsoft, and countless others, have matching gift programs. How do they work? Depending on the program, companies will match, dollar for dollar, donations you make to charities of your choice.

Matching Gift Programs

It was a bluebird day at Red Lodge Mountain and the Special K ranchers were ready to hit the slopes

with Eagle Mount Billings! Justin Schiedler, JD Little Soldier, and Andrew Lathrop were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to advance new skills with the experienced Eagle Mount ski staff, Terry and Kim. With the above average temperature, and

the sun radiant in the Big Sky, it was a dream day on the mountain. There were relatively few wipe outs, and a lively time was had by all. Thank-you Eagle Mount Billings and Red Lodge Mountain! We will see you next year!

2020…and spring is almost upon us (hopefully)! I am so much a fair-weather gal. Staff gets such a kick out of making sure I know it is snowing whenever they can.

I wanted to take some time to introduce our houses in a little more detail as our “tilt-a-whirl” comes to a slow down.

Dianne Edinger is the Home Advisor for Broyles House. She came to us from Missoula in December of 2018. Dianne and the three girls (Robin, Cindi, and Kiele), have become a tight knit little family. God sure blessed us with finding her! Funny story…a

friend of a friend told us she knew someone who would be perfect as a house parent and that said person, Dianne, was interested in the position. When we contacted Dianne, she had no idea what we were talking about regarding a job but became very interested after chatting with us about it. After a few emails and telephone calls, she came to visit SKR, and as they say -the rest is history. Dianne joined our community and fit right in; she has a genuine love of God and it shines through her great smile. She has taken on the “job” of house mom like a pro. Formerly, Dianne worked for Teen Challenge for many years and is able to adjust mentoring and ministry skills to come along side our residents. Known as our “green” mom, she enjoys the outdoors and strives to keep her carbon footprint at a minimum. She is great at re-purposing and using the most natural of products (or making her own), and the girls are very active around the Ranch and neighboring communities. Dianne has set up an exercise room in their home and all of them use it together. Robin, Kiele, and Cindi enjoy their down time with Dianne and are learning great “stuff”.

Dennis and Cathy Osgood are the Home Advisors for Carla’s House. They arrived here in April of 2003 from Pennsylvania. This happens to be their second time working and living on the Ranch. They first moved here in 1993 and stayed for two and a half years, first as relief staff, then as Home Advisors for the Hawkins House. They returned in 2003 and become Home Advisors for the Stumvoll House. In their 19 years here, they have been at the Stumvoll House, Ostrum House, Craig House, and now moved to Carla’s House in 2019. Married for 29 years, the Osgoods have three children: Amber, Hannah, and Charlee. All three girls have grown up on the Ranch at one time or

another. Dennis and Cathy enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters, Emily and Daisy. Dennis

is the maintenance man for the entire Ranch including all eight

houses!! Cathy is a baker extraordinaire; her cakes/cookies are the best! The Osgoods have opened the doors at Carla’s House for: Stephanie L., Angela, Ariel, and Morgan. Dennis and Cathy bring to the table years of experience and compassionate hearts. Both are positive and genuine people that the residents just love. With Hannah and Charlee still at home, the Osgoods have combined their residents and own family into one large, fun-filled, happy family.

“Dennis and I were already house parents in a Christian Ministry in Pennsylvania. We visited his parents who lived near SKR and they took us to the ranch to meet Larry G. for a tour. SKR was small and everyone was vital to run the place. We were impressed with the ranch setting and wanted to be a part of a ministry where we could use our talents. SKR made a place in our hearts & after a few years away we were again ready to go back “home”. God has used us as a team of home advisors combined with various other positions for the past 29 years.”

These two homes are just the start to getting to know our Home Advisors and the houses they take care of. Stay tuned...Be Blessed and Happy Spring!!!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

– Psalm 34:8

Kathy Lee,Residential Director

Kathy Lee

Justin, JD, Andrew

Stacey Faldetta

Andrew L., Michael Swilley, Jeremy, Brian

JD Little Soldier and instructor Terry

Honorariums and Memorials December 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020The people honored and memorialized on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.

A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.

IN HONOR OF:STEVE & KARI AADLAND Mike ObergMORGAN BAILEY Todd & Teresa RowenKEITH & DEBBIE BAKESLEY Donna BeutlerBRET BEAVANS Melanie L McCammon Mr. & Mrs. Bob SmithTAMBRA BERGEVIN Mike ObergLAURIE BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley G

BensonMS. JENNINE BUDGE Marjorie & Bud FunkALAN COLESTOCK FAMILY Diane HaydenCORONADO HIGH SCHOOL Hokunani KeehuJUDY CUFF Danny & Mandy Bronson Mrs Mary RuettenRUTH DRUMMOND Tim & Jan WeikertDALLAS EIDE Doug & Kim McRaeSTACEY FALDETTA Mike ObergDARREL & VIVIAN FISCHER Leland & Valeria FischerLEE GAGNON Bill & Brenda HarmonDEB HADLOCK Emily BurnsLINDA HALSTEAD ACHARYA Bharat & Linda AcharyaHANZ & SYLVIA HAYNIE Donna BeutlerTOM HELM Myrna M StoneJOHN & JOAN HERBERLY Beth & Thomas KeatingBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon Hodges Wayne & Linda HodgesPATRICIA HOLMAN Sandra AndersonJANE JONES Karen DoolenDOUG & JANE LARSON Donna BeutlerKATHY LEE Mike ObergJOHN LOCKIE Jennie SprattDAN LUTKE Ken & Peg OlsonTHOMAS & DEBRAH LUTKE Ken & Peg OlsonSUE MCBURNEY Mike Oberg

STEPHANIE MORELLI Malcolm & Mary HarawayPAUL & VICKI NUNBERG Donna BeutlerRAY & ANN REMMICH Donna BeutlerSHERALD REMMICH Donna BeutlerBILL & MAYBELLE RITTAL Donna BeutlerJIMMIE & MAE RITTAL Donna BeutlerMARVIN & ALISON SCHIELDT Mike ObergJUDY SMITH Marjorie & Bud FunkALIEDA STONE Myrna M StoneALEX & ELISE TITTLE Leland & Valeria FischerRUTH WARREN R & C Home Improvement

IncROBIN WILLEMS Greg & Cindy BrazellDAN & DARLA ZIER Donna Beutler

IN MEMORY OF:NANCY ARTHUN Don & Marilyn MussetterNICK & MARIA BADILLA Nick & Dora BadillaJACK BAILEY Doug & Kim McRaeBRAD BAKER Doug & Kim McRaeANNA & PETER BAKKER Nick & Dora Badilla Jeremy & Julie SiemensPHILIP BARNETT Joan BarnettFLORENCE BASZLER Char PollingtonJIM BAYS John & Vanessa BaysBONNIE BECK Bill & Shelley BernhardJOHN BOYLE Barbara BoyleJAY BRATSKY Jim & Linda PetersJIM BROMENSHENK Bradley & Lori Kraft Ed & Roxie Kraft Rick & Brenda Kraft Sylvia Kraft Harry & Sue StaleyHARRY CUFF Danny & Mandy Bronson Judy CuffWILLIAM CUNNINGHAM Thomas Blankenship

CAROL DAHL Mary D KasnerLAUREN DAMSCHEN Evelyn DamschenHENRY DOELY Tookie GeeMARCEY DOUCETT Arleene WepplerJIM EASTLICK Bev & Ralph Amen Wanda EastlickJOHN & JO EVANS Jerry EvansCHARLES FISCHER Richard & Joanne NaumanVICTOR FRANK Loretta FrankERIC FURSTENBURG Mylo & Kay SatherGORDON GAUB Donna BeutlerALICE GETSINGER Emily BurnsFLOYD GETSINGER Emily BurnsJOHNNY CRAIG GIBLER William T & Amy BrownJOHN & ESTHER GOEHNER Steen & Trina HudsonMARY GONZALES Jack & Audrey ParksALBIE GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffSTANLEY GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffHANK GREMMER Esther CuthbertsonHENRY GREMMER Ms. Jennine BudgePETER & FRANCIS

GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia HowardJUDY HADLOCK Emily BurnsNICK HANKINS Mike & Lois HankinsRAY HARDT Patricia HardtALMA HEDGES Bev & Ralph Amen Jeannette Cain Wanda Eastlick Dean & Betty Fausnaugh Duane & Mary Ann

Guenthner Marvin & Kay Kappel Norma Kappel Rudolph & Cheryl

Meinhardt Martin & Kathleen Mohr Carol SandsJOE HOEKSEMA Lynne Hoeksema

HAROLD HOUGHTON Patricia A Holman Gary & Darlene OstrumJIM HUCK Gerard & Bonnie HuckLAEL IANNUCCI Theresa LeoneKLARA ISTVANFFY Laura SteinmetzKAREN JACKSON Barbara WalterELLA JANSMA Maurice & Susan Kaiser Iline Rehling Dodie ZweifelLAVERNE JENSEN Otto JensenGLORIA KAPPEL Marlene B AndersonMIKE KELSEY Jim & Linda PetersERRIN & CLARA KNEPFLE David & Jewel WolfeROBERT (BOB) KRAFT Nick & Dora BadillaADELINE LANE Jack & Audrey ParksCHARLES LECHNER Lechner Family FoundationROBERT LOWMAN Mike & Kathy Alexander Bill & Shelley Bernhard June Campbell G. D. Christman Cucancic Construction Sheila Derheim Stan & Judy Eisenman Linda Fox David & Bridget Gauthier Brenda & David Hatten Marvin & Kay Kappel Mark & Karla Lowman Tammy Lowman Mary J Mattheis Rudolph & Cheryl

Meinhardt Mr & Mrs Ralph & Donna

Mitchell Kathleen & Martin Mohr Nardella & Associates Park City Water & Sewer

District Larry & Delores Simons Melvin & Fern StrauchTHOMAS LYNCH Arthur & Bonita DanielsLISA MCJUNKIN Donna BeutlerDENNIS E. MOOS Judith MoosCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Reedus Haraway

“Living and being with Cathy and Dennis Osgood,” replied Morgan, when asked, “What is your favorite thing about Special

K Ranch?” The Osgoods, home advisors of Carla’s House, have poured their love, faith, hard work, humor, and talent, into the Ranch for more than 19 years, and it shines on the beaming faces of the residents for whom they care.

With the arrival of four brand-new Ranchers at SKR, I find myself often saying or writing while deleting, “we have 31 . . . 35 life-long residents in seven . . . eight homes!” Since I began serving this one-of-a-kind ministry

in 2012, it has always been 31 and seven. As I gain life experience (when Larry Goehner hired me, I neglected to remind him that my youth was temporary) I may have created a saying: few things stay the same for very long. I’m not sure if I have heard that somewhere else, or if it is truly original, but it’s something I find myself perpetually thinking about. The Phase II Expansion of Special K is a great example of this “saying,” and it’s the sole reason I had the opportunity to visit with Morgan, who moved to the Ranch this past year.

Morgan, 19 years of age, first became involved with the Ranch through the Day Program. If you haven’t heard of this program, it is a service the Ranch provides to the community, in which adolescents and adults who have developmental disabilities, and who are not yet life-long residents, can experience our vocational programs, staff, and our supportive Ranch community. In turn, the people of Special K can enjoy the help and company of prospective residents. Morgan got a start in the Day Program when she was 15. Her favorite work activities include planting flowers and working with animals, especially the lambs.

Recreationally, Morgan likes to bake, play basketball, and bowl. I asked her, “What’s your favorite hobby, something you like most, more than anything else in the world?” She answered, “Hanging out with my Ranch family and friends.”

When I visited with House Mom Cathy, she had a multitude of pleasant compliments about Morgan. “She wants to please so much, and she will do anything to help. She’s thrilled to be here and she’s heading in the right direction, in every way. She has the potential to do some of the most amazing things we’ve seen here.”

This conversation was a great representation of what Special K Ranch is all about: love, family, friends, meaningful work, and contentedness of our residents. Often, I talk about how the Ranch is unique, because it has the power to enrich lives to an extent that, from my perspective, is impossible for me to understand completely. The Ranch experience is uniquely understood through the eyes of its residents.

It may be true that few things stay the same for very long, but I am certain of two very important and enduring things that will never change: the mission of Special K Ranch, and the unwavering support of our donors who make SKR a reality. THANK YOU ALL for your support! It is the foundation for the existence, survival, and growth of Special K Ranch.

Steven Aadland, Development Director

Steven Aadland

Few Things Stay the Same for Very Long

When you hear the word endowment, what comes to mind? The word can be mind-numbing because it’s somewhat intangible; however, the reason for having an endowment is very palpable. Simply put, endowments last forever and they can be used to purchase anything. As Mike mentioned in his message, each Ranch home runs an operating deficit that the endowment helps to offset. Growing the endowment is critical to keep the Ranch running, and to cover costs of the Phase II Expansion. Our goal is to endow every resident home on the Ranch.

What is the endowment? It is a pool of invested funds in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and fixed income accounts. The endowment builds earnings at Morgan Stanley and First Interstate Wealth Management.

How does it help the Ranch? It distributes five percent of its fair market value, annually, to the Ranch for

general operating or other expenses.

Can I get substantial tax breaks by making contributions to the endowment? Yes! Please see the “How Can You Help?” section in this newsletter for information on the Montana Endowment Tax Credit, and giving via IRA Rollovers and appreciated stock transfers.

How big is it? As of January 2020, the endowment reached the landmark of $5-million for the first time!

What are the fundraising goals of the Foundation? To endow existing homes and to keep pace with future growth, the Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $500,000 per year, or, $125,000 per quarter. The long-term goal is to increase the endowment to $12,000,000 as the Phase II Expansion progresses over the next 10 to 20 years.

Special K Ranch Foundation – Did You Know?

Morgan

CARLA OBERG Diane Frazier Frank & Shelley Haughton Andy & Joy Holman Gerard & Bonnie Huck James & Marilyn Kohles Clyde & Helen Oberg Mike Oberg Jeffrey R Peete Greg & Debbie Peterson Ralee & Kelly Rogers James & Mary Routson Sara & Dave Ruff Jim & Jo St John C.L. & Sharon WoodPAT OBERG Gerard & Bonnie HuckTIM OBERG Gerard & Bonnie HuckDALORIS OLSON Esther & Ron FischerNICK & MARIA PADILLA Jeremy & Julie SiemensBERNIE PERLEBERG Bob PerlebergCLIFF POTTS JC & Janet HortonDONNA REINKE Esther & Ron FischerYVONNE ROBSON Ralph & Carolyn GrannerJOELYNE ROGERS Stacey FaldettaGEORGE ROONEY Hilma StoneKATHY SALO Esther & Ron FischerJIM SCHOLTZ Ms. Nina E. ScholtzRICHARD SEDER Ed & Roxie Kraft Rick & Brenda Kraft Leroy & Norma Walter Ronald & Donna Walter

BOB SOLIE Chuck & JoLynn SommersKAY & DARRELL

STAHLECKER Mr Winston StahleckerHAZEL STEVENS Larry StevensHOWARD STONE Hilma StoneKATIE STRENDING Randy & Jennifer StrendingLESTER STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuJANICE STRUTZ Mike ObergCASH AUSTIN TAYLOR Stacey FaldettaSTEPHANIE TAYLOR Hollis TaylorAUDREY THOMPSON Doug & Kim McRaeLARRY THOMPSON Randy & Joy LalimSHERRY WADDELL Christine KuntzHARVEY WALTER William & Gladys Bernhardt Marlene Dolechek Leroy & Norma Walter Ronald & Donna WalterJOHN WARREN R & C Home Improvement

IncSANDRA RUTH WELLS Richard & Joanne NaumanMR. & MRS. KENNETH

WOLFE David & Jewel WolfeDONNALEEN WOODLEY Richard Woodley

Special K Ranch is special in many different ways. We are unique in how we combine a Christian home

atmosphere, on a working ranch, with several different vocational opportunities. This serves as a lifestyle for adults with developmental disabilities so that they can enjoy a life similar to what most Americans have access to. SKR is also special because of our 35 residents who are unique individuals each with their own stories to tell. The experiences within these

one-of-a-kind stories have helped shape our ranchers into the people they are today.

Though it is hard to pick any one story as my favorite, some just naturally are more astounding in how they work out. One of these amazing tales is about Brice Sheridan. Brice and I have a close relationship as we both started here at Special K at the same time; he as a

new resident, and me as Program Director. Brice’s story begins like virtually everyone else’s in that he had a typical life with hard working, loving parents and a great hope for his future. Then one day, when he was about three years old, things took a different turn, as Brice had an accident in which he took a tumble down some stairs and suffered serious brain trauma. This life changing event triggered severe seizures in various degrees, and he began experiencing increasing issues with them as he grew older. With countless doctor visits, various trials of medications, and several surgeries behind him, Brice has a pretty good outlook on life. He loves to be involved in all SKR’s vocations and activities. He also has a continuing hobby with his dad in Douglas, WY where they are restoring a 1961 Jeep. On a good day, I can even talk him into helping me make “Kraut Burgers” of our own special recipe. Brice still must deal with the effects of his seizures and has learned that avoiding anything with caffeine in it really cuts their severity and frequency. To say that Brice has been a good addition to Special K is an understatement, but we also know that Special K Ranch holds a special place in Brice’s heart as well.

Marvin Schieldt, Program Director

Marvin Schieldt

Leaving Your LegacyA Way to Help Others

A will is the simplest form of a planned gift and it affords everyone the opportunity to help others and have a living legacy.

Consider naming Special K Ranch in your will for a percentage, a specific amount, or as the sole benefactor.

The blessings you have received will continue to bless and help others.

When updating your will, check with your attorney for the proper legal forms and wording.

Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.

Vol. 32 No. 1 “Shepherding the Hesitant” March 2020

Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures. (406) 322-5520

One of the goals of Special K Ranch is that we wish to be financially available to anyone who is applying to live on the Ranch. It is one of many reasons that I am so

proud of the ministry of Special K. Over the past 33 years we have been able to keep our fee structure low to help achieve this goal. This has only been possible with your financial support and the additional support we receive from the Special K Ranch Foundation. With the current fee schedule, we are running about $2,300.00 a month short

of covering the expenses of a single house each month. One solution to this issue is to build the endowment in

the Special K Ranch Foundation. The Ranch receives 5% of the total endowment from the foundation each year to help with operating expenses. This means that the effort to raise these funds will benefit the Ranch for many years to come. It is also a great way to help ensure that SKR will be a “place to call home”, and that the ministry of Special K Ranch will be a light for many years after we are all gone. More on our plan to build the endowment as things develop.

“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.” – A.W. Tozer

I was doing weekend relief in February with the guys from the Ostrum House. This is always a fun time with our residents, and it is a really good way for me to stay plugged into their lives. They invariably want to go to my house on Saturday; we usually hot tub, order pizza for dinner, and end the night watching a fun movie while eating a bowl of ice cream. This particular Saturday, my son Jonah was joining us in the festivities. I love how they interact with each other

and they have very interesting conversations. One of the guys, Ben, asked Jonah if he knew there was a book in the Bible named after him. Not really knowing where Ben was going with this question, Jonah said that he didn’t know about the story and could Ben please tell him about it. Ben started out by telling us all about how God had asked Jonah to pray for the people in Nineveh because they were doing bad things. Jonah refused to pray for them and ran away trying to hide from God by getting on a ship and sailing away. Ben looked at us and said, “You know you can’t hide from God? He knows everything.” Ben continued to tell us that, for disobeying Him, God put Jonah in “time out” by putting him in a whale for three days. I told Ben that was a very unique way of viewing what God had done, and asked him where he came up with it. Ben told me he has two Bibles, one is a children’s Bible, and when he doesn’t understand something he has read, he goes to his children’s Bible to figure it out. I told him I was proud of him for figuring out a way to understand what he is reading in the Word of God. Ben then asked me if I knew who else God put in time out? I curiously asked him, “Who?” He said the Israelites. God put them in “time out” in the desert for 40 years because they were complaining!

“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16

Have I told you lately how much I love my job?

“Press On” Mike

Mike Oberg

Time Out

MONTANA INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ENDOWED PHILANTHROPY: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000 ($20,000 per couple). Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit, which is worth 40% of the charitable gift amount.

IRA ROLLOVER: Individuals who are 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account directly to a qualifying charity without recognizing the assets transferred as income. This tax-wise way of giving counts toward meeting the required minimum distributions from IRAs.

APPRECIATED STOCK: Giving appreciated securities yields powerful tax benefits. Generally, capital gains taxes can be avoided.

CASH: Cash gifts are the simplest way to provide support to the ranch.

HOW WILL MY GIFT BE USED? Your support can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.

How can you help?Special K Ranch operates independently of government funding.

Rod

Andrew

Jeremy

Ben L.

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, Special K Ranch will be suspending all public activities on the Ranch until we are given the all-clear. On a brighter note, the greenhouse season is in full swing, and the ranchers are busy planting beautiful hanging baskets and bedding plants to sell later in the spring. Look for them at all ACE Hardware stores in Yellowstone County.

• Saturday, June 13, 2020 - Open House at Special K Ranch, 12:00pm (watch for your save-the-date card in May).• Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Fundraising Dinner at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 5:00pm (invites to be sent in late summer).

In the meantime, from all of us at Special K Ranch, please know we are staying safe and healthy, and hoping that you all do the same.

We are currently seeking male and female applicants to become part of our year-round Day Program at Special K Ranch. Participants of the program come to the Ranch and take part in various Vocational Programs and lunch is provided at one of the eight (8) homes. Day Program hours are Monday-Friday, roughly 8:30am-3:30pm. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and will need to fill out an application prior to coming out to the Ranch for a tour and to meet the staff and ranchers. There will be transportation to and from the Ranch offered from Billings and Laurel three (3) days per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If the participant has their own transport to the Ranch, the days can vary and be flexible. Cost is $60/day. More details will be forthcoming in the next couple weeks. Please see our website @ www.specialkranch.org to print and fill out our Day Program application.

[Note: tours and Day Program will be postponed until further notice due to COVID-19. Please fill out the application if interested and stay tuned- we will get this back up and running as soon as humanly possible.]

On the Horizon!

Did you know that Special K Ranch has a Day Program?