Special to the Bulverde News
 
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children has been awarded a $100,000 grant which will allow it to move its Transitional Living program to San Antonio.

The program is currently run at the organization’s campus in Bulverde. St. Jude’s Ranch was among more than 80 South Texas organizations that applied for the grant from Impact San Antonio.

“This is a significant milestone for St. Jude’s Ranch, our Transitional Living Program, and our Bulverde campus,” said Christine Spadafor, St. Jude’s chief executive officer.
“Our Transitional Living Program has accomplished amazing advancements and growth in the past two years, and this award truly puts St. Jude’s Ranch on the map in San Antonio.”

Moving the Transitional Living Program to San Antonio will allow 12 teenagers to be closer to schools, jobs and public transit, giving them the opportunity to thrive in a real urban setting.

Additionally, by moving the program to San Antonio, St. Jude’s Ranch will be able to provide care for 12 more Basic Care children on its Bulverde campus.

The 2008 Impact San Antonio grant for $100,000 is the largest amount awarded by Impact to date and almost double the amount of the 2007 grant.

Impact San Antonio Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) foundation committed to expanding philanthropy in San Antonio.

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children rescues abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths from the vicious cycle of child abuse.

They provide healing and nurturing in a safe home-like environment where children can learn life skills to start new lives with new chances, new choices and new hope.

The Transitional Living Program is one of the most distinctive learning experiences that benefit eligible children ages 16 to 21 years old.

The program prepares its residents for integration into society by teaching them life skills to become self-sufficient, productive, civic-minded citizens.

For more information, visit www.stjudesranch.org.