DOC inmates to help Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch with demolition of unsafe, dilapidated structures

BRAZIL, IND. (Aug. 23, 2018) – Indiana Department of Correction inmates will join ranks with sheriffs and deputies on Monday when they demolish three unsafe and unwanted buildings on the new Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch –making room for cabins, a peace chapel, amphitheater and recreation areas.“Bulldozers and jackhammers will next week interrupt the serene 62 acres that will serve as a home for Sheriffs’ programs to mentor future law enforcement officers, bond with at-risk kids and help young witnesses, victims and survivors of crime,” said Grant County Sheriff Reggie Nevels. As the statewide not-for-profit’s secretary, Nevels also chairs its grounds and operations committee.

DOC Commissioner Rob Carter said his staff and inmate workers will remove “a dilapidated dairy barn, farrow building and cinderblock shop, because they are unsafe, unwanted or both.”  In their place, Nevels said organizers and donors of the not-for-profit Youth Ranch plan to build 10 cabins, a peace chapel, amphitheater and a variety of recreation areas, including a zip line, confidence course, canoeing and fishing docks, swimming pool, basketball court, archery range, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, baseball and softball field and riding stable.

Nevels said in addition to health and fitness, students attending weeklong Youth Ranch camps will learn about personal safety, first aid, substance abuse, cybercrimes, bullying, financial fraud, criminal law, firearms safety and crime prevention. “This particular project not only eliminates some clear public safety hazards, once removed, young campers will have the opportunity to experience a wide array of sporting and learning activities they may not have otherwise been exposed to in their communities. The IDOC congratulates the efforts of the Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch and its leadership on a job well done,” Carter said.

Middle schoolers from every county will be eligible to apply for free summer leadership camps, weekend retreats and day visits to the Youth Ranch, which is being developed in rural Clay County between Greencastle and Terre Haute, according to Marion County Sheriff John Layton, the ISYR board president.

To learn more about naming rights, donate or volunteer, Layton said Hoosiers can call the Youth Ranch toll-free at 833-IN-RANCH or write to Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5401 S. East St., Suite 117, Indianapolis, IN 46227.