The Ranch at Marbridge: Encouragement to Make Choices in a Safe, Structured Community

The current buildings that make up The Ranch at Marbridge have a long, happy history—they were part of the original Marbridge campus. Phase II of the Master Architectural Plan will soon introduce the construction of a new dormitory with all the modern amenities of home, and the planned renovation of the Winters Dorm might qualify for coverage on TV's Extreme Makeover show.

"At Marbridge, we never tell residents they can't. We help them recognize their own goals, develop a program to meet those goals, and find success." –Brian, Ranch Director

The comfortable, dorm-like environment of the Ranch provides a safe, supportive community for an adult with cognitive challenges to live a whole new life independent from his or her family, but under 24 hour awake supervision. Whether he or she is a young adult leaving home for the first time or an older adult who has lived at home with family most of his or her adult life, Ranch residents find the structure and additional supervision complemented by a full schedule of Abilities Centered Training with just the right combination of assistance to help them reach their full potential (and possibly progress to more independent living).

Life at The Ranch can be as supervised as a resident needs. Staff work with each resident and his or her family to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and choose from a broad spectrum of training opportunities ranging from sports and music to work and leisure training. Some residents even choose to have on-campus jobs, such as working at the laundry, cleaning the offices or community areas, serving as part of the landscaping team or working in the cafeterias.