Volunteer Spotlight – Mike Connor

The next time you come to the ranch, look to your left as you drive up the hill and imagine horses grazing on that beautiful pasture!  That’s what volunteer Mike Connor does each time he volunteers at the ranch.  After learning about Spirit of Hope through an internet search, Mike approached us last year and asked about volunteer opportunities.  We needed to replace some fencing in our current pasture and Mike agreed to help.  Little did he know at the time how many miles of smooth wire were in his future!  When the King’s Ranch generously agreed to let us use an additional twenty acres for more pasture, Mike also generously agreed to spearhead its fencing and has been returning to the ranch every single week.

As a navy brat and former army officer and Vietnam veteran, Mike has learned the value of giving back and says that no matter how much he does, he’s still getting more back in return.  As some of our youth participants work with Mike, they might hear him quote from his favorite poem Invictus by William Henley:

It matters not how straight the gait,

How charged with punishment the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:  I am the captain of my soul!

As a fabulous role model for our youth, Mike shares with them that we are responsible for the life God gives us and should make the most of it without excuses because God has given us the will to prevail no matter what our circumstances.

We are so grateful to Mike’s wife Angie, three grown sons, and eight grandchildren for sharing him with us because he’s a vital part of the ranch.

2008 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards

SOHYR is pleased to announce the 2008 Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipients. To be eligible for the award, volunteer hours are verified by certified agencies. Award eligibility is based upon hourly requirements which vary by age.

Summer Activities at the Ranch!

Summer volunteer opportunities at Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch.

Bluegrass & Burgers Annual Fundraising Event

You’re invited to come join the fun on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 from 11am-2pm out at the Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch in Wilsonville, AL for our annual Bluegrass and Burgers fundraising event.