We are three years into this project and very excited about our plans and the enthusiastic support we are receiving form the community.  Children are our main focus, with high risk and displaced kids being our target. The time is right for such a program and we hope that our efforts and accomplishments will serve as a role model.

Children are everyone’s concern. With the record number of youth being abandoned and neglected, and the insufficient number of foster homes available, the state is being faced
with an enormous burden. We would like to help. Four winds Ranch is a foster home licensed through United Indians Of All Tribes Foundation. We have had a tremendous success rate
with our kids, and attribute this to an informal, old fashioned, loving atmosphere with lots of worthwhile activities including interaction and caring for animals. We have many projects for kids, constructed by kids, and run by kids … and we want to share them with you …
to benefit kids!

Some of the activities we will offer are … fishing for the little ones in our Tom Sawyer style pond, horse back riding, pony rides, a remote control car track, musical gatherings in the barn, and our annual rooster rodeo, and greased pig contest. Part of the large dairy barn will accommodate a thrift store where families with new placements can come for free emergency clothing while the kids have some fun. The best part is, children, with adult supervision will be running the show. This is a great esteem booster, and valuable life skill builder. But mostly, the kids feel great about helping other children in tough situations, which helps them make the transition from being a victim, to being a part of a solution. We call this the “Kids Helping Kids” program. This program and others have the ability to extend beyond our facility.

We are also very excited about our “Winds of Change” program. Winds Of Change is based on the premise that everyone knows there is a problem, most people want to help, but don’t know how or are unsure about committing. The general public is a wealth of talent and resources. Four Winds and other such facilities are fun and provide a hub for gleaning and utilizing volunteer services. Kids benefit and adults benefit. Daily, in conversation, I meet responsible people that want to be a part of the solution … teachers, artists, counselors, successful adults that were foster children, even radio stations! Our proposal is to provide an organizational base to channel and develop the public’s contributions. This program will allow people to be instrumental in making changes for the better. Some people want to help children but do not want to be a foster parent … and many people want to be a foster parent  but are unsure. We hope to raises awareness through exposure, encouraging people to take that step.

Lastly, a personal dream is to one day implement a Residential Facility where high risk children thrive and walk away from long term state care as productive adults, breaking the chain that links generations of poverty, drug abuse, and neglect. I believe that in the right setting this is possible, and no more costly that a typical group home. If successful, the long term savings could be great.

Four Winds Ranch is currently working with Arthur Lee, Tulalip Tribes Economic & Community Development, Janet Carroll, Snohomish County Public Works, and Bobbi Lindemulder, Snohomish Conservation District. Thanks to these partnerships we were honored to be instrumental in major clean up efforts of the Quil Ceda Creek and making our neighborhood a drug free zone.

We care about all children, their future, and the world they will live in. We, members of the community served, are seeking the support and partnered efforts of local organizations and agencies that also strive to help children. Our organization is currently pending nonprofit status.

Thank you.

Barbara Ann Lowe
Owner/Founder
Four Winds Ranch