A Proud Heritage
In 1958, a group of county judges from across the state of Colorado
envisioned an orphanage that would provide dependent and neglected boys
with new opportunities in life. The rural community of La Junta
embraced the vision with open arms and donated land formerly used for
military housing. It was there that Colorado Boys Ranch was born.
From its inception, CBR founders, staff and donors
worked diligently to build a place where every boy received the kind of
customized care and support he needed to develop into a hopeful,
productive young man. During the 1960s, CBR focused on providing
general child welfare services for the state of Colorado. In the 1970s,
CBR evolved to include more specialized child welfare services. During
the 1980s, the organization continued to grow and respond to the
expanded needs of society. It transitioned to providing mental health
and educational services on a national basis. During the 1990s, CBR
refined its program model, expanding its resources to address mental
health issues of increasing severity. Today, CBR YouthConnect is a
nationally acclaimed psychiatric residential treatment and learning
center. Residents come from more than 70 communities throughout the
nation to receive the innovative care that CBRYC provides.
