MEMO

The SNOW-REDFERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION (SRMF) Board of Directors, which created the Nebraska Boys Ranch residential program 45 years ago, was forced to make the decision to discontinue those services. This difficult decision was made over a period of several months, based upon these factors:

Nebraska Health and Human Services REFORM of Out-or-Home placements (which is what NBR was) had a goal to minimize youth placed outside of their own homes. When HHS contracted with a lead agency for Western Nebraska, referrals for placements stopped.
The Board has known for some time that the fees the State was paying for services were insufficient; SRMF subsidized the State with our ranching operation and fundraising in order to meet expenses. Over time, it became more and more difficult to meet expenses. The SRMS Board felt it was their responsibility to protect the donor's investment in the youth program and not use up investments that has accrued. If we were to continue to support youth programs, we needed to find a different way to do so.

Therefore, instead of continuing with our intention of reopening the residential program, the Board has created a new vision and mission. Our NEW Mission Statement is:

"THE SNOW-REDFERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION WILL RECEIVE, EARN ADMINISTER AND DISTRIBUTE FUNDS TO QUALIFYING CHARITABLE AND/OR HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES AND FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS. THESE ORGANIZATIONS WILL IN TURN PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS, EDUCATION OR TRAINING OF DISADVANTAGED YOUTH"

In summary, the SRMF will continue to assist troubled youth and their families! We will not stray from Mrs. Redfer'shes. The property will be sold, the principal will be invested, and the proceeds will be used to assist those outlined in our Mission Statement. Also, support through donations, will expand the basis of the Foundation and further our efforts to continue to assist youth in need of help.