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By Ramona Frances

Connie Clendenan, CEO of Valley Teen Ranch in Madera joins Lyle McTee (center) and Marvin Rees on land they plan to transform into a working farm for at-risk teen boys. The trio have launched a plan to create a farm with fruits, vegetables and herbs grown hydroponically.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Valley Teen Ranch in Madera, which houses and cares for at-risk youths, has adopted a plan to develop the ranch further into a working farm - using hydroponics. The new plan includes growing fruits and vegetables hydroponically on virgin acreage in south Madera County. Boys living on the ranch will have the opportunity to learn about agriculture business and science, marketing, nutrition and more.

"In order to keep our programs of residential care, foster care, adoption and the transitional living home going we need another method of generating regular non-designated income. We're working on developing 38 acres of our ranch property into an organic farming operation," said Connie Clendenan, CEO of Valley Teen Ranch.

Just the starting cost for the project, named Jacob's Garden, is estimated to be $130,000 dollars and Clendenan is asking the community for help in raising it.

In a public talk, Clendenan said she was inspired by Oprah Winfrey's reality television series entitled "The Big Give" in which many people networked, pooled resources and volunteered to make big things happen. Clendenan envisions big things happening to make the ranch more productive too, to benefit both the boys living on the ranch and the surrounding community.

"I don't want to wait around for the lottery, the USA president, my life insurance policy, my inheritance, a husband or AFLAC to make my life count for something significant," she said. "Let's stop accumulating and give our best stuff away. Our values, character, morals and live experiences are worth giving away."

Money to finance the plan appears to be the missing link...

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Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.