Echoing Hope Ranch

Echoing Hope Ranch's (EHR's) mission is growth, discovery and lifelong learning in safe and respectful homes and communities for adults and teens with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Echoing Hope Ranch (EHR) provides a a number of services to individuals with autism and/or related developmental disabilities in Southern Arizona. Parents of children with autism want them to live full and meaningful lives. Our mission is to provide growth, discovery and lifelong learning in safe and respectful homes and communities for adults and teens with autism and other developmental disabilities.

We believe that all people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families should have transition plans with effective interventions, services and supports so that people with ASD can live more independent and meaningful adult lives. Services provided at and by EHR have been purposefully developed to meet each individual where they are, in a way which best serves their needs.

We offer the following support for participants and their families in Pima and Cochise Counties: Habilitation - In-Home Habilitation and Respite Programs, Employment Services, Day Treatment Programs, and Residential Services. The programs provide the families of persons with autism peace of mind, affordable support programs and relief from the demands of caring for a person who requires intensive daily support. Without this support, the toll that a lifetime of caregiving takes can be substantial financially, emotionally and physically. The stress on the family often results in loss of family stability.

Relative to the community benefit, the chances that adults with autism will become employed is low. 74% want to work but only 19% are currently working. The economic cost is far reaching. People with autism spectrum disorders will be served by a public response either by policies and informed programs (i.e. EHR) or by poverty, homelessness and the criminal justice system. Even in the most loving of families, parents age and eventually face the challenge that they are no longer able to care for their children with disabilities.

EHR was founded in response to one family's dilemma when their 20-year-old son with autism completed high school. Along with other parents whose children had similar needs, EHR was formed in 2009 so that young adults with autism could transition into adult living while their families remained a part of their lives. EHR is an asset for Southern Arizona, and the only place that we know of nationwide that offers people with autism the chance to live in a serene ranch setting, where they can enjoy peace in nature, far away from the stimulating hustle and bustle of big cities. The sad truth is that there are very few places throughout the country that provide residential and in-home quality of life alternatives for persons facing the challenges of autism in their adult years (i.e. that are not assisted living). Only two of those places are located in Arizona, and EHR is one of them.

EHR is a place where you can make a difference. EHR currently employs 82 full and part-time employees and serves 92 individuals with autism or developmental disabilities. Fourteen of our employees are participants and/or residents at EHR. Anyone who qualifies may apply for services at or through EHR; however, because of the demand for our services, almost all of our participants are from Pima or Cochise Counties, about 50% from each. EHR garners strength from its two-county presence: our participants come from both counties, our Board members come from both counties, our services are offered in both counties, and (pre-Covid) our Board rotated meeting in each county bimonthly. Our ability to provide and expand our continuum of services, and to serve more adolescents and adults with autism, is only limited by funding. Gifts from philanthropists like you make EHR possible.

Testimonials

Nathan is a young man with a cognitive disability. He has been a resident at Echoing Hope Ranch for the past eight years. Nathan is the product of a military family and has lived in many places throughout the country. However, it was in a Bisbee apartment complex where our staff first encountered him.

At that time, Nathan was 18, and his mother was battling severe health concerns. Nathan, being the social butterfly he is, was often seen hanging out at the apartment complex. One of our staff members noticed him and worked to place him into our work, day, and residency programs.

Nathan was initially quiet and reserved, struggling to communicate and connect with others.

However, he had difficulty with social skills, and his sensory processing challenges made it hard for him to engage in daily activities. But slowly, he started enjoying ranch work, day program activities, and especially community outings.

In a very short time, Nathan was happy and productive. His confidence and communication skills grew, and we soon discovered his craving for personal interaction...