About the Nonprofit
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Martha’s Ranch Foundation was a dream for years and officially began in 2020 by Exponential Founder and mother to twins on the autism spectrum, Kim Bays, alongside her husband Matthew Bays. Inspired by the need to foster community, a desire brought to an even greater focus during covid, Martha’s Ranch aids parents of children with autism by providing a place to take a vacation surrounded by those who understand the unique challenges and joys this brings. It aims to provide resources for research, aid, and the avenue to share experiences to help enhance the family support structure.
One community outreach is through creating a ranch retreat for families affected by autism at Martha’s Ranch at Twin Canyons Ranch in Granbury, TX. Families can create memories, experience normalcy, community and adventure in the great outdoors by staying at one of the seven luxurious residences (three 4-bedroom, four 2-bedroom) and participating in ranch activities such as hiking, fishing from our stocked ponds, observing livestock on the ranch, enjoying the pool and hot tub area all in a safe environment. The residential rentals are currently under construction with a timeline to be finished by December 2023. The first two are scheduled to host families mid- to late-September. Our initial Facebook post on 8/19/2023 of needing some families to give feedback during a soft opening received 348 shares (as of 8/23/2023) and over 400 requests (comments, Messenger messages, and emails) to be considered. Phone calls and emails were received from school district transition programs as well as TEA’s Student Center Transitions Network. This single post provides enormous evidence of the tremendous need for this community. As time moves forward, the ranch retreat will include more activities on the ranch such as an activity center and playground. Ultimately we desire for families to have a safe haven to relax and enjoy time creating special memories together. Plus meeting other families in similar situations helps build community in knowing you are not alone.
Hosting events for families impacted by autism is another community outreach for Martha’s Ranch Foundation. Our Spring Event hosted over 200 people and had no less than 15 volunteers help set up, coordinate activities and clean up from the event. Community involvement has increased with each event and our volunteer database grows too. Future events are planned through 2023 and 2024.
Martha’s Ranch continues to grow each day and is committed to providing families affected by autism a safe environment to reminisce over the remarkable moments at the ranch retreat and connections made with others raising family members with autism.
