Susan Ferrin

Igniting the Rural Spirit: Conquering the Casper Half Marathon for the Fay Ranches Community Foundation

Last weekend two of Fay Ranches’ very own ran in the Casper Half Marathon in Casper, Wyoming, to spread the word about the Fay Ranches Community Foundation (FRCF). Their purpose? To champion the cause of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation (FRCF) and ignite a transformative spark within the heart of rural America.

The Casper Half Marathon, an event steeped in tradition and celebration, offered a quartet of exhilarating challenges: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, and a 10k. This year’s race marked a momentous occasion, commemorating the Marathon’s 20th anniversary, and resonated with the shared passion of the FRCF and the Marathon itself—a dedication to fostering health, well-being, and vibrant community engagement.

 

Fay Ranches HQ Operations Manager, Ryan Gardent and WY Fay Agent, JW Robinson

In an impressive display of commitment, JW Robinson, Wyoming Broker of Fay Ranches, joined forces with Ryan Gardent, a Bozeman, Montana office staff member. Together, they embarked on the Casper Half Marathon, fondly known as the “Run for the Herd,” as a personal test of their limits. For JW, it was an opportunity to honor a promise made to himself, buoyed by the accountability of others. Donning the emblem of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation on his shirt infused his journey with more profound meaning and purpose.

“The Foundation rests upon three pillars—Healthcare, Education, and Youth Initiatives—which serve as lifelines for rural America,” shared JW Robinson, whose roots in rural Nebraska and Wyoming have granted him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by these communities. “Wearing my FRCF ‘Scan Me’ shirt filled me with immense pride, representing a cause close to my heart. Completing the race demonstrated the importance of proactive healthcare and educated those within my sphere of influence, setting a powerful example for the youth in my community.”

The Fay Ranches Community Foundation was founded to combat the lack of resources and opportunities indicative of small towns nationwide. We are dedicated and focused on helping rural America improve the quality of its healthcare, education, and youth resources. Concentrating on these areas can significantly impact residents’ overall well-being and quality of life and the community’s economic vitality. Providing resources and opportunities for these communities is our passion and mission. We invite everyone to join us in looking toward the future of rural America. Let’s celebrate rural communities’ resilience, heritage, and vitality together.

Susan Ferrin

How the Powell Middle School Fly Fishing Club is Hooking Students on Conservation and the Great Outdoors!

Powell, Wyoming, is a charming and picturesque town in the state’s northwest corner. It’s nestled amid the Big Horn Basin, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Powell is fly fishing, and this legacy continues in Powell Middle School, where Coach Oram takes time after school to teach kids about the sport of fly fishing.

The club was established to introduce young people (6th to 8th) to the joys of fly fishing and foster a love of the outdoors. Members of the club learn about the various types of fish found in the local streams and rivers, as well as the different techniques and equipment used in fly fishing. It’s also an excellent way for kids to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation.  The unwavering commitment to these values is precisely why the Fay Ranches Community Foundation wholeheartedly embraced this exceptional project.

“Supporting local communities and initiatives that foster a love of the outdoors and conservation is at the core of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to have been a part of the Powell Middle School Fly Fishing Club project and to see its positive impact on students. It’s inspiring to see young people connect with nature and learn valuable skills through activities like fly fishing.” Commented Susan Ferrin, Executive Director

Thanks to the generosity of Fay Ranches brokers JW Robinson and Neil Bangs, as well as other incredible donors, the club could purchase the equipment to make their own fly fishing rods and numerous fly fishing flies. These donations have been instrumental in allowing the club to continue growing and offering students more opportunities to learn and develop their skills. JW has spent most of his life on Rocky Mountain lands, which has fostered his desire to preserve the Western way of life, promote wildlife habitats, and protect the lands.

Two Rivers Fishing Co. Owner & Guide and Powell Middle School Teacher, Eric Oram and Fay Ranches Agent, JW Robinson

“I chose the Powell Fishing Club as an FRCF project for several reasons. First, many kids leave rural America and never come back. I believe something as simple as experiencing a brook trout on the end of a fly rod in middle school will keep them active and involved in our rural town as adult leaders for years to come. Second, I appreciate Coach Oram for investing personal time into our local youth. Finally, I love the leadership model the program provides to middle school students. The older students are assisting, the younger students in the learning process. This teaches them to be leaders and give back to others. I am excited to see how these young fishermen will lead our community in the future.” JW Robinson, Fay Ranches Broker

The Fay Ranches Community Foundation was founded to combat the lack of resources and opportunities indicative of small towns nationwide. We are dedicated and focused on helping rural America improve the quality of its healthcare, education, and youth resources. By concentrating on these areas, we can significantly impact residents’ overall well-being and quality of life and the community’s economic vitality. Providing resources and opportunities for these communities is our passion and mission. We invite everyone to join us in looking toward the future of rural America.

Susan Ferrin

Big Dreams, Big Effect: See How We Impacted a Wyoming School in Record Time

What happens when you combine the dedication of a generous donor, the passion of a responsive school principal, and the unwavering commitment of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation (FRCF)? You get a project that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impact on a small rural school. We are thrilled to share our first project in Wyoming that was completed in record time, thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved.

Thanks to our donor’s support, we could purchase a wide range of resources for the school, including handheld GPS units, interactive math resources, a Vocabulary.com license, and even access to a traveling learning exhibit of an inflatable planetarium. These resources will empower students across all grade levels to achieve their academic potential and better understand the world around them.

“A little goes a long way in these small, rural schools. It is incredibly rewarding to see the kids and the teachers’ enthusiasm! This project exemplifies why education is one of the pillars of FRCF.”  – Susan Ferrin, Executive Director for Fay Ranches Community Foundation.

Hulett School Kindergarten Wyoming FRCF

Hulett, Wyoming, is a small town established in 1896 named after the Hulett family, who settled in the area 15 years earlier. It is in a picturesque setting between the red sandstone cliffs of the Belle Fourche River in the Black Hills of Wyoming. One of the notable landmarks in Hulett is Devils Tower, America’s First National Monument, and a popular tourist attraction.

Hulett School is the local educational institution in the area, serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The school has an enrollment of 160 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, which reflects the small class sizes commonly found in rural communities. The school plays an essential role in the local community, providing education and fostering student learning opportunities.

“I am grateful for the support and resources Fay Ranches Community Foundation provided. This project has been a gift to our school and will help us better serve our students for years to come,” – Kirby Baier, the school’s principal.

This project in Hulett, Wyoming, was made possible through the funding support of Mike Konstant, a broker from Fay Ranches. Mike and his wife Susan have raised their children in a nearby small town in South Dakota, which gives them a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by rural communities. Their contribution demonstrates their commitment to supporting local communities and improving the lives of residents in the area.

Hulett School Principal Mike Konstant Wyoming FRCF

“As a broker, I believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Rural schools play a crucial role in fostering education and opportunities for students. Every donation, big or small, can make a real difference in the lives of these students and their communities. It’s a privilege to support rural schools and contribute to their success. Together, we can help build a brighter future for these students and improve the overall well-being of rural America.” – Mike Konstant Broker at Fay Ranches

The Fay Ranches Community Foundation was founded to combat the lack of resources and opportunities indicative of small towns nationwide. We are dedicated and focused on helping rural America improve the quality of its healthcare, education, and youth resources. By concentrating on these areas, we can have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of residents and the economic vitality of the community. Providing resources and opportunities for these communities is our passion and mission. We invite everyone to join us in looking toward the future of rural America.

Susan Ferrin

Fay Ranches Community Foundation and Theorem Ranch Partner to Provide Science Equipment to Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber, Montana

Over the course of the last few months Fay Ranches Community Foundation (FRCF) and Theorem Ranch of Big Timber have been working with Sweet Grass County High School (SGCHS) to assist in supplying scientific supplies and equipment to their expanding science department.  Everything from digital balance scales, workstations, gel electrophoresis lab equipment, a human torso model, and so much more!  With a little leftover funding we were able to purchase requested items to create a more comfortable area for students to work with the school’s guidance counselor in a more relaxed and less clinical setting.

“We are beyond grateful to Theorem Ranch for helping us make all this possible for SGCHS.  It has been such a rewarding experience and I can’t wait to see how this funding truly impacts these kids!” stated Susan Ferrin, Executive Director of Fay Ranches Community Foundation.

Corey Austin, Superintendent Sweet Grass County High School said “We are very thankful for our partnership with FRCF and Theorem Ranch.  We are so happy to be able to provide our students the classroom materials they need.  Thanks for the support from the Fay Ranches Community Foundation and Theorem Ranch!”

The Fay Ranches Community Foundation was founded to combat the lack of resources and opportunities indicative of small towns across the country.  We are dedicated to helping rural America by focusing on improving the quality of their healthcare, education, and youth resources.  By focusing on these areas, we can increase the well-being of residents and the economic prosperity of towns.  Providing resources and opportunities for these communities is our passion and mission.  We invite everyone to join us in looking toward the future of rural America.