Down Home Ranch Day Program

Down Home Ranch is a 410-acre ranch, residential community and camp near Elgin for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and its Day Program is open to non-residents as well as residents. The program aims to help "ranchers" build skills, friendships and independence. Participants choose from more than 40 courses each quarter, volunteer in the community, join weekly trips to museums and parks, and can take paid work in horticulture, animal care, janitorial and culinary areas with job coaches. Families and volunteers describe an inspiring, well-organized community where their relatives grow more confident. It is licensed by Texas Health and Human Services as a Day Activity and Health Services facility with Individualized Skilled Services for up to 60 participants.

Classes include astronomy, fine arts, yoga, cooking, money management, music, crafts and golf cart driving lessons, with personalized schedules and new courses each quarter. Participants volunteer at thrift stores, animal shelters, food banks and community events, and paid vocational opportunities are supported by on-site job coaches. A balanced lunch is served Monday through Thursday for $3, or participants may bring their own.

Down Home Ranch is at 20250 FM619, Elgin, TX 78621. For non-residents, the Day Program runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with extended hours until 5:00 p.m. available for an extra fee, and it closes for set holiday weeks. Families fill out a Day Program interest form and are contacted when there is an opening for a tour, paperwork and a 3- to 14-day trial. Call (512) 856-0128 with questions.