The Morning Star Boys’ Ranch Board of Directors has initiated an exciting new project to broaden the extent of services in the Murphy House Therapeutic Residential Program. We are converting an existing garage into a new residential wing to increase the number of beds we can offer. This allows MSBR to scale all residential program services in order to meet the growing need our community has for families to interrupt generational cycles of abuse and trauma. For us to effectively expand the services we provide to children and families, we will all have to work together – MSBR team members, the Board of Directors, and community stakeholders.
A Campaign for Increased Residential Therapeutic Services
H.O.P.E. Project Priorities
1. Increase capacity for Murphy House Therapeutic Residential Program by eight bedrooms.
2. Provide quality, evidence-based treatments with data-driven outcomes for our children.
3. Foster an environment with the purpose of nurturing the physical and mental well-being of each youth at the Ranch.
If you are interested in supporting this project, or want to visit us to learn more about our vision for healing children who have experienced abuse and neglect, please call 509-448-1202 or email us at: msbr@msbranch.org
Why H.O.P.E.
Morning Star Boys’ Ranch has a wide impact on our community; still, our influence is limited by the number of beds the residential program has.
Morning Star Boys’ Ranch Murphy House has been at full capacity this year, and the waitlist for residency continues to grow. Our community needs a therapeutic, healing, nurturing space for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The residents’ average age is 9.6 years and the average stay at the Ranch is 10.8 months. Every bed is vitally necessary to ensure that each boy who needs it gets care and healing so they can have a successful foster placement or reunification with family.
H.O.P.E. is about expanding the Murphy House Therapeutic Residential Program in size and quality to address this tremendous need.
Murphy House Therapeutic Residential Treatment Program – 63 years Strong
The Murphy House Therapeutic Residential Treatment Program is the oldest program at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch. With the H.O.P.E. project expanding its reach, we are putting our 63 years of experience and expertise to work, helping even more children heal from abuse and neglect. MSBR is one of the few accredited residential agencies in Eastern Washington offering program services to the most traumatized youth in our region.
Timeline
Renderings and drawings were completed in Spring 2019 by NAC Architecture and construction is progressing swiftly. In May of 2019, MSBR began construction on a new barn to provide space for maintenance equipment that was once stored in the three-bay garage, which is currently being revamped for eight new residential beds. The Legacy Barn was born from the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Gump. (To read more on the Gumps and their story behind the Legacy barn, please click here.) The goal is to have all construction completed by Spring 2020 and begin boarding new clients in the H.O.P.E. building by Summer 2020.
About the New Wing
Frequently Asked Questions
Design
The building’s design takes into consideration an existing three-bay garage that will be converted into eight new bedrooms, two new kid-friendly bathrooms with private showers, and a common area. MSBR is proud to partner with NAC Architecture, experts in designing educational facilities and catering to the unique needs of the children we serve. As we expand, we are keeping both costs and building requirements in mind.
Size
The new wing is designed on an existing footprint and will add 2,240 square feet of residential treatment space.
Location
We believe that converting the garage into new bedrooms, bathrooms, and a common area is the most cost-effective way to increase services. It is imperative that the children we serve have access to the on-campus 4-H program, therapy, and Spokane Virtual Learning programming offered by the Spokane Public School District (District 81). While there are a few more requirements with this added square footage that will affect our overall budget, we feel strongly that the benefits outweigh the cost and we will find other ways to mitigate budgetary concerns.
Cost
Morning Star Boys’ Ranch has been very mindful concerning the cost of the project from its conception. We considered dozens of factors at every point, including facility safety for the children and families we serve, products that will provide an inviting space but have limited maintenance, and how to incorporate a space for free play and exploration for the children. Each partner we work with has generously provided discounts and donations to the Ranch. We believe in supporting youth as they heal from abuse and neglect; by providing a healthy living space with balanced activities and support, we are bringing them the best in quality care.
How is the new facility going to impact operating expenses?
Any time MSBR can serve more abused and neglected children, there will be an increase in overall operational costs. We believe that when it comes to child abuse and neglect, our community will invest in programs that allow children a safe, nurturing home to learn skills to be successful in every aspect of life.
What is the total cost of construction and where are funds coming from?
The total project cost for H.O.P.E. is $2 million. To date, MSBR has received the following revenue to complete the project:
Washington State Commerce Grant | $726,226.00
Morning Star Foundation | $620,000.00
Private Donors and Events (as of Fall 2019) | $95,609.79
How did MSBR decide on a General Contractor?
MSBR believes in the competitive bid process for H.O.P.E. A request for proposals was issued in 2019 and the contract was awarded to Yost & Gallagher Construction, INC.
How You Can Help
We would love to visit with you about our vision to help more children and families in our community, what the needs are, and all the ways you can help. Please email msbr@msbranch.org or call 509-448-1202 ext. 217 to arrange a time to visit with us.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the H.O.P.E. project, please click here.