Endorsements
“I'm
excited about Square One Ranch and the opportunity it will provide to young
violent offenders, many of whom will not have a chance without it.
Violent crime among youth is rampant and the current juvenile justice
system is ineffective. The State desperately needs alternatives to the Department
of Children's Services and Department of Corrections if juveniles are to be
punished, receive treatment and rehabilitation, and become prepared to live in
the community as productive citizens.”
-
JAMES TODD
Assistant
District Attorney General
Davidson
County, Nashville, TN
"I'm
convinced that Square One Ranch is the type of initiative we need to truly
impact the lives of violent youth, who would otherwise remain in the juvenile
system, so they will lead a successful and productive life."
-
SENATOR JIM BRYSON
District 23 - Tennessee
“Please
be aware that the Juvenile court of Davidson County is familiar with the goals
and philosophy of the Square One Ranch, and we fully support those goals.”
“Mr.
Brian Buckelew has spent many hours observing this court and assessing the youth
that come before us. Because his
program would likely benefit many youth that we serve, this court supports the
funding efforts for the Square One Ranch program.”
"I am happy to provide any further information and recommendation upon request."
-
CARLTON LEWIS
Juvenile
Judicial Referee
Davidson
County, Nashville, TN
“Thirty
years in the criminal justice system does not make you an optimist with the
increasing number of lost and broken lives and tremendous sums of money poured
into a system designed to change an individual’s behavior.
Intervention must come early to be effective.
System programs seldom result in the necessary changes within the
individual.
“Square One Ranch has an approach designed to produce a change of heart with a model of stability and productivity for the individual’s future. Remarkable change comes only through remarkable insight and effort.”
-
JOHN PRICE
Assistant
District Attorney General
Rutherford
County
"As a Professional Counselor who has specialized in working with youth for over thirty years, I have interacted with many rehabilitation programs and educational systems. Very few of those programs attempt to serve the population targeted by Square One. Still fewer have an understanding of this population and most who attempt to work in this sector utilize a “management” philosophy rather than a proactive, “hope for change” outlook.
In short, Square One is uniquely designed, highly structured, purpose-driven, and seeks to serve a neglected sector of youth. Likewise, Square One seeks to instill true character change in lieu of behavioral adjustment.
Square One’s director, Brian Buckelew, is a rarity in today’s world. His background, training, practical experience and vision have combined to produce a program among the best in the world. Every successful business or humanitarian effort I know of has included well-defined goals and a visionary leader with passion for the work. Brian is more than qualified in regard to these items.
I seldom give superior recommendations for youth programs since they often have multiple variables that can impact the outcome of their work. Since Square One’s purpose and processes are clear, and since I know the director, I, without reservation, fully support this endeavor. I invite you to do likewise, since I believe the future will prove what an excellent investment Square One Ranch really is."
-STEVE C. KARNEHM
Christian Counseling Associates
Huber Heights, Ohio
"Please consider this my recommendation for Square One Ranch. Square One Ranch serves a need in the Middle Tennessee community currently unmet by any other nonprofit organization and without them, numerous vulnerable children will suffer. Square One Ranch provides a unique opportunity for struggling adolescents with no alternatives. Without an organization like Square One, these children are likely to grow into adults who commit adult crimes and never become productive members of society. Square One gives them the best chance of rehabilitation and a new chance at life. No other nonprofit agency provides this type of service for at-risk children. Square One Ranch is truly the first step in starting over."
-SALLIE HUSSEY
Former Executive
Director, CASA
Nashville, TN
“The program at Square One Ranch focuses on environmental change with long term goals. The program targets an age group that will have the greatest opportunity to reach maximum life changing results. By removing any financial barriers that would otherwise prevent juvenile felons from urban neighborhoods access to this program, this is an excellent alternative to committing a child to the Department of Children’s Services.”
- CHRISTINA BARRETT, Attorney
Rutherford County Juvenile Court
Former Assistant General Counsel
Department of Children
Services
“The Square One Ranch will fill a huge void in the redemptive process of developing servant leaders out of young men who have not been privileged to have a good start in life. The principles and values they share are solid, transferable and life building for all young men. I am excited to see the possibilities of this initiative.”
- RAY E. MOSS
Regional V.P., West
Double B Boys Ranch
Tennessee Baptist Children's Home