In 2008, I formulated a mission: to bring together abused and neglected animals with abused and neglected people. Through my own experience with rescued animals, I realized their therapeutic impact on our mental health.
In 2009, Ranch Hands Rescue became a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, our fully licensed professional counselors specialize in trauma-focused therapy, Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling (EAAC), and other therapeutic modalities to give our clients the experience of relating their personal pain to that of our healing animals.
When rescuing farm animals, I focus on the “worst-of-the-worst” cases, the “throw-aways” that usually get euthanized rather than treated. I believe with all my heart that God brings them to me because we are their last hope.
I started the EAAC program in 2010 after finding that an estimated 5% of individuals just don’t do well in a traditional counseling office setting; they “get stuck” and eventually fall through the cracks. I asked myself, “What happens to them? Where do they go for help?” Victims of HT who have suffered severe and repetitive abuse are left suffering from extreme Mental Health issues – these clients require a very experienced psychologist and counsellor with a lot of knowledge in the recovery process. This is an expensive resource that is rarely available to them.
My goal soon became set; to serve innocent survivors of trauma – regardless of their ability to pay.
Our cutting-edge counseling program provides an effective and alternate form of treatment for those suffering from sexual assault, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, people trafficking and other deeply affective life experiences.
Recently, there is a new concern for rescue centers… Human Trafficking is a global epidemic. So, in Addition we’re starting plans for Bob’s House of Hope, a safe house for young men surviving sex-trafficking. We will provide a safe place to live, long-term while they start healing from the horrors of slavery.
- DFW have 60-30,0000 victims of Human Trafficking
- DFW has under an estimated 64 Trauma beds available
- The State Department cites global statistics estimating that nearly 50% of total sex
trafficking victims are boys and men - Men are less likely to report -Agencies find particular difficulty identifying male victims
- Agencies reported problems catering to their unique needs
- Even when shelter can be found, most shelters and programs will not accept men nor, Survivors with Mental health problems or challenging behavior.
Boys are victims too, but sadly they are drastically overlooked and oftentimes they are burdened with extra guilt and shame as, they bare the blame themselves for their circumstances.
Bob’s House of Hope intends to find a solution problem for this group of young men -we intend to fill the gap by providing a restoration Home.
To exacerbate the problem, the general public has little knowledge of what Human Trafficking actually is. We cannot stand for this social stigma any longer. Part of Our mission is to forge a path toward educating society on this problem. Ranch Hands Rescue has always been a refuge for victims who fall through the cracks. Now we will take our reach even further. We will be the first in Texas to offer shelter solely to male victims of sex trafficking aged 17-24.
If you or a loved one are in need of counseling, please contact us today to begin a new path of hope, healing, and positive transformation.
Thank you for your support! God Bless!
Robert F. Williams
PHOTO CREDIT OF BOB WILLIAMS: The Cross Timbers Gazette