Reba’s Ranch House brings a much-needed service to our Texoma community. The organization incorporates holistic care by providing a calm setting for rest, warm meals for nourishment, and sensitive staff for spiritual connections.
The brainstorm of musician Reba McEntire and Dr. Darius Maggie, her gynecologist, the pair teamed up to think of ways to provide services and resources to meet the community's needs. Having opened in 1992, Reba’s Ranch House provides room and board for any caregivers who have a loved one in a hospital in North Texas or South Oklahoma. Adrianne Johnson, Operations Officer for Reba’s Ranch House, is excited to show off the facility and explain the many programs that are available at no cost to any of the residents of the facility. Johnson, a United States Air Force veteran, was happy to find a program that matched her personal passions so well. A Texoma native, Johnson brings a tremendous knowledge of the area as well as her experience in caregiving. She is always happy to share her knowledge of local resources to families staying at Reba’s Ranch House. When asked what led her to the organization, she was eager to answer. “I have a passion for mental health and caring for hurting people. I want to meet the needs of people while they go through challenging times. I want to help break the stigmas that are often associated with mental health. Reba’s Ranch House provides so much of that for me. It has been a perfect fit. It is incredible to work for an organization that actually practices what they preach. Moreover, it is something that I appreciate and respect very much. I am very proud to be part of an organization that walks the walk.”
The many amenities and services that Reba’s Ranch House provides are all free of charge for caregivers and their families. The facility has twelve comfortable, well-appointed rooms available. Even hand made quilts are found in each room for a more homey and comfortable stay. A comfortable and functional community kitchen and dining area are also available for guests. Donations for quick meals are available and weekly meals are prepared for families through the House’s Meal Ministry Program.
The Legacy Library, another important amenity, is available for guests needing a quiet room for reading, meditation, or prayer. Comfortable chairs and couches, a great selection of spiritual, self-help, and upbeat books, and great natural lighting can be found here. This room has been dedicated to the vision and devotion of the founding community leaders believing in the creation of Reba’s Ranch house.
Guests with children will find a wonderfully stocked playroom with age appropriate toys, puzzles, games, and books for supervised children. For those with personal laundry needs, the facility provides a common laundry room. An outdoor park setting, with manicured paths and sitting areas, provides numerous places for quiet contemplation or meditation. A memorial to Reba’s bandmates and friends that perished in a tragic airplane accident may also be found in a park behind the facility along with memorial plaques. The beautiful trees and landscaping provide peace and comfort to guests.
One of the lesser known programs available but no less important, The Room For Hope provides those struggling with the devastation of cancer and its treatment. It was originally created by Girl Scout Maria Hayes to complete her Gold Award. She identified that there was a need for this type of service in the region and started the Room as a place where patients and families battling cancer could find the items they needed. The Room For Hope provides encouragement and care items to support patients and families during a very bleak time. Here guests will find a selection of new and loved wigs, hair products, prosthetics, and bras at no cost. Also available, a selection of hats, scarves, books, and comfort items donated by survivors, church groups, and friends.
Recently, the Texoma Community Foundation (formerly the Texoma Health Foundation), the owner and operator of Reba’s Ranch House, announced a pledge to match dollar for dollar, a generous gift amounting to a twelve million dollar investment in creating a region of well-being. A big portion of the funds will be directed to four primary focus areas. These will include self-care and Social Context, Mental Health Workforce Retention and Development, Support for Essential Needs, and Advocacy for Rural and Tribal Investment.
Reba’s Ranch House is an incredible asset to our community and continues to grow and improve the services they provide to neighbors in need.
rebasranchhouse.org
903-463-REBA