Ben and Jamie Richey would hardly recognize the place that’s named in their honor, the place that started in 1947 on 350 acres of land on the outskirts of Abilene. Fast-forward to 2023 and the Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program is hardly ranchland anymore and it certainly isn’t on the outskirts of Abilene. Instead, it has downsized to 80 acres and expanded its … [Read more...]
Taking Root: Family Makes Farming a Part of Fostering Journey
Drive up a steep hill on the west side of Coleman, look to the right at the very top and you’ll come to the Shira place. It’s hard to say exactly how many people live on the two acres, not to mention eight chickens, two goats, one miniature donkey, turtles, a dog, kittens–you get the picture. The family always consists of mom and dad, Chas and Katie Shira, and their … [Read more...]
Kickstands with a Cause
Motorcycle club serves Abilene community Look past the leather and chains, the skull insignia, the overall biker look, and you’ll see something that seems to be out of place: “Romans 12:10.” Look up the scripture and it says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” And that is what the Fortune Fidelis is all about – honoring one another … [Read more...]
Abilene Spidey: A Friendly Neighborhood Hero
He flips, he jumps, he climbs, he lifts spirits, and sometimes he causes neck-twisting double-takes on the street. He’s Abilene Spidey and he’s on a mission to bring a little happiness into the lives of children, especially those who are hospitalized or have long term illnesses. Abilene Spidey’s alter ego, Chris Craig, knows a thing or two about illness and … [Read more...]
Fighting for Zero: Formerly Homeless Veteran Helps Lower Homeless Veteran Rates
The 30-second commercial begins with a man strolling through a park, an alley, and then downtown, telling a story as he goes. “As a Marine, I learned resiliency,” the man says. “But when I lost my job, my home, and was living out of my car, I felt like a shadow of that person.” Abilenians watching the Rocket Mortgage commercial might lean in closer to the TV to get a … [Read more...]