Rawhide Boys Ranch was founded in 1965 by John and Jan Gillespie and received support from NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Bart Starr and his wife Cherry. Licensed as a faith-based, residential care center, at-risk young men ages 13-17 live in one of six homes on 714 acres along the scenic Wolf River. Rawhide specializes in dealing with males with anger and behavioral problems, bipolar disorders, depression, loss and grief, phobias, PTSD, physical abuse, sexual behavior issues and sexual abuse.

A unique aspect to Rawhide's program is the "family living model" in which each home is staffed with live-in house parents who serve as the parental figures and residential instructors who take on the "big brother/big sister" role, providing training in social and interpersonal skills, personal care, housekeeping and life skills while also mentoring and counseling the young men.

John Solberg is the Executive Director and has been with Rawhide since 2000. John has a degree in Economics and Political Science and holds a Master's degree from Marian College in Organizational Leadership and Quality. Prior to joining Rawhide Boys Ranch, John served as Vice President at First National Bank- Fox Valley. Mark Tegtmeier, LCSW, is the Clinical Supervisor. He holds a Masters degree in Counseling and Psychology and is a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, and marriage & family therapist. Rawhide Boys Ranch is a member of the National Association of Christian Child and Family agencies; Wisconsin Alliance for Family and Children's Agencies; Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals and the Alliance for Children and Families.

The young men participate in individual, group and family therapy in addition to equine assisted therapy and attend Rawhide's Starr Academy for their academic needs. The students may participate in interscholastic track and basketball, in addition to attending church youth groups and other Christian events. Recreational activities include fishing, skiing, biking and boating, camping, skate boarding, and sports, in addition to other adventure activities.

[This information came from the Rawhide Boys Ranch website.]