LSN

ZACHARY -- The non-profit organization Heritage Ranch has purchased a 52-acre tract on Tucker Road for $1.2 million from Stewart Family Properties.

The property, expected to open in the summer of 2012, will house the permanent location of Heritage Ranch Christian Children’s Home.

Many years of work and thousands of committed partners, volunteers and donors made the acquisition possible, said Heritage Ranch Executive Director Vicki Ellis in a press release.

The home will serve boys and girls in the midst of personal or family crisis from which they require respite.

Ellis said the ranch will provide a safe and nurturing environment where young people are empowered to regain personal stability and whenever possible, achieve family reunification.

So far, improvements on the land include three single-family residences, a barn, an arena, fencing and paddock areas.

The next phase of program development will include state licensing as well as furnishing and renovating the site.

The Heritage Ranch staff is in the process of moving to the new property.