Last week, three of our apprentices had the opportunity to participate in an artist retreat at Erik’s Ranch and Retreats, a non-profit based in Montana. The ÀNI Art Academies and Erik’s Ranch and Retreats were featured on the same Netflix episode of The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, which focused on vacation rentals that give back and support the communities they are part of.
After the airing of our shared Netflix episode, Kathryn Nordberg, Founder and CEO, reached out to extend an invitation for some of our apprentices to come to the ranch and participate in an artist retreat. Several of our apprentices were excited to take up the offer and participate. Mitchell Bagnas, Brandon Meadows, and Joe Hom spent a week at the base of the Rocky Mountains, taking the time to create new art, interact with the staff, and enjoy some much needed relaxation in beauty of Montana.
Mitchell shares about his experience below:
“Having the opportunity to attend the Artist Retreat at Erik’s Ranch was truly a rewarding experience. Not only did we stay at a beautiful lodge in a picturesque part of Montana, but the staff went out of their way to make us feel as comfortable as possible while we relaxed and created artwork.
Personally, my favorite part was the scenery—being able to look in any direction and see the incredible landscape of rolling hills and towering mountains. I also really enjoyed the daily schedule they created for us. Each day was thoughtfully planned with a balance of engaging activities and free time, allowing us to either create art or simply enjoy our surroundings.
We were treated to three delicious meals a day, and I definitely felt spoiled throughout the week. Not only was the staff amazing, but so were the members. ‘Members’ is the term the ranch uses to refer to the adults with autism who are part of the program. The entire mission of Erik’s Ranch is to provide life skills and employment opportunities to individuals with autism.
Speaking with the members about their experiences at the ranch was truly eye-opening. Each of them lives on the ranch and has their own set of responsibilities. I really appreciated how the program empowers them to live independently while teaching essential life skills like paying rent, managing money, and maintaining a job.
More programs like this should exist. Erik’s Ranch is truly changing lives, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to experience it firsthand.
Kathryn founded Erik’s Ranch as a place for young adults with autism to have meaningful employment and social opportunities after she struggled to find such a place for her son Erik. So, Kathryn and a team of psychologists, attorneys, architects, and marketing and business professionals developed an innovative model for young adults with autism, filled with opportunities in two locations. They have their ranch in Montana near Bozeman and a boutique-style hotel in Edina, Minnesota.
Today, young adults on the spectrum live independently at the Minnesota retreat and work toward personal goals with our staff of life plan coaches, enjoy organized recreational activities and social outings with other members, and have meaningful employment opportunities at the boutique-style hotel. Members also spend time at the Montana guest ranch throughout the year, and several work and live on-site during the summer months, leading tours, hikes, assisting with our equine program, and more. At Erik’s Ranch & Retreats, we tap into the interests and talents of each of our members and strive to create opportunities for them to thrive.
– eriksranch.org
