Itawamba Crossroads Ranch is a 108-acre facility where adults with disabilities are celebrated, admired, and respected for their unique God-given gifts and steadfast joy in all circumstances. The beautiful facility for special needs adults has been in operation since 2021. However, the plans to build the ranch started over a decade ago and began with a devoted Mother, Renae Bennett.
“My son Marcus had a horrific motorcycle accident when he was 17 years old, causing him to have a traumatic brain injury. He had to learn to walk, talk, and function again, with the mind of a 12-year-old for his future,” Bennett shared.
After years of rehab, Marcus came home to a very different life than he left. A concerned mother, Renae Bennett, began to travel the country to look at other facilities where her son could thrive. She found one in Texas and shared, “I was ready to come back and sell everything, and go with Marcus, just so he could be there, but God had other plans.”
Bennett shared that she felt inspired to build the facility in her hometown of Fulton. “I thought I could never build something like this, but little by little, this vision came to life. I kept hearing the Lord telling me I could do this. With the support of family, friends, and community members, we built the ranch.”
2012 is when funds began to be raised for Itawamba Crossroads Ranch, and in November of 2021, the doors opened. Bennett’s son and other male residents live at the ranch, and there is currently room for five more. The ranch provides a main lodge where they eat, have devotions, and participate in activities. Each resident has a very nice duplex and is proud to have their own home. The goal is to eventually offer the same facilities for women. Additionally, ICR aims to build another Skills Depot for special needs adults to come during the day, work, and have social interaction in their lives.
“What sticks with me the most,” Hunter Slay, Director of Operations, shared, is that after one of our newer residents moved into the ranch, he raised his hands up and said, “My first apartment!”
At the ranch, residents achieve their maximum level of independence through activities of daily living and community integration. ICR strives to fulfill its mission of providing a safe environment that can nurture adults and cultivate their desire and dreams of being productive citizens of the world.
“The name Crossroads Ranch came from me, Bennett shared.” I felt like I was at a crossroads; I could either take care of my son or take care of other adults like my son. So, we decided to care of many, not just Marcus.”
It just so happens that all of the current residents from Mississippi, but that’s not a requirement. “We take residents from anywhere who meet the requirements,” Slay said.
The residents use their talents and skills at the Skills Depot on the ranch, where they work and participate in horticulture, pottery, art, and baking. They are undoubtedly set up for success each day. Each individual’s abilities, interests, and unique gifts are built upon as they contribute and find purpose in life.
The residents have set hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, where they work at the Skills Depot. On Thursdays, a local pastor comes in and does a devotional with them, and they work for a bit on Thursdays. They are paid for their work, and Friday is their payday. On Fridays, the staff takes the residents to the bank and then to Walmart, and then they always do an activity, such as bowling or going to the movies. The residents do not pay for these activities; the funds come from a memorial fund (Brian David Turner Memorial fund), an avid supporter of the ranch.
The pottery and art made at the ranch are sold at local venues around Tupelo, and they have also begun wholesaling outside of Itawamba. All proceeds from the pottery go back into the ranch. The Itawamba Crossroads Ranch is a debt-free facility, as well as a 501(c)3 non-profit, where all donations are tax deductible.
“I was a hairdresser for 25 years. I never thought I would do anything like this. It’s been a long journey. I don’t know why God picked me, but I’m very proud that he chose me to help these adults,” Bennett shared.
Itawamba Crossroads Ranch provides supervised independence to special needs adults while also allowing them to thrive as individuals. This support’s impact is truly inspiring, giving hope to all who witness it.
It has taken an army of family, friends, community members, and sponsors who have offered up prayers, time, labor, and funds to bring the ranch to life. Every resident has a story, and in each story, Itawamba Cross Roads Ranch is a positive and significant turning point. The ranch invites vistors and the community to share in these stories.
“We are a God-centered facility for adults with special needs,” said Slay. To every visitor and volunteer who comes to the ranch, it is apparent that this is a special place serving a special purpose.
Are you interested in becoming involved with Itawamba Crossroads Ranch? Volunteers are always welcomed and needed. Also, Itawamba Crossroads Ranch hosts several different activities that serve as fundraisers for the ranch throughout the year, including:
October 5th, 10am-5pm What’s Cooking at Crossroads, A Chili Cook-Off (vendors needed)
October 23-26, ICR will be set up at Celebration Village
February 15th-The Annual Golden Halo event, hosted by Bryan Dozier.
