Retired SAFD paramedic Roger Mitzel and his wife Sheri have transformed their personal tragedy into a beacon of hope through Jamie's Ranch, a 49-acre playground offering free recreational experiences for individuals with different abilities. The ranch, named in honor of the couple's late daughter who passed away from Batten disease, has been operating as a nonprofit since 2015 and continues her legacy of inclusivity and joy, "That's our goal is to just give them a different experience for the day," Roger Mitzel told KSAT.
While the Mitzels hail from South Dakota, their Texan chapter began in 1985 which culminated in their passion project. Now the ranch provides a slew of activities specifically catering to special needs individuals of all ages, featuring easily accessible hayrides, interactive games, and friendly animals the fall season was particularly busy for the Mitzels, and they're already booking up for the spring according to the ranch's official website. Despite the challenge of maintaining such a large property and the physical toll it takes, the retired paramedic and his wife have no plans to slow down, committing to keep the doors open for as long as they can the ranch mainly serves groups from Bexar County.
Assistance to Jamie's Ranch is not limited to physical help, as the nonprofit warmly welcomes donations of services such as website updates, as well as provisions like hay and feed, hands-on labor contributions are also appreciated, "We can always use volunteers, but it has to be somebody who is willing to interact and work hard," Robert Mitzel explained to KSAT. With visitors ranging from toddlers to octogenarians, the Mitzel's have created a space where disabilities do not hinder the thrill of play and the joy of inclusion prevails.
The couple's story is one deeply rooted in community and family, after moving to McCoy in 2005 to accommodate their growing menagerie, the ranch has flourished into a family affair, with their other daughter Kasey and her family also residing on the property, which reinforces the familial atmosphere the ranch is renowned for the ranch prides itself on providing a respite from the daily grind and, while Jamie's physical presence is no longer there, her spirit unequivocally saturates every inch of Jamie's Ranch, inviting the world to relish in the recreation she so cherished the details of their story and mission are available on the Jamie's Ranch website for those interested in visiting, donating, or volunteering.
