Last month, The Washington Post reported that federal funding for mental health and addiction treatment programs faces “the steepest cuts in over a decade,” with an estimated 20% reduction in grants that keep many small community programs afloat. “We’re deeply concerned about how this will impact access to care in rural America,” one policy expert warned, noting that many people could lose critical support when they need it most (Washington Post, June 19, 2025).

For those of us on the ground, these numbers are more than statistics they’re the difference between someone getting help today or spending another night battling addiction alone. The cuts come at a time when overdose rates remain at record highs and rural communities like ours are already fighting an uphill battle to provide timely, affordable care.

Our Mission at Ranch House Recovery

For us at Ranch House Recovery, this hits close to home. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when people in Central Texas can’t get the help they need. Based in Elgin, we’re a nonprofit that exists to give men struggling with substance use disorders a second chance not just at sobriety, but at life.

Founded by Brandon Guinn, our program grew out of a belief that long-term, community-centered recovery is the only way to truly break the cycle of addiction. Too many men cycle in and out of 30-day programs, only to relapse without the tools or support to sustain change. Our mission has always been simple: to provide affordable, compassionate, long-term recovery in a safe, structured environment where healing can actually happen.

“We built this place because we saw too many people falling through the cracks,” says Brandon. “When you give someone time, structure, and a supportive community, you see the person come back to life.”

More Than a Program: A Community

“Our work is about breaking cycles,” Brandon often says. “Most of the guys who come to us have been through multiple short-term programs. They don’t need another quick fix they need a community that believes in them long enough for them to believe in themselves.”

At Ranch House Recovery, men don’t just “go through addiction treatment”; they become part of a living, breathing community. They share chores, meals, and conversations around the fire pit. They celebrate milestones together, whether that’s a week of sobriety or reconciling with family.

The residential program blends therapy and real-world responsibility. Residents engage in peer support groups, individual counseling, and structured recovery curricula while working on the ranch tending animals, maintaining gardens, and building life skills. Over time, these tasks become powerful metaphors for recovery itself: growth takes patience, and healing requires daily tending.

We’ve witnessed men go from hopelessness to steady employment, from fractured family relationships to proud reunifications. More than 70% of our alumni report maintaining sobriety a year after leaving the program a number that far exceeds national averages.

Why the Ranch Matters

The ranch itself is not just a backdrop; it’s part of the healing process. Set among Elgin’s wide-open spaces, it offers a quiet, restorative environment where men can step away from the chaos of their addiction and rediscover themselves.

“There’s something powerful about waking up every day with purpose feeding animals, working the land, and being responsible for something bigger than yourself,” shares a program graduate. “This place gave me my life back.”

Every chore carries meaning. Caring for a goat or planting a seed might seem simple, but for someone whose life has been defined by chaos, these acts of responsibility rebuild trust in oneself. The natural rhythms of the ranch sunrises, feeding schedules, the cycle of planting and harvesting help men establish routines and find stability.

Facing Cuts with Courage

While federal cuts threaten to destabilize many addiction programs, we remain committed to bridging the gap for those who would otherwise slip through the cracks. Recovery shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your bank account.

We’re doubling down on partnerships with local businesses, building scholarship funds, and engaging the community to ensure that no one who seeks help is turned away. We’re also advocating for policy that prioritizes long-term, evidence-based recovery solutions over temporary fixes.

“Funding cuts are a setback, no doubt,” Brandon acknowledges. “But we’ve never measured our success by the size of our budget. We measure it by lives changed and we’re not stopping.”

A Call to Stand Together

Now more than ever, our work matters. Every day, we watch men take steps toward a future they once thought was out of reach. And we know we can’t do it alone. It takes a community donors, volunteers, alumni, families, and partners to keep the doors open and the hope alive.

If you or someone you love is searching for a path forward, we’re here. Visit or contact us. Walk the ranch. Meet the men who’ve reclaimed their lives. Together, we can ensure that no one has to fight addiction alone even when the system falls short.