Our History: The Beginning
Bob Belloni Ranch, Inc. was founded by and is named in honor of Robert Clinton Belloni who was a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon from 1967 to 1999. His ruling in United States v. Oregon in 1969, upholding the treaty fishing rights of Columbia River tribes, continues to influence regional, national, and international natural resource management.
Belloni was born in Coos County on April 4, 1919 and attended schools in Coquille and Myrtle Point. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1941, he was the first in his family of Swiss-Italian immigrants to graduate from college. After his World War II service as a U.S. Army officer in field hospitals in the Philippines and Honshu, Japan,
Judge "Bob" Belloni
April 4, 1919 - November 3, 1999
Belloni enrolled in the University of Oregon School of Law, graduating in 1951. He had been a pre-med student as an undergraduate, but after his experience in military hospitals he decided the law would suit him better. He married Doris Adams in 1946, and they had two children. They divorced in 1984, and Belloni married Faye Johnson in 1989. After passing the Oregon bar exam, Belloni established a law practice and began taking personal injury cases on behalf of workers. He practiced first in Coquille and then in Myrtle Point, where he was elected to the city council and then Mayor. A New Deal Democrat, Belloni was active in the Democratic Party at both local and state levels.
In 1957, Oregon Governor Robert Holmes appointed Belloni circuit judge in the judicial district that included Coos and Curry Counties. Assigned juvenile cases, he made improvements in the administration of justice for young people, helping draft the state’s first juvenile code and founding the Oregon Juvenile Judges Association. When he could not find an alternative to incarcerating boys in the state's MacLaren School for Boys (now the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility), he helped start the Bob Belloni Ranch, a residential program for boys that opened in Coos Bay in 1968. He was inspired by and relied heavily on meetings with families within his chambers that he felt helped turn youth away from delinquency. President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Belloni to the federal bench in 1967. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate the same day he was nominated and became a judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
In 1957, Oregon Governor Robert Holmes appointed Belloni circuit judge in the judicial district that included Coos and Curry Counties. Assigned juvenile cases, he made improvements in the administration of justice for young people, helping draft the state’s first juvenile code and founding the Oregon Juvenile Judges Association. When he could not find an alternative to incarcerating boys in the state's MacLaren School for Boys (now the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility), he helped start the Bob Belloni Ranch, a residential program for boys that opened in Coos Bay in 1968. He was inspired by and relied heavily on meetings with families within his chambers that he felt helped turn youth away from delinquency. President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Belloni to the federal bench in 1967. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate the same day he was nominated and became a judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
Established: 1968
Judge James A. Norman, the juvenile court judge at this time, continued the effort to establish a program for boys. In June of 1967, the ground was cleared to begin construction of the new 16 bed facility. Local service clubs, individuals, foundations, and businesses donated financial resources, materials, and volunteer labor to construct the buildings. Those that contributed to the Ranch were U.S, Bank, Coos Bay Lions, Longshoreman Local 12 ILWU, 932 Electrical Workers, Carpenters & Laborers Union, Georgia Pacific Foundation, Coos Bay District of Lumber & Sawmill Workers, Ken Ford of Douglas Fir Plywood Company, George Ulett, Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation, Marshfield Bargain House, and Industrial Steel & Supply.
On October 1, 1968, the 'Judge Robert C. Belloni Boys Forest Ranch' opened as a youth residential program with Judge Belloni returning to serve as the keynote speaker at the dedication ceremonies.
First Director, Farm Animals, and Non-Profit Status
Sam Roth, a juvenile counselor with the Coos County Juvenile Department, was assigned as the first Ranch Director. The ranch was also staffed with two full-time counselors, two part-time cooks, two part-time night personnel, and one part-time secretary. The ranch operated with sixteen boys that spent their days attending public school and lived in a structured residential environment. They received counseling and worked on the ranch taking care of chickens, pigs, and a bull that were housed on the grounds. The bull was a gift from United States Senator Wayne Morse who was a supporter of Judge Belloni. The materials for a fence to contain the bull were donated by Mr. and Mrs. H.K. "Pete" Peterson of North Bend.
On September 17, 1971, three years after opening, the ranch was incorporated as a non-profit (501c3) organization and renamed 'Bob Belloni Ranch". This change to a non-profit organization allowed the ranch to receive matching funds from state and federal governments, grants from foundations, and private donations. The first meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Coos County Courthouse at 3:00 PM on September 22, 1971 with Don Dills, A.J. Pi Moore, Verlin Herman, Myron Spady, A.P. Stinchfield, Roy Fietz, and Frank Rema serving on the new board. A.P. Stinchfield was elected Chairman, Myron Spady was elected Secretary, and Roy Fietz was elected as Treasurer. A.P. Stinchfield would serve as Chairman until 1975. Roy would serve as the Treasurer for the Board of Directors for 30 years. In these early years, Wineva Johnson, a dedicated community volunteer and leader, was recruited to serve on the Board of Directors.
Introducing: Wineva
The ranch struggled financially during its start as a non-profit and had four directors in just eight years. As the first director, Sam Roth operated the ranch as a program of the Coos County Juvenile Department and shepherded the transition as the non-profit's first Executive Director. The ranch continued to rely on support from local business, community organizations, and donors. The Coos Bay/North Bend Soroptimist Club, led at this time by Wineva Johnson, actively supported the mission and the work with the boys. Ensuring funds were in place for the boys, Wineva was also very concerned about young women. She saw the model the ranch offered as an answer to many issues facing them.
As a member of the Board of Directors and in conjunction with her role with Soroptimist International, The Belloni Girls Ranch was established in 1974. A five bedroom, three bathroom home was purchased and a combination of federal grants and local donations began this new program. In 1977 this property was sold by Soroptimist International to Bob Belloni Ranch, Inc. for the continued operation of this program by the non-profit organization.
On January 15, 1975, Wineva Johnson was elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Three days prior tragedy had struck on when the Boys Ranch burned to the ground. The director’s home at the Boys Ranch was not damaged and nobody was injured. Wineva's leadership saw the ranch through this trying time and built the foundation for her service as Chair, a role she held unbroken until her death in 1999. Wineva's commitment to the organization and experience was recognized at both a statewide and national level. She served as Chair on the Oregon State Juvenile Services Commission and as an advisor on the Oregon Children’s Services Advisory committee. She was also a consultant to the National Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Agency. Wineva believed wholeheartedly in the youth served in Belloni's programs and in 1989 created an educational endowment to provide supplemental funding to assist graduates from both the Boys and Girls Ranches with their post-secondary educational interests. This endowment was known as the Wineva Johnson Education Fund. Wineva’s family and the local Soroptimist International Club are still actively involved in the success of Belloni's programs. Additionally, in 2000 the 'Bob Belloni Girls Ranch' was renamed as the 'Wineva Johnson Center for Girls' to honor her decades of service and leadership.
Ranch Rebuilt, Girls Ranch Succcess, Further Expansion
A short time later, Sam Roth ended his seven-year tenure as Director. He set forth in a different direction, setting and accomplishing his goal of becoming a highly successful real estate broker in Coos County. Bernard Kane was then hired as the new Executive Director. As the girls ranch was the only operating program at the time, Bernie moved his office to its garage to direct all agency operations. During reconstruction of the Boys Ranch he lived onsite, ensuring it's successful reopening in 1976. In this same year the Belloni Girls Ranch became known as the Horizon Project. This was to reflect the vision of the girls "working together for success".
The Board of Directors made a change in leadership in 1977 with Pat Melius becoming Executive Director. The girls ranch returned to it's former name of "Bob Belloni Girls Ranch". Judy Chapman joined the staff of the girls ranch at this time, working as a Residential Counselor. She eventually became the Program Director was recognized for her leadership and dedication by Soroptimist International as a 'Woman of Distinction' in 1992. In 30 years of service Judy developed the program into one of the premier girls residential programs in the State of Oregon. Working alongside her for 23 years was Christine Etters, who joined the girls ranch staff as the Treatment Coordinator and Adolescent Family Treatment Specialist.
Also in 1977 the State of Oregon and Coos County recruited Bob Belloni Ranch to operate their assessment, evaluation, and shelter facility in Coos Bay. Originally opening in 1974, this transition created Bob Belloni Shelter Care. Much like the Boys Ranch, the building and properties would stay in the ownership of Coos County. Administrative offices for the organization was moved to the administration wing of the shelter care program. In the following year, Executive Director Pat Melius created a partnership with the Coos Bay School District to provide learning spaces in the former home of the Boys Ranch. This new educational opportunity served the youth at both the Boys and Girls Ranches. In establishing the "Belloni-On-Campus" classroom, the facilities, utilities, food service, janitorial service, and transportation would be provided by the organization; while the school district provided the staff, curriculum, equipment, and supplies. Pat Melius left his position in 1979 to pursue a career with the State of Oregon.
The Board of Directors made a change in leadership in 1977 with Pat Melius becoming Executive Director. The girls ranch returned to it's former name of "Bob Belloni Girls Ranch". Judy Chapman joined the staff of the girls ranch at this time, working as a Residential Counselor. She eventually became the Program Director was recognized for her leadership and dedication by Soroptimist International as a 'Woman of Distinction' in 1992. In 30 years of service Judy developed the program into one of the premier girls residential programs in the State of Oregon. Working alongside her for 23 years was Christine Etters, who joined the girls ranch staff as the Treatment Coordinator and Adolescent Family Treatment Specialist.
Also in 1977 the State of Oregon and Coos County recruited Bob Belloni Ranch to operate their assessment, evaluation, and shelter facility in Coos Bay. Originally opening in 1974, this transition created Bob Belloni Shelter Care. Much like the Boys Ranch, the building and properties would stay in the ownership of Coos County. Administrative offices for the organization was moved to the administration wing of the shelter care program. In the following year, Executive Director Pat Melius created a partnership with the Coos Bay School District to provide learning spaces in the former home of the Boys Ranch. This new educational opportunity served the youth at both the Boys and Girls Ranches. In establishing the "Belloni-On-Campus" classroom, the facilities, utilities, food service, janitorial service, and transportation would be provided by the organization; while the school district provided the staff, curriculum, equipment, and supplies. Pat Melius left his position in 1979 to pursue a career with the State of Oregon.
Gary Hansen Arrives
Gary Hansen was hired as the new Executive Director in 1979. He set a path to further develop the programs in behavioral rehabilitation using cognitive behavioral theory within a social learning model. The State of Oregon contracted for placement of youth who were delinquent or dependent. Gary stabilized the funding, enhanced the facilities, and further developed the services to youth. During this time he laid the foundation that built lasting collaborative partnerships throughout the State of Oregon. His recruitment of key staff provided solid leadership of the organization and continued the collaboration with the Coos Bay School District, contracting with Alternative Youth Activities, Inc. to provide a half-day, year-round school classroom.
In 1994, Gary Hansen established two community based programs that would primarily serve the Southern Oregon Coast. Youth Investment was established to provide shelter, counseling, and mediation for families struggling with their teen exhibiting challenging behaviors and with the goal of reducing juvenile crime. Because of the shelter component of Youth Investment, the program moved into the administration wing at the Shelter Care. Therapists and a secretary were staffed with funding provided by the Coos County Commission on Children and Families. Referrals to the program generally came from Judge Paula Bechtold, a passionate advocate for youth who sought options for truancy from school.
In addition to Youth Investment, the Independent Living Program was established in partnership with the Department of Human Services. This program sought to provide transitional services to current and former permanent foster youth to build independent living skills and transition them from state care. In 2014, the Independent Living Program expanded services beyond Coos and Curry counties by opening an office at the Umpqua Business Center in Roseburg to serve foster youth in Douglas county. The Independent Living Program in Douglas County ended in July 2019.
In 1994, Gary Hansen established two community based programs that would primarily serve the Southern Oregon Coast. Youth Investment was established to provide shelter, counseling, and mediation for families struggling with their teen exhibiting challenging behaviors and with the goal of reducing juvenile crime. Because of the shelter component of Youth Investment, the program moved into the administration wing at the Shelter Care. Therapists and a secretary were staffed with funding provided by the Coos County Commission on Children and Families. Referrals to the program generally came from Judge Paula Bechtold, a passionate advocate for youth who sought options for truancy from school.
In addition to Youth Investment, the Independent Living Program was established in partnership with the Department of Human Services. This program sought to provide transitional services to current and former permanent foster youth to build independent living skills and transition them from state care. In 2014, the Independent Living Program expanded services beyond Coos and Curry counties by opening an office at the Umpqua Business Center in Roseburg to serve foster youth in Douglas county. The Independent Living Program in Douglas County ended in July 2019.
Transitions
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In 1995, Federal Judge Robert C. Belloni retired to San Mateo, CA after serving 38 years on the bench and later died in 1999.
Judge Belloni was survived by a daughter, Susan Gray, a son, Jim; a stepson, Dan Dement; two grandsons; two sisters, Dolores Furman and Phyllis Caughell; and a brother, Harold.
Listen to Bob Belloni Speak
Robert Belloni: An Oral History
Judge Belloni was survived by a daughter, Susan Gray, a son, Jim; a stepson, Dan Dement; two grandsons; two sisters, Dolores Furman and Phyllis Caughell; and a brother, Harold.
Listen to Bob Belloni Speak
Robert Belloni: An Oral History
Further Developments
In 1995 the State of Oregon established the Oregon Youth Authority to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth offenders accountable for their behavior. This new entity would contract with private providers for behavioral rehabilitation services. The Oregon Youth Authority and their private providers have become national leaders in using evidence-based, effective treatment practices to prevent youth offenders from committing additional crimes. They are also acknowledged for their ability to teach them pro-social behaviors with the goal to help youth offenders lead crime-free lives and become productive members of their communities. In 1998 Bob Belloni Ranch, Inc. contracted with the Oregon Youth Authority to provide these behavioral rehabilitation services at the Boys and Girls Ranches.
Roger Langlie was hired as the Program Director of the Boys Ranch and along with Gary Hansen and Judy Chapman, he transitioned and developed the programs to become evidence-based and gender-specific with effective behavioral rehabilitation practices. Additionally that year, the Boys Ranch expanded with the addition of an administrative and counseling building and by remodeling and expanding the commercial kitchen and storage. This was all accomplished through a Community Block Grant pursued and managed by Executive Director Gary Hansen.
In 1998 Lori Sullivan was promoted from a Resident Counselor position that she had held since 1992. Her new position as the Residential Care Supervisor gave her responsibility for the daily care of the youth. Through her leadership in behavioral rehabilitation services, the Boys Ranch developed further into highly commended and recognized behavioral rehabilitation program for boys in Oregon.
Roger Langlie was hired as the Program Director of the Boys Ranch and along with Gary Hansen and Judy Chapman, he transitioned and developed the programs to become evidence-based and gender-specific with effective behavioral rehabilitation practices. Additionally that year, the Boys Ranch expanded with the addition of an administrative and counseling building and by remodeling and expanding the commercial kitchen and storage. This was all accomplished through a Community Block Grant pursued and managed by Executive Director Gary Hansen.
In 1998 Lori Sullivan was promoted from a Resident Counselor position that she had held since 1992. Her new position as the Residential Care Supervisor gave her responsibility for the daily care of the youth. Through her leadership in behavioral rehabilitation services, the Boys Ranch developed further into highly commended and recognized behavioral rehabilitation program for boys in Oregon.
Entering the 21st Century
In 1999 Jenny Howland was hired to direct the Shelter Care as Program Director. Together with Theresa Haworth, the Residential Care Supervisor they developed this program and established it as a leading shelter program in the State of Oregon. This was special to note as it encompassed not only surviving but thriving through challenging years of uncertain funding by diversifying referral and funding sources. Jenny was promoted in 2007 to the position of Program Director for all residential programs. Theresa Haworth served the organization for 17 years until she moved to a position with the Oregon Youth Authority. Jenny celebrated a well deserved retirement from Belloni Ranch in 2023.
In 2005, upon the retirement of Gary Hansen after 27 years of service, Roger Langlie was promoted to Executive Director. He previously served from 1998 to 2001 as the Program Director of the Bob Belloni Boys Ranch, and from 2001 to 2005 as the Director of the Curry County Juvenile Department. Bob Belloni Ranch, Inc. received multiple awards for excellence of service to youth and families during this time period. These included 'Agency of the Year' Award, given by the Oregon Alliance, the Judge Richard Barron Service Award presented by the Coos County Commission on Children and Families, and the Robert Yantis Community Service Award.
After a few years of retirement, Gary Hansen joined the Board of Directors to continue his service to the organization. Vicki Solomon also joined the Board of Directors, arriving in 2005 and as a member and past president of the Soroptimist International Club in Coos Bay/North Bend, Vicki has followed in the footsteps of Wineva Johnson in leading the organization as a Chairperson. She served in this role from 2005 to 2023.
- Thujee Lhendup was named the Interim Executive Director following Roger’s departure from the organization. He came to Belloni Ranch in 2017, working with community programs and human resource development. Thujee moved from an interim to permanent Executive Director in May, 2019. His tenure saw the organization increase its grant income in excess of $300,000. In the fall of 2020 services expanded to the community with the opening of BBR Counseling Services, a community based outpatient behavioral health clinic. 2020 also saw a reduction, with a restructuring of the Wineva Johnson Center for Girls. Services. Decreased funding and referrals based on a reduction of need, led to the closure of this program. Facilities were retained for future programming and use of the organization
Onward: Stabilization and Utilization
In the summer of 2021 Naomi Ulsted was selected as the next Executive Director, the first female in this position. Naomi brought extensive experience in executive leadership, having served in several positions within the Department of Labor's Job Corps Program. Naomi brought a steady hand to steer the ship as the organization and the world came out of the global COVID-19 Pandemic. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Naomi provided expert leadership to stabilize and shore up the organization. Following a successful year at the helm, Naomi transitioned back to oversight of government educational contracts.
Greg Duskin was selected as the next Executive Director, serving for a tumultuous year involving significant infrastructure failures at the Ranch. There were successes with expansion within the counseling. However, balancing the successes against the need for significant repairs along with still building back after COVID presented too many challenges to overcome. In May of 2023 Greg transitioned out of the executive position. In June of 2023 the Board of Directors made the decision to close the Ranch and the organization within the month of July.
Closure
This process is ongoing and as it is completed any update or relevant information will be provided.
Greg Duskin was selected as the next Executive Director, serving for a tumultuous year involving significant infrastructure failures at the Ranch. There were successes with expansion within the counseling. However, balancing the successes against the need for significant repairs along with still building back after COVID presented too many challenges to overcome. In May of 2023 Greg transitioned out of the executive position. In June of 2023 the Board of Directors made the decision to close the Ranch and the organization within the month of July.
Closure
This process is ongoing and as it is completed any update or relevant information will be provided.