Meet Elsa Verrier | 51:10 Youth Ranch Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elsa Verrier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elsa, how do you think about risk?
My husband and I spent 20+ years in corporate America. He was corporate finance and accounting, and I was in Human Resources. We both have multiple degrees, but it’s through the adoption of our three children that we decided to take some risks. Or, as we say, we stepped out in faith.

Our son was adopted from Nepal and came home at 18 months of age. Our twin daughters came from Bulgaria, and they came home just before their fourth birthday. It’s with the adoption of our daughters that our family pursued counseling to help our family adjust to our new way of life. One counselor recommended getting our daughters around horses. We were blown away to see one daughter gripped with fear, begin to show courage. Our other daughter burdened with depression started to come out of her shell. This began our journey with horses and before long it was placed on our hearts to bring this healing to other children as well.

Because of our faith, my husband and I decided it was time to step out of our comfort zone. We left the security of our roles and financial stability and embarked on a new journey launching a non-profit mentorship program, bringing Jesus, horses and children together for healing. After five years in operation in Nathrop, CO, we have witnessed some amazing stories of inspiration, encouragement and redemption.

When high schools come out to serve at the ranch, our advice is to take risks and never play it “safe”. Life is short and we have a big God that allows us to experience far more adventure than we could ever imagine if we just step out in faith and trust.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My husband and I do not have a ranching background. We both came from the city, went to college and worked in corporate America. Today, we run a ranch with a herd of 18 horses. We operate a mentorship program that mentors over 100 children each year. We’ve learned to surround ourselves with some of the most amazing people like vets and farriers and horse trainers. We’ve learned to pound t-posts and build barns. We’ve learned hands on over the last seven years and as a result, we’ve fallen in love with rural Colorado and small town living and our hope is that we can bring the love of ranching and horses and Jesus to the community around us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are an outdoor family, and we live just outside of Salida and Buena Vista, CO in the mountains. So, Twin Lakes is a definite must, St. Elmo ghost town, hikes to beautiful places like Brown’s Falls, white water rafting with Noah’s Ark and horseback riding. Coffee at the Roastery or The Blend, lunch at Simple Eatery or Sorelle’s and dinner at The Viking Food Truck for sure or Eddyline on South Main in Buena Vista. Oh, and don’t forget to go see the Midland tunnels! This area in the Valley will wow you!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, we give the glory to God. He gives us the courage, strength and provision to serve others. We also thank our staff, MaryKate McWhirter and Rebecca Sheriff for taking a leap of faith and making a difference in this organization. Finally, to the selfless volunteers and community members that make a commitment to change lives.

Website: www.5110youthranch.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5110youthranch/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/5110youthranch/

Image Credits
Sam Fletcher