There’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay in the Paradise Valley south of Livingston.
But a new boutique guest ranch is offering visitors something they won’t find in a typical luxury resort — a vacation experience coupled with a social justice mission.
At Erik’s Ranch, about half a dozen young adults with autism spectrum disorders live and work in a supportive community and have jobs like chef, guide, and concierge. Their responsibilities are tailored to their talents and passions as much as possible.
Kathryn Nordberg is the Founder and CEO of the non-profit, which is named for her 25-year-old son.
“They feel a sense of well being, a sense of improved self-esteem, because for the first time, they’re not being bullied, they’re not the outcasts, they’re not feeling depressed because they don’t fit in. When they give those tours, they’re the experts.”
The ranch is modeled after Erik’s Retreat in Minneapolis, which was the first site of its kind in the country when it opened eight years ago.
Nordberg says whether their new enterprise is successful will come down to guests who believe in their cause, and its desirable location near Yellowstone National Park.
The ranch has been open since March, but is having a grand opening celebration Friday.
180 young people are currently on the waiting list to live and work at Erik’s Retreat in Minnesota and the ranch here in Montana.