Frequently Asked Questions


The pages in this section contain answers to frequently asked questions. Please take a moment to browse this section for the information you need. If you have a question that is not addressed in these pages, please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Contact Rawhide

Q: What is Rawhide?

Rawhide is a faith-based Residential Care Center (RCC) in Wisconsin for at-risk teenage boys. What sets Rawhide apart from other institutions is the traditional family model our youth homes are structured around, and our lifetime commitment to assist alumni.

Q: How did Rawhide get started?

Since 1965 Rawhide Boys Ranch has been helping troubled youth turn their lives around. It all began in 1960, when a 13-year-old boy without a home asked to spend the day with John and Jan Gillespie. Learn more about Rawhide's History.

Q: How does a boy get to live at Rawhide?

Boys are placed at Rawhide by county and state placing agencies. They can also be placed here voluntarily by their parents or guardians. Learn more about Rawhide's Programs and Services.

If you are wondering if your child qualifies for a Rawhide program, fill out this short screening form to see if he is eligible.

Q: How many boys live at Rawhide?

The number of at-risk teenage boys that are at Rawhide varies based on the number of referrals from placing agencies and private placements. Rawhide can serve up to 60 boys in its residential programs and up to 13 in the CATCH Program (Treatment Foster Homes).

Q: What are your business hours?

Our regular business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Vehicle donation drop-off and tours are also available on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. If you are interested in a tour, please call (920) 982-6100 to arrange it.

Q: What size staff does Rawhide have?

Each living unit is staffed with two Houseparents (a married couple), two to four Resident Instructors (RIs), a housekeeper, and a social worker.

Rawhide also has several other social workers, family counselors, work experience job trainers, Starr Academy instructors, and administrative personnel.

Q: How does the Vehicle Program help Rawhide?

The Vehicle Program, along with financial and planned giving, raises funds to help pay for operational costs. Vehicles, boats and other donations also provide work experience training for students who are eligible to particiate.

Q: What percentage of Rawhide's income is spent on boys' homes?

The majority of income generated from vehicle donations, financial gifts, and planned giving as well as federal funding goes toward business operations. This includes monies spent on the care, treatment, education, counseling, and work-experience programs of the boys in our care. Learn more about how funds are used.

Q: What is your success rate with the court-referred young men in your program?
A:
Rawhide has a documented 73% success rate according to studies completed by Dr. Frank Cummings. Learn more about outcomes.