Your Future: The Sky’s the Limit

Coming into adulthood is a celebratory time for most young people, but for those with autism spectrum disorder and their families, it can be a time of confusion and frustration with few choices and little hope. These are young people who often have strong interests, abilities and talents, but may need daily support to realize meaningful employment and a measure of self-determination and independence. It is this large and growing problem that Erik’s Ranch & Retreats seeks to solve – in a way that’s never been done before.

Our living/working model includes residence membership, employment, recreational and other social activities for young adults with autism. We offer two locations: an urban retreat with guest accommodations for volunteers and vacationers in Edina, Minnesota (Minneapolis suburb), and an upscale guest ranch in the heart of beautiful Paradise Valley, Montana. Both locations will become “home” to young adults with autism, but what sets Erik’s Ranch & Retreats apart is that these unique destinations are run by the residents who live there. The resident experience at both is unique — combining home and workplace — to promote learning and personal/social growth, as well as sustainable employment.

At Erik’s Ranch & Retreats, each resident enjoys a contemporary, personalized home of their own, and has a role helping to run our guest accommodations. Through this experience, residents will explore and employ their skills and talents through engagement in meaningful jobs with responsibilities not generally available in a group setting for those with autism – concierge, equestrian groom, sous chef, master gardener – to name just a few.

Put simply, Erik’s Ranch & Retreats offers the opportunity for a life full of promise and possibility among caring individuals who understand that individuals with autism should be able to live life on their terms. We believe that the sky is the limit for young adults with autism because we’ve created an environment where vision knows no bounds.