Verendrye Electric Cooperative awarded $2,500 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot, to purchase recliners for one of the children’s cottages, according to a press release.

According to the release, children who come to the Ranch have experienced severe emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges and come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions. They work hard each day to overcome various diagnoses and issues related to trauma, abuse, and neglect. Because they have been through so much in their young lives, we strive to create a home-like environment in each of our cottages, which aids in the healing of the boys and girls who come to the Ranch and helps them to feel safe.

Eight to 10 children live in each Minot cottage at any one time. Recliners bring normalcy and a home-like feeling to the cottage. The children will use them to relax, read, watch television or movies, and play video games, according to the press release.