After the last graduation cap has been thrown in the air and the exhilaration of the last ceremony is over, reality strikes for many Boys Ranch graduates.

They are now adults, responsible for themselves and finding their own way through life. They must pay for food and rent. They need to provide their own transportation. They need to pay taxes. Most importantly, they need to develop life plans and pursue them.

“When I graduated (in 2015), I remember the next morning sitting on my bed and being like, well, what now?” said Skylar Y.

The size of the daunting challenge could easily swamp new graduates, sinking them beneath the weight of expectations for adults. But about 25 years ago, Boys Ranch recognized the need and moved to fill it through Cal Farley’s Alumni Support Center, a set of apartments in downtown Amarillo, across the street from the administrative building.

“At that time, we didn’t have housing options for the kids,” said Kim Reeves, administrator of admissions and alumni support services. “It became pretty obvious that kids aren’t raised just because they turn 18. There are some real needs that go beyond when they graduate from high school.”

Donors saw the need and gave generously to support the building of a safe haven for recent graduates. Cal Farley’s Alumni Support Center opened in 2010 on the site of the old apartment building. It primarily serves 18- to 24-year-old alumni who don’t have homes to go to, those who need a little bit of extra support to launch successfully into the world.

“We focus on developing independent living skills,” Reeves said. “Apartment residents have a life skills meeting every month, and they all have budgets they’re required to work.”