Our
Mission

Empowering the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social, educational, residential, and vocational opportunities.

How we do it

  • Offering residency for people with IDD in 1- to 6-bed homes
  • Providing vocational training and paid jobs on and off the Ranch
  • Creating a community where people with and without IDD enjoy friendship, fun, travel, and an active lifestyle
  • Integrating with local and Austin communities while growing its national presence
  • Leading as an entrepreneurial organization attracting those passionate about disability, horticulture, agriculture, and stewardship.
Stars

Our values

BELONG WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and included without exception. Whether you're a Rancher or a team member, you’re valued for who you are. Our relationships are built on respect, not roles.

Lead side by side

We don't lead from the front. We lead from beside. Whether it's mucking stalls, solving problems, or sharing a meal, we show up as equals and pitch in as partners.

PITCH IN WITH PURPOSE

We believe everyone has something to contribute. Whether you're planting, planning, or lending a hand, your effort makes this place stronger and more meaningful.

SERVE WITH HEART

We show up with humility and help where we’re needed. Service here isn’t about charity. It's about showing care in small, everyday ways.

Be a part of our future

Our 410 acres are home to a community where Ranchers are empowered to thrive side by side. Thanks to the support of donors and volunteers like you, Down Home Ranch can continue providing work, care, and camp for many years to come.

our story

Coming Down home

Jerry and Judy Horton’s journey to create Down Home Ranch began in 1984 when their youngest daughter, Kelly, was born with Down syndrome. Facing uncertainty about where she would live, work, and find community after school, they searched widely for a place that could offer her a full and meaningful life. Inspired by family-led village communities and driven by the lack of resources for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they dreamed of building a home where people like Kelly could belong and thrive.

In 1989, that dream took shape when they found 215 acres of peaceful land just over 30 miles east of Austin, near Elgin. It was close enough to stay connected to the city but remote enough to create a bold, new community centered around people and purpose.

Over time, the Hortons worked tirelessly to build this vision, facing challenges and gathering support from friends and neighbors. Their commitment laid the foundation for a place where residents live with dignity, engage in meaningful work, and find a true sense of belonging.

more than a ranch

a place to belong

At camp, we welcome those 13+ with cognitive disabilities to find friendship, fun, and freedom in our little slice of Texas. Swim in the pool, play basketball, hike trails, care for animals, or fish in the pond. It’s everything camp should be and more.

Since 1999, Down Home Ranch has been more than a ranch. It’s a welcoming home where residents with cognitive disabilities live with purpose, find true belonging, and thrive in a supportive community designed just for them.

The Ranch also welcomes field trips and retreats! Come out with your group to our little slice of Texas to slow down, connect, and experience the slow and joyful rhythm of Ranch life, whether you're visiting for an afternoon or staying overnight.

Rooted in purpose and grown with care, our nursery offers a wide and colorful selection of plants. Every purchase supports Down Home Ranch and helps us grow an even more inclusive community.

Our handmade crafts and gifts reflect the heart of DHR. Shop in-store or online for meaningful items that bring a touch of Ranch charm to your home, all while supporting our mission.

30 years of ranch camp

Thousands of Campers served

61 Ranchers in the residential & day programs

33 Average Age in the residential & day programs

Celebrating our community connections

leadership

Our Team

Barry Hamilton, LCSW

Barry Hamilton, LCSW

Executive Director

Barry first came to Down Home Ranch in 2002 as a greenhouse volunteer and has been rooted here ever since. Now Executive Director, he loves sharing the Ranch's mission and magic with visitors, especially when they experience that “ah-ha” moment and truly understand why the Ranch exists.

What brings Barry the most joy is working alongside Ranchers and celebrating the pride they take in a job well done. He believes in building community through warmth, welcome, and meaningful connection, and hopes every visitor feels the same. A skilled home cook and surprisingly good mouth trumpeter, Barry would choose flight if he could have any superpower, though he’s just as happy hiking the Ranch trails, especially at Pecan Bottoms. His motto: “Make systems work for people.”

Cortney Dozier, MBA

Cortney Dozier, MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Cortney first discovered Down Home Ranch while volunteering to hang shade cloth on a chicken coop, and she has been hooked ever since. Now as COO, she blends strategy with heart, always looking for ways to improve lives through efficiency and care.

Her favorite part of the job is the relationships with Ranchers, staff, volunteers, and campers. “Building community and connecting over shared passions is what makes this place special,” she says. Cortney finds joy in walking the Ranch roads, sipping iced tea outdoors, or admiring the latest camp t-shirt design, and she hopes every visitor experiences the same sense of freedom, grace, and belonging she has found here.

Diana Daw

Diana Daw

Director of Development

Diana first connected with Down Home Ranch by making thank-you calls for the development team, and from that very first “hello,” she knew she’d found something special. Now as Director of Development, she spends her days welcoming new folks into the Ranch family and bringing people together through mission-driven events.

She loves hearing how each person found their way to the Ranch, and every story adds something meaningful. Her favorite moments are the everyday ones with the Ranchers, especially when someone discovers a new talent or passion. Diana’s favorite spot is the Enterprise Room, where creativity shines in painting, sewing, and jewelry making. Her ideal break? A strong coffee, warm soup, and a great conversation. She lives by the motto “It never hurts to ask” and treasures being part of the vibrant, inspiring Ranch community.

Casey Dickerson, M.Ed

Casey Dickerson, M.Ed

Director of Client Services

For Casey Dickerson, every day at Down Home Ranch brings something new, and that’s what keeps her passionate about her work as Director of Client Services. She first found the Ranch through a Texas A&M recruiting email from the Special Education Department, and what began as a summer camp job quickly grew into a lifelong calling.

Casey’s happiest moments are spent alongside Ranchers and staff, out in the action and not behind a desk. She loves the energy of Secret Santa and Rancher Santa traditions, where holiday magic comes alive. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her in her recreational skeeball league, aiming high and having a blast.

Join the team

Want to help empower the ranchers? Explore opportunities such as Weekend Direct Support Professional, Camp Counselor, and Intern. Benefits include competitive pay, training, housing options, and a supportive work environment.

“Y’all do a great job! [My son] begins looking forward to returning as we are pulling out of the DHR gates! He becomes more confident every camp visit!”

Camper Mom

“I taught middle school math way back when. In all the training I had for curriculum planning for Gifted & Talented kids, I learned about the rich sort of environment that motivates students. The things [My Rancher] gets to do every day at DHR are providing her with that very type of rich environment. Her social interactions and even her intellectual abilities have grown so much since she's been at DHR.”

Rancher Mom

“He relishes the stars in the rural night sky. The ability to wear boots and a cowboy hat as a daily uniform is delightful. His purpose now is to help wherever he can, whenever he can, because he can. There is a feel at the ranch that is peaceful, loving, inclusive and welcoming. Everyone has a place or a role.”

Sister of a Rancher

“When we had a little goodbye Oreo party for my last day as a social work intern, I was so sad. Driving to the Ranch that first time, I never imagined how much I’d love working with the ranchers. I’ll miss checking in every Friday, joining art classes, and even chasing chickens. But I’ll be back! If you see me at an event or the Pavilion, please say hello, I’d love to hear your story of finding Down Home Ranch.”

DHR Social Work Intern