David Laschinger
Robson Ranch and Denton Freedom House were started roughly at the same time but came about for very different reasons. While Robson Ranch became a community of active adults, DFH became the temporary home for men who need help recovering from addictions. The Freedom House’s faith-based program is free, operating solely on grants and contributions. Men must apply to be in the program, show they are ready for a profound change in their lives and are not being forced to come there.
Many Robson residents have reached out to help DFH either directly with personal donations of money and volunteering their time or indirectly by contributing to local churches or Robson clubs that support DFH. The Men’s Bible Study at Robson regularly gives a portion of the money donated each Saturday. The Fellowship at the Ranch church has generously provided cash and equipment.
On August 12 a friendly softball game was held at our Field of Dreams between residents and staff at Denton Freedom House and Robson Ranch softball players. Prior to the game it was clear that Freedom House residents needed gloves and other gear, so request for donations of used softball equipment was made within Robson Ranch. Not only did some people donate gloves, but also other items like shoes, balls, bats and even a bag of first aid items.
The growing connection between our two communities prompted the Freedom House to say “thank you.” The staff and residents at DFH will be holding an open house at their facility on Sunday, September 10, and everyone at Robson Ranch is invited to come. They will serve an indoor lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and potato salad starting at 1:00 p.m. After lunch some of the residents will take visitors on a campus tour and give their personal testimony. After the tour guests may want to participate in a session of praise music and singing in the sanctuary/auditorium.
The open house will coincide with the start of North Texas Giving Day, which is officially Thursday, September 14. All donations made at the open house will be credited to that event, which will include a matching gift program benefitting the Freedom House. The campus is located at 3083 Trails End, Aubrey, Texas 76227, a 25-30 minute drive from Robson Ranch. Phone 940-565-5990 or Chad Eskew at 940-231-5908 for more information.