From Abandoned Childhood to Purposeful Adulthood
Personally, professionally and spiritually preparing our young adults.
Did you know 31–46% of children who leave foster care experience homelessness by the time they turn 26? At Big Oak Ranch, we know it’s not enough to care for them until they’re 18.
ASCEND was created to guide our young people into successful adulthood and equip them with the necessary resources during this transitional period. With support from our donors, we provide housing, higher education opportunities and practical life skills training to ensure our children’s successful transition from childhood to adulthood.
Growing Christ-like, Independent Adults
Spiritual, professional and personal preparation.
As they go through ASCEND, our children learn how to live as responsible, independent adults by working, going to school, paying bills and completing the 4:11 curriculum. These teachings incorporate basic (but essential) life skills that are not frequently taught in the classroom.
In an effort to foster responsibility and accountability, each young person in ASCEND voluntarily agrees to a range of expectations designed to instill personal growth and real-world application of the curriculum.
With your help, we can reach our goal of supporting 48 ASCENDants.
A Compass for the Future
Guiding children as they pursue their God-given purpose.Even for children raised in a loving, supportive two-parent household, transitioning from high school to college is often difficult. Now imagine how much harder it is for those who grew up in broken homes, who had a painful past or who simply had no guidance. Supporting ASCEND helps produce confident, Christ-like adults who are able to give back to their community and contribute to society in a positive way.
45,770
Square Feet of Room to Grow
ASCEND was carefully planned to provide enough independence for students but not without the support of fellow ASCENDants and on-site guides.
$25,000-$40,000
to Support an ASCENDant
Depending on the ASCENDant’s education program, the average annual cost per ASCENDant is $25,000-40,000. Your support funds their higher education, skilled trade certification, academic tools/books, utilities, life skills curriculum, mentorship and more.
ASCEND pathways
ASCEND effectively prepares our young adults, ages 18-24, by guiding them through the following pathways, helping them take ownership along the way:
This 2.32 acre and 45,770 square feet of living and learning space was meticulously planned to provide enough independence for students but not without the support of fellow ASCENDants as well as on-site guides. We want our ASCENDants to experience COMMUNITY and a culture of GROWTH, PERSEVERANCE, ACHIEVEMENT, and TRUST in God’s perfect plan for their lives. Through the generosity of our faithful supporters, the building of ASCEND has been completely funded. Our goal moving forward is to secure the support needed to operate the program for up to 48 Ascendants.
Thank you for your support
One Time Donation
Contributions of any amount can be made to support our ASCENDants. Thank you for making a positive impact for our children.
Make a long term impact
Monthly Contribution
Your ongoing generosity helps us create a lasting positive impact in the lives of our ASCENDants. We thank you for your support which helps prepare our ASCENDants for the future and helps them pursue their individual pathway of purpose.
*If you would like to adjust or cancel your recurring gift, please email accounting@bigoak.org.
Our Goals
ASCEND is designed to support each young adult’s unique goals and help them create a plan to achieve them.
To foster responsibility and accountability — two traits essential for success in every pursuit — each young man or woman in ASCEND voluntarily agrees to a range of expectations designed to instill personal growth and real-world application of the curriculum as they commit to:
- Remain active in their church.
- Participate in a small group each week.
- Volunteer in ASCEND service projects monthly.
- Work a minimum of 15 hours a week for a local employer.
- Carry a full-time college or trade school course load.
- Participate in regular meetings with ASCEND guides to discuss spiritual, professional, and personal development.
- Pay rent each month. Completing one year of ASCEND allows the ASCENDant to regain their initial investment into the journey. Completing the two-year or four-year curriculum allows the ASCENDant to earn not only their initial investment, but also accumulated rent payments over that time — a return they are able to put toward establishing their adult life.
Walking a Path to Purpose
Helping ASCENDants like Scarlet.
Scarlet came to Big Oak when she was 10 years old. Now a Samford University graduate and recipient of the John C. Pittman Spirit Award, she credits ASCEND with setting her up for post-grad success in more ways than she could imagine
Play Video
“The older you get and begin to navigate the process of pursuing a higher education, you realize what a blessing that is to not have to do that on your own.”
Preparing Bold, Persevering Young People
Help Fund Our ASCENDantsIf you’re interested in learning more about ASCEND or how you can support the growth of this Big Oak Ranch initiative, send us a message! Whether you want to stay informed, volunteer or offer a donation, every connection makes a difference for our children. We’re excited to see what God continues to do through this unique program!