Core Ministry
Building Communities Across Alabama
There are still millions of abused, abandoned and neglected children across our country who need intervention – with nearly 6,000 in the foster care system in Alabama. Therefore, as we continue to scale toward 20 homes each at both the Boys’ Ranch in Gadsden and the Girls’ Ranch in Springville over the next decade, we are extending our mission of relieving the suffering of children through Big Oak Ranch Communities for foster children in Alabama.
Solving the Problem
Providing Safe Homes and Real Change for Alabama’s ChildrenWe are dedicated to meeting both the immediate needs of children in crisis and offering long-term solutions to the challenges they face. Many children are enduring pain today that could lead to future cycles of suffering. By applying our God-given model that has proven successful for more than 50 years, we believe we’ll see Him redirect for good what the enemy intended for harm.
Join us in upholding the daily promises of love, honesty, perseverance and discipline to hurting children in your communities. With our eyes first on four geographic locations within the state of Alabama, each Big Oak Ranch Community will include 15+ homes, each led by a loving, Christian mom and dad who care for up to five children.
Learn More about Foster ParentsChanging Lives | Creating Community
Each Big Oak Ranch Community will start with five foster homes, licensed by Planting Oaks, that exist within established and growing developments. Designed to create supportive neighborhoods, each community features:
- Comfortable Homes: Spacious four- to five-bedroom homes that accommodate parents and up to five foster children. Utilities are provided, along with a family van.
- Community Hub: A central location for training, counseling and activities.
- Comprehensive Support: Ongoing training, resources and guidance to help foster parents succeed.
- Built-In Network: A close-knit community of foster families for encouragement and support.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Your love can change a child’s life.Alabama has a critical need for loving, Christian foster parents. By becoming a Big Oak Ranch Communities foster parent, you can join a powerful movement that provides safe, loving homes, breaks negative cycles and strengthens communities.
Answer the Calling~6,000
Children in Alabama Foster Care
Big Oak Ranch Communities needs families like yours to provide love, stability and a place to belong for these children and teens.
Only ~2,300
Licensed Alabama Foster Homes
Alabama is facing a critical shortage of foster homes, with almost three times as many children needing placement than there are homes available.
50 Years of Hope, Now Growing Across Alabama
The Big Oak Ranch Communities will be established for the long-term across the state of Alabama. Providing refuge for the hurting, meals for the hungry, caring people who can calm fears, training that can redirect lives and a place to belong forever – it will happen day in, day out just as it has at Big Oak Ranch for the past 50 years.
Be a part of the solution
Help a Big Oak Ranch CommunityWhether 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!