2025 Impact Report

Celebrating More than 50 Years of Transforming Lives Through Christ-centered care, Big Oak Ranch has been a sanctuary of hope for children in need since 1974.

View Our 2025 Impact Report

Hope Changes Everything

Big Oak Ranch provides children with more than a home. It’s a foundation where trust is rebuilt, hope is restored and futures are reimagined. By addressing each child’s unique needs, we empower them to find stability, purpose and belonging.

“A half-century of giving children a chance has taught us that generational change happens by choice, but starts with one child at a time.”

– Brodie Croyle, CEO

Guided by Leadership, Driven by Purpose

Big Oak Ranch is strengthened by a dedicated Board of Directors who share our vision of transforming lives. Their guidance ensures our mission remains impactful and focused on providing hope to the children and families we serve.

Craig Beatty, Chairman of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Craig Beatty, Chairman

President of CS Beatty Construction

Greg Belcher, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Greg Belcher

President of Royal Automotive, Inc.

Jerry Stewart, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Jerry Stewart

Executive Vice President of Southern Co. / Alabama Power (retired)

Bill Ratliff, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Bill Ratliff

Member of Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC

Walter Edge, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Walter Edge

President of Edge Biologicals, Inc.

Nick Wright, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Nick Wright

President of Special Events Management

Jonathan Belcher, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Jonathan Belcher

President & Cofounder of Signature Homes

Stephanie Smith, member of the Big Oak Ranch Board of Directors

Stephanie Smith

President & CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute

By the numbers

At Big Oak Ranch, every number tells a story of hope.
Here’s a glimpse of the impact we made together in 2024.

  • picture of Big Oak Ranch looking over some cows in the field
  • Everyone waves from a utility vehicle as it rolls along a gravel drive past the pasture fences.
  • Group picture on Big Oaks grounds

233 children found a home at Big Oak Ranch

669 meals provided daily for our children

92 children participated in P21

59 children learned to search for and maintain a job

18 students participated in ASCEND

Our Children Are Our Why

Our programs at Big Oak Ranch are united by a single mission: to create a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Through the Boys and Girls Ranches, Big Oak Cattle, Westbrook Christian School, ASCEND and Planting Oaks, we are able to meet both immediate and long-term needs — providing the foundation for a bright today and a strong future.

More About Our Programs
BIG OAK RANCH
is our why
BIG OAK CATTLE
Feeds our why
WESTBROOK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Educates Our Why
ASCEND
Continues Our Why
Planting Oaks
Furthers Our Why

Faithful Stewardship

At Big Oak Ranch, every donation creates meaningful change. We’re proud to operate 100% debt-free, ensuring nearly 83 cents of every dollar directly supports programs for our children. Our funding comes exclusively from generous individuals, corporations and organizations.

John and Tee Croyle smile together outdoors beneath glowing autumn leaves.
“As we reflect on the last 50 years at Big Oak Ranch, we are amazed by all of you who have joined us on this journey. This mission would have been an impossible task without each of you contributing to the welfare of Big Oak Ranch and our children.”

— John & Tee Croyle, Founders