TIMBERS MAGAZINE
BOARD MEMBERS
Big Oak Ranch is owned & operated by Big Oak Ranch, Inc. & its Board. Below is our working Board of Directors:
Craig Beatty (Chairman) President
CS Beatty Construction, Inc. Birmingham, AL
Greg Belcher President Royal Automotive, Inc. Birmingham, AL
Jonathan Belcher President & Co-Founder Signature Homes Birmingham, AL Nashville, TN
Walter Edge President Edge Biologicals, Inc. Memphis, TN
Bill Ratliff Member
Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC Birmingham, AL
Stephanie Smith President & CEO Alabama Policy Institute Birmingham, AL
Jerry Stewart
Executive Vice President Southern Co./AL Power (retired) Birmingham, AL
Nick Wright President Special Events Management Tuscaloosa, AL
FOLLOW US
Happy Birthday to You!
MARCH
Marcus 3-01-17
Brayden 3-14-13
Brooks 3-16-13
Isaiah 3-16-11
Hayden 3-18-10
Tylynn 3-21-19
Slaydin 3-22-07
Emma 3-04-13
Alice Jane 3-11-12
Colten 3-15-07
Ava 3-19-06
Alison 3-19-08
Anniston 3-27-14
Elliana 3-27-24
Esther 3-28-20
Rosa 3-28-98
APRIL
John 4-01-08
Jesi 4-01-04
Brayden 4-01-10
Tristan 4-02-18
Aiden 4-03-17
Josmar 4-07-09
Cheyanne 4-09-10
Samuel 4-11-23
Anissa 4-13-07
Kyleigh 4-14-09
Braxton 4-14-09
Heather 4-16-08
Chamma 4-16-09
Francisco 4-20-05
Jeremiah 4-21-15
Landon 4-22-19
Ryder 4-22-14
Ava 4-25-14
Will 4-26-07
Ebboni 4-30-13
MAY
Sawyer 5-05-11
Arianna 5-07-07
Garrett 5-07-12
MacKenzie 5-08-15
Selah 5-09-22
Keyara 5-10-06
Danisha 5-10-08
Jackson 5-12-03
Skyler 5-13-05
Ben Luke 5-16-18
Nathan 5-20-10
Sophie 5-22-13
Archer 5-27-15
Albert 5-27-06
OP 5-29-19
JUNE
Malakai 6-03-21
Adalyn 6-04-18
Layla 6-09-09
Miguel 6-11-10
Logan 6-11-07
Luke 6-12-03
Judah 6-12-15
Jasmine 6-19-12
Micah 6-20-11
Lydia 6-21-10
Nicolas 6-23-07
Hayden 6-23-09
Cameron 6-24-06
Barrett 6-24-15
Kaige 6-27-06
Jacob 6-29-09
Since 1974, Big Oak Ranch has been called to meet the needs of over 2,000 children, ages 6-18, from all over the United States by giving them a solid, Christian home and a chance to realize and fulfill God’s plan for their lives. Big Oak Ranch is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that is privately funded and operates debt-free. Because of God’s blessings and our faithful supporters, over the last 50+ years we have grown from living in a farmhouse serving five boys to currently serving over 200 children at Big Oak Boys’ Ranch in Gadsden and Big Oak Girls’ Ranch in Springville, as well as through our college ministry at ASCEND in Birmingham, through Big Oak Cattle and through Planting Oaks, our international outreach ministry and Child Placing Agency.
Yet, there are still millions of abused, abandoned and neglected children across our country who need intervention on their behalf – with nearly 6,000 of these children in the foster care system in the State of Alabama. Therefore, as we continue to scale toward 20 homes each at both the Boys’ Ranch and Girls’ Ranch 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. Our 10-year vision is to strategically span the State of Alabama, building Communities within Communities, while striving to retain the culture that we have created over the last 50+ years of serving children. Together, our goal is to have the greatest impact and influence this country has ever seen for abandoned, abused and neglected children.
A Note from Brodie
Culture can simply be defined as what we allow to be normal.
To move with excellence as a connected people toward the fulfillment of great need, we must compare our “normal” to who we are when at our best.
Normal at Big Oak Ranch is this: Jesus is our message. Children are our heart. Our purpose is to live out the Hope of Jesus. Our heart is for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
My dad recently recalled a story of one of the first boys to call Big Oak home. As a 13-year-old boy, he was brought to Big Oak by his mother who, immediately after, let him know she was moving to Texas and would likely never see him again. Broken and desperate, this boy stole my dad’s truck a few days later. He was quickly and safely brought back, the truck was returned and, with gentleness, my dad listened to the boy say, “I was just trying to get to Texas to see my mom one more time.” So, they all loaded up and headed west so he could do just that.
At Big Oak, it’s normal to fight for children who can’t fight for themselves.
I would encourage you to define what is normal for your family. Then, compare that “normal” to who you are as a family when at your best. Opportunities to both fill gaps and enhance the good will be present. In doing so, serve from relationship rather than position, elevate others over self and keep Jesus at the forefront.
Keep Planting,
Brodie Croyle CEO
Brodie, Kelli, Luke & Sawyer Croyle
BIG OAK BOYS' RANCH
GROWING OAK
CLAY, 18 RESPONSIBLE
• Has lived at Big Oak Boys’ Ranch over 2 years
• Lives in the Shaffer Home with Alex and Erika Lischinski
• Is a Senior at Westbrook Christian School
• Is on A Honor Roll & in the National Beta Club
• Is on the Chapel Team at school
• Has a job working for the local Mayor’s office
• Loves Alabama football, music, and driving his car
• Enjoys cooking yummy Southern dishes
With 11 years on the Ranch, there have been many great mentors and leaders placed in my life who have helped shape me into who I am today. My job with the cattle crew has focused and helped build my character, discipline, work ethic, and leadership. The Ranch has really strived to help me with my relationship with the Lord so I could have the faith to go out on my own.
- Kaige, Resident at Big Oak Boys' Ranch
Learn more about Big Oak Cattle.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
JEREMIAH 29:11
Items Needed for the Boys' Ranch
• Travel-size Toiletries
• Hammocks
• Camping Chairs
• Outdoor Games
• Pickleball Equipment
• Pool Floats/Tubes
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant for Men
Please send donated
• Lotion
• Laundry Detergent
• 1” Binders & Subject Dividers
The Wallace Home enjoying Donuts for Grownups day at school.
Our Cattle Crew is hard at work!
Walker made lasagna soup. Yum!
JP is ready for a great baseball season.
Our boys are all dressed up for the WCS dance.
Marcus and Shadow are best buds!
BIG OAK GIRLS' RANCH
GROWING OAK
MEAGAN, 18
• Is currently on the A/B Honor Roll
• Attends MeadowBrook Church with her family and is involved in Student Ministries
• Loves dogs and hopes to own her own goldendoodle one day
• Enjoys reading, drawing, and photography
• Is a social butterfly and a joy
Our goal is to match each child with a family they go to monthly for one weekend. It is such a blessing when we get to introduce a godly, loving set of role models into our girls' lives that we can trust will be praying for them and love on them when they're out of our care.
- Rebekah Bodeau, Housemom at the Girls’ Ranch
Learn more about Resource Parenting.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
ISAIAH 41:10
Items Needed for the Girls' Ranch
• Water Bottle Organizers (that spin for inside cabinet)
• Bread Machine
• Swiffer Refills
• Skylight Calendars
• Misc Kitchen Utensils
• PanOxyl Face Wash
• Green Bath Towel Sets
• Robot Vacuums
• Persil & Tide Detergents
• Misc Cleaning Supplies
Please send donated items
• Feminine Products
• Hobby Lobby Gift Cards
• Twin Gray Fitted Sheets
• Dishwasher Pods
• Trash Bags
These girls had a great time at Volleyball Camp.
Anissa got baptized! We are so proud of you. Aaliah spending time with the horses.
Our girls had a fun day shopping on Boutique Day.
Chloe and Adalyn matching at school!
Elizabeth is ready for 101 days of school!
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2025
ALBERT
Big Oak was the second chance I didn't know I needed. First, I want to thank God for guiding my path and placing me at Big Oak. I want to thank Big Oak Ranch for taking me in and giving me a better future. Also thank you Mom and Pop for always loving me even when I mess up and pushing me to the next step in my life. I want to say thank you to Westbrook Christian School for all the laughs and fun times. Lastly, the biggest thanks to my brothers for helping me stay motivated and picking me up when I’m low.
JACOB
I first want to thank God because without Him I would be living on the streets. I would like to thank the Ranch for giving me numerous chances because without their support I would not have a job or even loving parents. I would also like to say thank you to my Ma and Pop for pushing me and never giving up on me even when I tell them I have given up. I would like to thank my brothers for being the goofy and fun brothers that I hardly ever had. Even though I continually pushed everyone away, Ma and Pop never gave up. Once again, many thanks for the ranch and everyone that has a hand in my life. God bless!
JILLIAN
I want to thank God for guiding our family to Big Oak Ranch and for the countless ways He has blessed my life. I want to thank my parents, Jason and Jen Shoars, for the unconditional love and support they give me. I want to thank my brothers for all the laughs and memories over the years. I want to thank my teachers, counselors and coaches for helping me see my potential, push me to be better, and help me prepare for the future. To Mr. Brodie and Mrs. Kelli thank y’all for always believing in me and being there for me. Lastly, I want to thank all the Big Oak Staff and Supporters for the time and effort they put in and for all they do for us. Thank you all!
MASON
First I want to give thanks to God and my houseparents. My Mom and Pop have helped me through a lot. And my Aunt and Uncle have pushed me to be the best person I can be and I'm so thankful I have them. And for the younger people at Big Oak, I will say this “YOUR PARENTS KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!” and never forget to put God first in everything.
MANY ARE THE PLANS IN A PERSON'S HEART, BUT IT IS THE
PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS. - Proverbs 19:21
KAIGE
First, I would like to thank God and Big Oak for all the blessings and opportunities they have provided me with. I am beyond grateful. I could have never dreamed of the things and possibilities Big Oak has gifted me with. I would also like to thank my Resource Parents the Ellisons, and my houseparents. All of the love and guidance you have poured into me for the last decade has meant so much to me. I have made so many awesome memories that will last a lifetime from Big Oak with my brothers and houseparents. I am proud to call myself a part of the Big Oak family.
As I prepare to graduate, I want to take a moment to thank the people who have truly changed my life. Mom and Dad (Mr. and Mrs. Ellison), you have not only given me a home—you have given me a family. You have been my parents in every way that matters, loving me unconditionally, guiding me with wisdom, and showing me what it means to be truly cared for. There are no words to fully express how much I love and appreciate you both. Your support, patience, and belief in me have shaped me into the person I am today, and I will carry your love with me for the rest of my life. I also want to thank Mr. Tony and Mrs. Kylie for always encouraging me and reminding me that I am never alone. Your kindness and wisdom have made such a difference in my life. Mrs. Devon, my counselor, has also been a guiding light, always there to listen, support, and help me grow. Each of you has played a special role in shaping me into the person I am today. Most of all, I want to thank Big Oak Ranch for truly giving me a chance. This place has not only provided me with a home but also with hope, healing, and the opportunity to build a future. Because of the love, guidance, and faith poured into me here, I am stepping into this next chapter with confidence, knowing I am deeply loved and prepared for whatever comes next. To my parents, my mentors, and everyone at Big Oak Ranch—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will always be grateful for you and for the Ranch, which has forever changed my life.
TOREN
The Lord has blessed me with incredible relationships my entire life, and I never want to take what He has given me for granted. I want to thank my parents, who have shaped me with their values and kindness. Because of them, I have grown in my relationship with God and developed a heart for others. Thank you to Mr. John and Mrs. Tee for pouring into my life and many others. Lastly, I am extremely grateful for the leaders and mentors in my church who have poured into me and built me into who I am today.
ARIANNA
CLASS OF 2025
CHELSEA
I would like to thank Big Oak Ranch for welcoming me with open arms six years ago. I was at a point in my life where I didn't think I would have a bright future and you made that a possibility! I would like to thank my parents, Amy and Jae Thomas, for being a constant light especially when I believed the lies of the world. I love them dearly. I thank Mrs. Rhona and Mr. Tony for taking a chance on me and believing in me. I am grateful for Mrs. Rhona’s constant support and prayer. There was a day I didn’t even realize I needed a hug and prayer from her and she gave it anyway. I give a giant thank you to Mr. Brodie and Mrs. Kelli for being constant love and continuing with the Ranch making it the best home and community a girl could ask for. Last but not least, I thank Mr. John and Mrs. Tee! I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for them! They stepped out, took a chance, and they brought safety and the Lord’s comfort to many children, especially me. They have smiles like no other that will light up a room and make me feel seen and loved. Thank you for all you did. Thank you Big Oak and thank you God for saving me and bringing me to this amazing home to learn about You!
SKYLAR
I have lived at the Ranch for 8 years. During this period I have learned self respect while growing in the spirit of our Savior Jesus Christ. Whenever I had struggles I was surrounded by like minded individuals with great intentions who always stood by my side. I will forever be grateful for all my loved ones and the Ranch staff. No matter the hardships I faced I was always grateful for Big Oak Ranch being there for me. I will always remember this place and the blessings, love, and the abundance of care given to me. I love you all Big Oak family.
CAMI
I want to thank the staff at Big Oak Ranch and I especially want to thank my parents. My Mom, Rebekah Bodeau, and my Dad, Loren Bodeau, for how they have loved me and raised me for these three years. I want to thank all of my siblings for all the laughs over these three years. I want to thank Ms. Devon and Dr. J for working with me to better improve myself. I want to thank the rest of the staff at Big Oak Ranch for taking me in so lovingly. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2. Most of all, I thank God for everything He has given me and the overwhelming grace He has shown me. He has helped me complete the race of high school well and I know He will still be with me through the rest of my life. Thank you all!
JOSH
Big Oak was the second chance I didn't know I needed. Without the care, love, and support from the administration, I never would have been able to find my new family and discover what I really want to do with my life. Thank you for everything. Mr. John, for giving all you could even when you had nothing to give. Mr. Brodie, for carrying on the legacy. Mrs. Melissa, for helping me every step of the way. Mr. Jason, for helping me pursue my dreams. Last of all I would like to thank my houseparents, Tyson and Abbie Simon, who made me the person I am. It's been a bumpy road, but I'm glad I had you every step of the way. I love you Mom and Dad.
I thank God for putting me exactly where I need to be through life without ever leaving my side. I have been so very blessed to be a part of this family. I am a child of a cycle breaker. It’s because of the support that supporters like you give that generations are truly changed and cycles broken. I want to thank my parents for following a calling that brought us back to the Ranch to serve alongside others for this beautiful mission. For allowing me to make mistakes, to grow, to live, to follow my heart. My grandparents who continued to push me and remind me to rise above to be who God says I am. The Croyles so much love to you all! You saved an awesome man to step up and step in to love my mama and me. You all make me happy to be a part of such an awesome family. Lastly, I would also like to thank all of my teachers for the past five years. You have all equipped me with so much more than just an education. I will be pursuing a secondary education degree from Jacksonville State University.
First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because nothing else I say would be possible without Him. I also want to thank my houseparents for caring for me over the years and for their guidance. I would like to thank my cousin Jane Ellen for always being there for me and for her abundant amount of love that she always shows me. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank my Resource family, the Hammonds, for always taking me in and for treating me like family. I want to give a special thanks to Big Oak Ranch for giving me and countless others the ability to live their best life! Thank you all for helping me to become the best version of myself that I can be!
MACIE
CLAY
A LIFE CHANGED BREE'S STORY
As a child, my story was tattered with abuse and neglect. My mother struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues. She was never able to fully shake her dependence on drugs or men, and still struggles with relationships and her mental health to this day. My father was in and out of jail due to theft, drugs and rape. When I was around 5 years old, he was sent to the state penitentiary with a life sentence. He recently passed away, still in prison, at the age of 65.
All through my childhood we bounced around from place to place to avoid child services and authorities. Sometimes we wouldn’t go to school. We would be left with strangers and random men. I became the most consistent caretaker for my younger sisters. One afternoon, my mom took my sisters and me to the grocery store, went inside and never came back out. After awhile, a police officer came up to the window of the car and started asking me questions. Eventually they told me that my mom had left and that we were going to live with my paternal grandparents for a while.
While living in their home, incest and sexual abuse began. It was supposed to have been a safe place for us, but it wasn’t. My grandparents had relatives in and out of the home a lot and overlooked the abuse that was happening to us. As the oldest, I had to take care of my younger sisters and be their parent and caregiver most of the time.
In elementary school my principal noticed signs that concerned her and began talking to me. I felt comfortable opening up to her about things that were happening at home. She was one of the first people I remember who genuinely cared. She was determined to get help for my sisters and me. One afternoon a DHR worker came to the school and talked to me about all the things I had told the principal. She assured me that everything was going to be okay and that she was getting me out of the home and would be moving my sisters out soon after.
When we moved to Big Oak Ranch, we were finally free. It took me a long time to realize that the Ranch was our saving grace. It was hard for me to let go of the responsibilities of parenting my sisters. All of a sudden, I only had myself to focus on. I began to work through my trauma with counselors who really taught me a lot about what a trusting relationship should be. I had to find out who I really was and my own identity.
John Croyle and my Big Oak family changed my entire life. The seeds planted there, with structure and discipline, have helped me in each step of my life. My favorite memory about growing up at Big Oak is being on the lake at the Ranch. I loved canoeing and swimming. It is such a beautiful,
Bree during her time at the Girls’ Ranch
Bree at her graduation from Westbrook with Mom King
Bree with her daughter, Hope, son-in-law, Christian, and grandson, Payton Luke
Bree and husband, Jamey, with their grandson, Payton Luke
safe place for me. Having the lake area to run around and play, I knew no one was going to hurt me anymore and I was free of fear.
After moving from the Ranch as a young adult, I was able to form strong relationships and trust others and the support they could provide me. I’ve been able to heal and open my heart to others. Family is not who you are born to, it is who accepts you and loves you regardless of the storms you have weathered. These experiences have shaped me into a person who has built a healthy marriage with a man who respects me, and we daily walk through storms of life together. If I had stayed in my birth home, I would have never been stable because of the lack of consistency.
Jamey and I have been married for 24 years. We love to spend time with our family, especially our grandchildren. We are in the season of life, now having grown children, we are starting to travel, and getting to know each other all over again. We don’t sweat the small stuff and we have fun together. We have been through a few storms and, we see the other side. We are thankful for each other. Life is pretty simple and I love that.
Our daughter Hope, is a beautiful, humble soul. She has a big heart and loves everybody. We were able to give her a stable, loving home, and she earned a scholarship to college. Hope enjoys working in the medical field. Hope and her husband, Christian, have a wonderful marriage and I know, without a shadow of doubt, that they are building a strong home together. Jamey and I are blessed with the peace that comes from their relationship
Last May, our grandson, Payton Luke, was dedicated at church. What a wonderful celebration this was for our entire family. They also have a new addition to their growing family – Caleb Lane was born in January. “My cup runneth over.”
When I visit the Ranch, I am overcome with emotions. When I came to Big Oak there were four homes at the Girls’ Ranch. It is incredible to see how far my home has come. All the services Big Oak is able to provide for children in crisis; what a blessing. The resources are incredible - they save lives. Big Oak Ranch is more than just a place of shelter, it is a family and a legacy. I’ll never forget the values built from my time there. They taught me to love God and myself.
Today, I am known as Bree Sorgee, a loving wife, a caring friend, mother and BeBe to my grandchildren. I no longer have to live under the shadow of pain from my past. I openly wear it as a badge of courage and determination. I proudly say that Big Oak Ranch set me on a path to success, and I am forever grateful.
Bree with Mr. John at a WCS baseball game in 2018
Bree and her family at Hope and Christian's wedding in 2020
GET TO KNOW
Scarlet Stearns
ASCEND Administrative Guide
Hi, I’m Scarlet, and I get to serve at Big Oak as the ASCEND Administrative Guide. In addition to supporting our leadership team, I get to live on-site at ASCEND in Birmingham and serve as the Resident Guide for our ASCENDants. In this role, it feels like I have gained 15 kids – especially when we fill up a row at church together – but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
My journey at Big Oak Ranch began when I was 10 years old. I can still remember pulling into the Girls' Ranch not knowing what my future would hold but believing full of faith that it would be good. I was so excited to live in a house, with a Mom and Dad, and have siblings but more than that I was expectant for the consistency, peace, and hope that each kid gets to receive the moment they arrive.
I met Jesus at a young age and grew up loving the church, reading the word, and singing worship songs. I say when you meet Jesus one time you meet him again and again, each time in a new way. One of those moments for me was in college when I knew I wanted to walk with God, I just wasn’t sure how to do that on my own. From that season God placed a burden on my heart to teach girls how to do life with him. I started a women's ministry called Feel The Smile where we help young adult girls go from wanting to know God to being equipped to walk with Him. It’s my greatest joy to not only lead thousands of girls to the heart of Jesus but even more so the 15 ASCENDants that call Big Oak home. Just like I do.
When people ask me “what have you been up to” I laugh and always share about ASCEND and Feel The Smile because what we do is beyond work it’s an extension of our life. But, you can also find me trying new restaurants on the weekends, traveling with friends, laughing in adult ballet class, and making the most of this season of life!
Scarlet at her graduation from Samford with parents, Trevor and Melissa Ellison, and her siblings
Choose
a path. Make a difference.
There are many ways you can change lives at Big Oak. Choose the option the Lord has placed on your heart and know that, like His Word, it will prosper.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
By considering a planned gift - whether through a bequest, retirement assets or other charitable contributions - you can make a difference that extends far beyond your lifetime. For more information, please contact Catherine Brown at cbrown@bigoak.org or (205) 467-6226.
The Story of Big Oak Ranch
What a special night at The Lyric!
HELP US BE GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD’S MONEY.
The Timbers mailing list is confidential and not shared with any other individual or organization. Please notify us at communications@bigoak.org if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, have had a change of address, or if you have any questions, comments or corrections.
"...So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Business Office 6000 Shelley Drive Springville, AL 35146
ISAIAH 61:3