Big Oak Ranch

06/18/2026

This week was Ella’s first week at P21. She began learning both how to prepare with excellence and how to trust beyond her own ability.

What looks like simple first steps is the beginning of something much deeper. We love watching them grow to be strong!

06/16/2026

Our kids experience all kinds of emotions as a new school year begins — excitement, anxiety, and those familiar first-day jitters. For children who have just arrived at Big Oak Ranch, as well as those who have been with us for a while, adjusting to a new school year along with other changes in their lives can feel overwhelming.

But you can play a part in calming their nerves and helping them feel prepared and confident. Providing school supplies they need for the school year is a simple, yet powerful reminder that they are loved, cared for, and matter.

To shop our Amazon registry, click the link in the comments. Thank you so much for your support!

06/15/2026

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” — Proverbs 21:31

This verse is the foundation of our P21 experience. P21 creates an opportunity for our children to develop perseverance and stewardship through learning barn procedures, caring for their horse, and progressing in riding — from beginner riding to more advanced skills — they are consistently practicing what it means to prepare well.

And through it all, they’re discovering a deeper truth: We can prepare with excellence, but we trust God with the outcome.

06/12/2026

We are excited to celebrate the graduation of two of our ASCENDants, Jesi and Kelbe. After years of hard work and dedication we are proud to see you rise to the challenge and reach the summit.

At Big Oak Ranch we release our young adults with intention. Our staff at ASCEND has spent years guiding our ASCENDants on the path towards their goals. Thank you for everything you have poured into them.

Join us in Celebrating our ASCEND Graduates!

To learn more about ASCEND, visit bigoak.org/ministries/ascend/

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

Honoring the Journey. Celebrating the Achievement.

We’re grateful to celebrate our former residents who have worked hard and earned their college degrees. Each step along the way has taken perseverance, growth, and a willingness to keep going.

Michelle Fogle,
Master of Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Former resident of Big Oak Girls’ Ranch

“Earning an MBA was an accomplishment that I had never considered possible. This journey added tools to my toolbox and gave me confidence in my capabilities. Successfully completing this endeavor required perseverance, hard work, and sacrifice. I am relieved and excited to implement the knowledge gained throughout the rest of my career.”

06/04/2026

Honoring the Journey. Celebrating the Achievement.

We’re grateful to celebrate our former residents who have worked hard and earned their college degrees. Each step along the way has taken perseverance, growth, and a willingness to keep going.

Amanda Stewart,
Bachelor of Science in Education
Jacksonville State University
Former resident of Big Oak Girls’ Ranch

“Thank God I was able to make this happen. And of course, all the people who supported me and helped make this possible. Now my family can say we have a college graduate, and I’m going to be the first of many. We have five children who will graduate from college as well.”

06/01/2026

Honoring the Journey. Celebrating the Achievement.

We’re grateful to celebrate our former residents who have worked hard and earned their college degrees. Each step along the way has taken perseverance, growth, and a willingness to keep going.

Caitlin Earl
Associate of Science with concentration in social work, Magna Cum Laude
Calhoun Community College
Former resident of Big Oak Girls’ Ranch

“Big Oak was the turning point in my life. The Ranch gave me support, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Each semester of working towards my associates, I have remained on the Dean’s or President’s lists. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

I am using the same determination that I used to graduate high school to be the first in my family to further my education.

It is an honor to have my husband and children walk this journey with me.

As a mother of three, including a child with special needs, I understand the importance of strength, patience, and resilience. My experience has not only shaped who I am but has also given me a passion for helping others who may be facing challenges of their own. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has proven that your past doesn’t define your future!"

05/29/2026

Honoring the Journey. Celebrating the Achievement.

We’re grateful to celebrate our former residents who have worked hard and earned their college degrees. Each step along the way has taken perseverance, growth, and a willingness to keep going.

Ronald Howell
Master of Business Administration
Troy University
Former resident of Big Oak Boys’ Ranch

“I made a decision early that whatever I start, I finish. No exceptions. That decision changed my life. It can change yours too. Commit, stay focused and always see it through.”

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives so sacrificially to give us freedom.

To their spouses, children, parents, extended family, and friends, we remember you too — there are no words to fully express our gratitude.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18