Springville-based Big Oak Girls’ Ranch recently dedicated two homes to provide stable, Christian environments for children in need.
Around six to eight girls will reside in the Mark & Liz Vorsatz Home and the Neugent-Mouron Home, from which the nonprofit, operated by the Croyle family, will give the children hope and belonging.
More than 200 children from 10 different states have called Big Oak Ranch home over the past year, according to the nonprofit. The ranch is home to children between the ages of six and 18, many of whom come from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Through the blessings of Big Oak Ranch, the children are given a forever family with a mother, father, and siblings of different ages.
Mike and Kathy Mouron, who provided the nonprofit with one of the two homes, said they “have admired the mission of Big Oak Ranch for many years.”
“Knowing John Croyle since his college days, we’ve followed the growth of the Ranch and have seen it bless so many children. We wanted to give this home to thank God for the blessings we have received, both in our individual lives and through our loved ones around us,” the couple said. “To express our gratitude, we dedicate the Neugent-Mouron Home to our parents and children.
“We pray that the girls in this home will feel God’s love, that they would live full and meaningful lives guided by the words of Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Big Oak Ranch only builds a home if the construction of the residence is pledged and the funds have been provided.
Brodie Croyle, president & CEO of Big Oak Ranch, expressed gratitude to the generous donors who made the homes’ construction a reality.
“The individuals, families or foundations who fund the home construction phase of our mission are vital to us being able to say we take no state or federal funding, while operating 100% debt free,” said Croyle. “We are incredibly grateful for the donors who come alongside us to build these homes for children who desperately need them.”
Big Oak Boys’ Ranch and Big Oak Girls’ Ranch aims to have 20 homes at each ranch over the next decade. It is the goal of the nonprofit to meet the needs of children from all across the nation who need a safe, loving home, while retaining the culture and community that is most beneficial for the children’s success and journey to healing.
Mark and Liz Vorsatz conveyed their honor is helping Big Oak Ranch achieve its mission of providing a safe haven for vulnerable children.
“We are extremely blessed and know how lucky we are. God has given us many opportunities and we embrace the philosophy of ‘pay it forward,’” they said. “It is our honor that we are in a position where we can further the goals and objectives of Big Oak Ranch.”
As Big Oak Ranch will sustain the homes on an annual basis, an opportunity exists for donors to support the nonprofit’s efforts. Donations will be utilized to equip each home with full-time house parents, home and vehicle maintenance, utilities, fuel, landscaping, furniture, appliances, and property, auto and liability insurance.
Meals, outings, vacations and other family expenses will be funded by the monetary gifts.
Those interested in supporting the nonprofit’s mission can learn more about Support a Home partnerships by visiting BigOak.org.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
