Brodie Croyle, President & CEO of Big Oak Ranch, spoke to the Athens Rotarians on August 19, 2022.
Big Oak Ranch was started in 1974 by his parents, John and Teresa Croyle. After playing as a defensive end for the University of Alabama Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant, John felt the call to serve children who needed stable homes. The Ranch provides Christian, family-style residential homes for Alabama’s abandoned, neglected, or abused school-age children.
The Boy’s Ranch was started in 1974 outside Gadsden. The Girl’s Ranch was added in 1988 in Springville. In 1990 they took over Westbrook Christian School in Rainbow City.
With a staff of 25 and 15 sets of parents, the non-profit relies solely on private donations. No government funding is accepted.