The houseparenting role at Big Oak is the backbone of our ministry and within the lives of our children. They are role models, teaching our children what a mom and dad look like, and they invest life lessons and core values which our children carry into their future families. Our houseparent couples are first and foremost lovers of Christ. But they all have unique personalities and skills. They come from different career and financial backgrounds, are different ages and represent many walks of life. But what they have in common is a positive attitude, a curious spirit always willing to learn, patience, strong moral character, compassion, dedication, determination and, most importantly, a desire to parent hurting children.

Our houseparents are full-time Mom and Dad to the children in their home. We place great emphasis on equipping parents for meaningful time in the home, while ensuring they also have time off-Ranch for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Our houseparent couples get 1 weekend per month from Friday until Sunday to do just that.

Up to six children live in a two-story brick home, with a dedicated Christian couple serving as mom and dad. All of our newly renovated homes provide our children their own bedroom as well as a common safe room, allowing us to continue the promise of safety and long-suffering along the road to healing. Each home also includes a houseparent suite which provides a space to relax, restore and spend quality time in an effort to support longevity.

Our houseparents come from a variety of backgrounds. Some had established careers working in a completely different field. However, we are more interested in the heart of our incoming houseparents than the specific field in which they have received training. We look for houseparents who come with one mission in mind: to serve Christ by ministering to the needs of hurting kids.

In most cases you should expect to care for 6 children in your home in addition to your biological children.

All of our children attend Westbrook Christian School in Rainbow City, Alabama providing our children with an excellent private, Christian education.

Our homes have kitchens and dining rooms and as parents you will be responsible for providing meals for your family just as you normally would.

Houseparents help their children prepare for their day by ensuring they receive a nutritious breakfast, making sure they are ready for school and seeing them off for the day.

During school hours, houseparents often go to home meetings, staff gatherings/retreats, training sessions, make preparations within the home and may have free time in the afternoon to enjoy many of the amenities on Ranch, including our fitness center, swimming pools and activity centers.

When the school day is over, houseparents coordinate getting the children to their selected activities, prepare the home meal, help with homework assignments and mentor through household chores.

Weekend schedules are less structured, allowing our families to enjoy recreational activities, whether that is enjoying local events, taking weekend trips, attending extracurricular activity events, or enjoying quiet time at home. On Sundays, each of our families attends a church of their choosing.