The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Summerdale is embarking on its most ambitious fundraising effort in years, seeking to build a new transitional home for young men aging out of foster care who are pursuing college or full-time employment.
The ranch, which has provided long-term residential care for foster children since 1984, is currently home to approximately 24 young men ranging in age from 8 to 21. With all three existing houses at maximum capacity of eight boys each, the need for additional housing has become urgent.
A Stepping Stone to Independence
The proposed new house would serve young men ages 18 through 21 who are either enrolled in college or working full time. Ranch Director Steven Jones described it as a critical bridge between the structured environment of the ranch and independent adulthood.
David Vosloh, founder of the Vosloh Charitable Foundation, emphasized the ranch’s philosophy. “They have a motto here that it’s easier to fix a boy than it is to fix a man, and that’s so true,” Vosloh said. “When they’re coming to this program, they’re gonna stay until they graduate from high school and now they’re gonna have the ability to stay until they’re 21 to get through trade school or whatever.”
Matching Donation Doubles Community Impact
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 00,000. In a major boost to the campaign, David Vosloh and his wife, Sue, have committed a 1-to-1 matching donation of up to 00,000 through their Vosloh Charitable Foundation. Jones called the donation “huge” and expressed confidence that it will inspire other donors to contribute.
The matching structure means every dollar donated by the community effectively doubles in value, accelerating the timeline for breaking ground on the new facility.
How the Ranch Works
Each of the ranch’s three existing houses is staffed by a dedicated house parent, an employee who lives on-site and serves as a parental figure. House parents are responsible for the daily routines of the boys in their care, including transporting them to school and church and maintaining household rules. This family-style model has been the cornerstone of the ranch’s approach for more than four decades.
How to Donate
Those wishing to support the transitional home project can mail checks to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch at P.O. Box 157, Summerdale, AL, 36580. Every contribution, matched dollar for dollar, brings the ranch closer to providing a stable launchpad for young men transitioning to independence.