ALSYR

Dear Ranch Friends,

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2022 has been an amazing year for the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. As we transition into the fall season, I am reminded of all the blessings that we are so thankful for.  Along with the changing seasons, our Ranches are undergoing several updates and transitions, while enjoying bountiful blessings. With the Lord’s gracious provision and the generous support of our friends and sponsors, the Ranches are growing and thriving in many ways!

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We have officially opened our St. Clair County Boys Ranch in Pell City, AL. Four deserving young men have found a loving home and are excelling. We look forward to welcoming many more ranchers as we continue to grow.

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Our Ranch family is not only growing with children but houseparents as well. Our very first set of St. Clair houseparents, Clyde and Audrey Allison, began working this month and are already making a tremendous difference in the lives of these youth. We are also excited to welcome Lisa and Max Carter and Peter and Rebecca Foster in the Fall at our Baldwin County Boys Ranch which is currently housing nine boys with additional boys arriving soon.  We can’t wait to welcome them aboard and are thankful for their help in accomplishing our mission of taking care of Alabama’s young people in need.

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Each of our young people mean so much to all of us here at the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Since the summer of 2021, thirteen of our young people have given their lives to Christ and were baptized! My heart is filled with so much joy knowing that they have turned to our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. He has always been my refuge and strength, so I know He will be the same for them.

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We currently have seven seniors set to graduate high school in May 2023! They have put in countless hours of hard work and have shown incredible strength and resilience in their lives. We will continue to encourage them as they move towards the finish line. Our College Program is thriving as well—we currently have four Ranchers attending local colleges and universities while living on the Ranches. I am so proud of all they have accomplished already, and I am eager to see what the future has in store for them.

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Additionally, we were able to add two new golf tournaments to our 2022 golf trail, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Children’s Charity Classic and the ALSYR Memorial Children's Charity Classic. We are grateful for Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy and Lyn Wheatley with SafetyNet Behavioral Healthcare for their sponsorship. With their help, these tournaments quickly sold out!  We also want to give a special thanks to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Chambers County Sheriff Sid Lockhart, Sergeant Dakota Smith of Lee County, and Major Terry “TJ” Woods of Chambers County for their help with the Memorial tournament. We are so thankful for all our Sheriffs’ generous support and their heart for the youth in their communities.

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As I look back at all these wonderful accomplishments, I am reminded that this is only possible because of our amazing God and caring people like you. God continues to allow us to make a difference every day and improve the lives of each of the young people that come to us. He reminds us how good He is by blessing us with so much! As we round out this year, our team promises to always look to God for guidance and give thanks for our blessings. Thank YOU for your continued love and support! May God Bless you and your family.

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Sincerely,

Michael Smith