It is said that home is where the heart is. This is true for Baldwin County Sheriff's Boys Ranch Director Steven Jones.

When Jones was in eighth grade, he found his way to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Boys Ranch (BCSBR) after he and his brother had to battle merely to survive.

“My mother was in and out of prison for drug use, and my father had his own issues and struggled as a single father to provide for me and my brother,” Jones said. “The only difference in our lives was the Boys Ranch.”

Located on County Road 32 in Summerdale, the ranch is a beacon of hope for young boys who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

Since 1966, the ranch’s mission has been to provide a Christian, family-style home for Alabama’s at-risk children and youth, a place where they can grow spiritually and physically to become productive, responsible and happy individuals.

“I grew up in the program. ...I stayed here all the way until college," Jones said. "I am a living product of this organization.”

After marrying his high school sweetheart and having four children, Jones worked in management for 10 years and had experience in working for the sheriff.

One day, Jones received word that the former BCSBR director would be leaving. Jones knew the ins and outs and decided to take on the role.

“My wife and I talked and prayed about it and came here full time,” he said. “I have always stayed involved with the ranch even after I graduated. I came back for relief and maintenance.”

The ranch, a 501C3 non-profit that relies on donations and the support of the community, currently houses 20 boys and can hold up to 24. Each house has two caregivers who provide a living environment where the children receive love, stability and a caring place to call "home.”

Samuel Webber, a former resident of the BCSBR, said Jones has been a strong influence on the man he has become.

“I came from a pretty difficult background,” Webber said. “I came to the ranch with a lot of anger and frustration and trying to find myself and my purpose. Steven really helped me lean in on who I was and told me I did not have to let me past be my present.”

Webber used the word “kind” to describe Jones, noting that his unyielding passion for those he loves was quick to see and even set an example for himself.

“He chooses everyone above himself,” Webber said. “He kind of puts himself on the back burner and puts his family first. I just admire his discipline to raise his family and impact those around him.”

Jones, a firm believer in Jesus Christ, said he shares his faith to give others hope, crediting his Lord and Savior for who is he today.

“I was not raised in the church, and here at the ranch we went Wednesdays and Sundays,” he said. “I came to know the Lord when I was here, and it really shaped me into who I am as a man and a father.”