POWERGRAMS

Michael Smith dreamed of slowing down and spending more time on the golf course or taking his wife and dogs on RV adventures after he retired. However, Smith believes God had a different plan. In February 2020, the 64-year-old Southern Linc retiree accepted a new career as CEO of the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. It is a role that Smith "kind of eased into" – as a donor for 30 years and board member seven years, he was a natural fit. Smith has always had a love for the organization and its mission of providing Christian, family-style, residential care for neglected and abused children in an atmosphere where they may grow spiritually and physically into productive, responsible and happy adults. For 55 years, the ranches have provided support for girls and boys in need. PROVIDING 24/7 CARE OF CHILDREN The ranches in Baldwin County, Colbert County, St. Clair County and Tallapoosa County take in children from all sorts of situations. While some are placed after failed adoptions, Smith said others are "kids in a bad family situation." Many children arrive with issues from past trauma. Other times, the ranches step in to help grandparents trying to raise grandchildren. When parents or guardians cannot financially care for children, the ranches provide the care without removing legal custody. Smith, who said the job is a "calling," makes it a point to get to know every child. With a desire to make a difference in young lives, he has a focus on teaching children core values, helping them learn about integrity and character. "We offer homes that make children feel loved and secure," he said. "Each facility has full-time house parents who work 12 days, then a relief parent comes in for four days. We've taken an additional 14 kids this year, and it's definitely a calling for our house parents." Candice Gulley, director of the Sheriffs Girls Ranch in Tallapoosa County, was a house parent for 10 years before taking her new role last year. She and her husband have parented 78 children. "My husband and I have been called to take care of children," Gulley said. "We thought it would be hard taking care of foster kids and working at the same time. Being able to have a job that takes care of kids is wonderful. Some of the girls come from traumatic home lives and we offer them a stable home, and the ranch provides them the opportunity to grow into well-prepared adults. "One thing about our organization is that as house parents, we actually live there," she said. "The kids see that adults make the decisions. We help them deal with life and their situation, to tackle deep issues. They need a chance to feel loved, safe and cared for. We also have people in the community to help bridge the gap when kids' families have dropped the ball." 23 SMITH TAKES ON NEW CAREER AS CEO OF SHERIFFS YOUTH RANCHES Smith follows residents caring for the ranch horses and farm animals. PHOTOS by BILLY BROWN

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