Stevens & Pruett Ranch

The Chapel

The Stevens & Pruett Foundation for Children & Animals operates the Stevens & Pruett Ranch, a 38-acre haven in Rosharon, Texas, south of Houston. Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the early 1980s, the foundation provides foster care for girls and a sanctuary for rescued and abused animals.

The story begins with Houston radio legends Mark Stevens and Jim Pruett, known as the “Radio Gawds” on stations like Rock 101 KLOL. In 1980, Jim and his wife Joy Pruett started rescuing unusual abandoned animals in their Cypress backyard after a nudge from television animal expert George Huebner. They took in four starving horses and soon leased additional land. By 1988, the operation had moved to the current County Road 59 site near Texas 288, featuring a ranch house, two barns, and a charming white clapboard chapel.

Initially a foster home for boys aged 12 to 17, the ranch evolved over time. The Pruett’s, who had raised three sons of their own, registered it as a state-certified child-care facility. The animal rescue side grew alongside, offering rehabilitation for creatures that other shelters often turned away. Children participate in caring for the animals, learning responsibility and compassion while the animals receive healing attention. Adoptable animals find new homes when possible; most, however, remain at the ranch as permanent residents.

Today, the ranch serves as a therapeutic environment where girls of varying ages find safety, warm meals, and unconditional love. As of mid-2024, it is home to 12 children. The foundation emphasizes a family-like setting amid open pastures, where troubled youth and vulnerable animals support one another’s recovery.

Jim Pruett passed away in 2016 and Mark Stevens in 2011, yet their vision endures through the dedication of Joy Pruett’s family and supporters. The ranch relies entirely on donations and volunteers for food, clothing, hygiene items, property maintenance, and animal care across its 38-plus acres. Monetary gifts, in-kind contributions, sponsorships, and volunteer time all help sustain the mission. The chapel is also available for rental—weddings, meetings, and events—generating funds that directly support the children and animals.

What makes the Stevens & Pruett Ranch special is its holistic approach: healing young lives and giving second chances to animals through shared purpose and kindness. For those in the Houston area seeking a meaningful way to give back, the foundation welcomes new friends into its extended family. Donations can be made via the ranch website or by contacting donations@stevensandpruettranch.com.

In a world that can feel harsh, this quiet Texas ranch continues to prove that love, hard work, and community can transform lives—one child and one rescued animal at a time.