Our Why

“He’s taking us fly fishing?”

It’s a question the kids we serve have asked. What’s the purpose of On River Time? And why fly fishing?

Our founder, Steve Davis, started On River Time years ago as a way to make a difference in the lives of children of abuse and neglect. It was personal. He had been the victim of abuse as a child, a secret he kept for many years into adulthood. But as an avid angler, Steve found peace and purpose during those quiet moments on the river.

In 2012, he approached John Croyle, who was the founder and director of Big Oak Ranch, a well known children’s home in Alabama, to share his story. He told him he would love to take a few of the Big Oak Ranch kids and chaperones on a fly fishing trip to The Lodge at Palisades Creek in Irwin, Idaho. The rest is history. On River Time now serves children from four children’s homes located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. In addition to fly fishing camps, we have since expanded our programming by offering our SOAR life skills classes, mentorship, and college and career scholarships.

2.9 Million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the United States.

Children who experience abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, and 30% more likely to commit a violent crime.

In the U.S. more than five children die from abuse and neglect on a daily basis.

1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach 18.

But healing is possible. Abuse and neglect do NOT have to dictate the future of a child.

Read on to learn about the “protective factors” that On River Time provides through its life-affirming programming. They’re worth it!