BigHouse Foundation is a Christ-centered non-profit organization incorporated in February of 2009 designed to meet the needs of children in foster care. We are interested in providing opportunities and experiences of a "typical childhood" to children who so desperately need to be kids. BigHouse was created because there is a lack of opportunity for those in the community to reach out and help children in foster care. We understand that not all people are called to be foster parents. But everyone is called to help children in foster care. Our mission is to connect the needs of foster families with the generosity of our community through the love of Jesus Christ.  

 Get to Know Us

Micah Melnick, Founder and Executive Director

A native of Lee County, Micah attended the University of Alabama where she received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Digital Media. Micah and Blake were married in 2006 in their hometown of Opelika, AL. They began planning BigHouse Foundation in 2008, and it was officially incorporated in Feb. 2009. Micah and Blake moved back to Opelika following graduation in May 2009. Micah had their first son, Anderson, in March of 2010. Micah now works full-time at BigHouse as the executive director and enjoys making connections in the community to serve foster families in various ways. Outside of BigHouse, Micah likes to craft, plan trips, and spend time with her family.

Blake Melnick, Founder and Assistant Director

Blake met Micah on a marching band trip while they were students at Opelika High School. Blake studied engineering as a student at the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics. Blake is currently a Ph.D student in the department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University. Blake is passionate about BigHouse and has a knack for creating short videos to promote the work BigHouse does. He is also the grant contest guru for online voting competitions, which has garnered over $63,000 for BigHouse over the past three years.

Susannah Jones, Program Director

Originally from Fairview, TN, Susannah graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2009 with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy. She worked as music therapist for Therabeat, Inc., a pediatric private music therapy practice in Canton, GA from January 2009 until moving to Opelika in July 2010. At BigHouse Susannah enjoys leading Kindermusik and other music programs, as well as planning various programs and events for BigHouse families, and coordinating volunteers. When she's not at BigHouse, Susannah enjoys bowling, riding roller coasters, and traveling to visit friends and family.

Allison Nichols, Intern

From Birmingham, AL, Allison is currently getting her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development Family Studies and will graduate in May 2012. At BigHouse, Allison will be leading the preschool program and helping plan other events for BigHouse families. In her spare time, Allison enjoys cooking, going to the beach, and grabbing coffee with friends. She is getting married in August and will be moving to Birmingham, AL. 

Melissa Mooney, Intern

Melissa is currently senior at Auburn University. She will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with Spanish and International Studies minors. Melissa has spent her time in Auburn participating in a number of on-campus organizations. She is very involved with Young Life ministry in the Auburn-Opelika area, and plans to work with teenagers in some capacity after graduation.  She loves Auburn, daisies, traveling, reading, and laughing with her friends.