Current Events: 2007

Oak Ranch To Open Second Cottage To Serve Girls

December 19, 2007

Boys living at Oak Ranch near Broadway are about to have company. For the first time in its history, the residential ranch now operated by Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) will welcome girls into its care.

“We’re very excited about how we can help girls at Oak Ranch,” said BCH executive vice president, programs and services Keith Henry. “This is about helping all children and accepting girls at Oak Ranch is definitely in the spirit of that mission.”

Residents in BCH’s care from around the state visited Oak Ranch spending time with its many horses after BCH began managing the property in June 2007. Both boys and girls formed fast bonds with the animals showing the potential impact Oak Ranch can have on all children.

As word spread that BCH had officially begun caring for boys at the ranch, social work staff started receiving calls asking if girls would be placed at Oak Ranch.

“We discovered from phone inquiries and information received by BCH’s intake social work staff members that there is a need,” explained Henry.

The ranch consists of two separate residential cottages. Ewing House provides a residence for boys while girls will live at Ben’s House. BCH is in a search process to hire the second of two couples that will comprise the child care worker team at Ben’s House. Girls could arrive at Oak Ranch as early as January.

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Challenge Gift Matches Donations Dollar for Dollar!

October 26, 2007

From now until the end of the year, your gift to Baptist Children's Homes will be matched dollar for dollar up to the Challenge Gift total. BCH must match the Challenge Gift total by January 2008. ACT NOW!

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Support The 2007 Offering

September 24, 2007

Click here to visit the 2007 Offering page. Watch this year's video, "Shelton's Story." Learn how you and your church can help Baptist Children's Homes meet this year's $1,400,000 offering goal.

The 2007 offering theme, “Love + Give = Hope,” is inspired by the love shown to every boy and girl entrusted to Baptist Children’s Home’s (BCH) care through the support of North Carolina Baptist churches and friends who care deeply for hurting children.

Love... “But the greatest of these is love...” (1 Corinthians 13:13b) Individuals desire to make a child’s life better. Men and women come to “Friends of Children” workdays to build and paint and plant beautiful flowers by a child’s cottage. This year, they “prayer walked” our campuses interceding for the children and staff.

Give... “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35b) For 122 years, people have dug deep to give sacrificially. This ministry is rooted in their hearts as demonstrated by individuals and churches stepping up year after year to meet BCH’s financial challenges.

Hope...“For we are saved by hope…” (Romans 8:24a) The generosity of BCH supporters reminds children that hope abounds and that they are loved – no matter what!

You do the math.
It just adds up!
Lives are changed when you act!

The Week of Prayer - November 11-18

Set aside a week to pray for Baptist Children’s Homes and use this guide as you pray. The official week of prayer for BCH is November 11-18.

We covet your prayers. We seek heavenly guidance and inspiration in all that we do. As you pray this week, remember you are a part of “helping hurting children…healing broken families.”

Sunday. Pray for all children and families in North Carolina.

Monday. Pray for all the hundreds of children and families to whom we offer hope each year.

Tuesday. Pray for all the dedicated child care workers, residential care givers, and Chiefs who give of themselves around the clock to care for our boys and girls.

Wednesday. Pray for our social workers who guide, encourage and challenge our children and families to be all that God intends.

Thursday. Pray for those who live at all of BCH’s homes for developmentally disabled adults.

Friday. Pray for the new Oak Ranch ministry and BCH’s new equine therapy program.

Saturday. Pray for BCH president Michael C. Blackwell as he leads the institution boldly into the future.

Sunday. Pray that you will be sensitive to the hurting children around you.

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Watch 2007 Video, "Shelton's Story"

September 23, 2007

The 2007 video entitled "Shelton's Story" is available to watch and download online. The new video tells how Shelton, a resident of Broyhill Home, has discovered a life of hope and endless possibilities through the love shown by child care workers Will and Betty Porter and the support of NC Baptists and other friends.

Click here to see "Shelton's Story".

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Friends of Children Workdays & Western Area Conference Dates

July 20, 2007

Broyhill Home - 47th Annual Western Area Conference
Thursday, September 6, 4 pm - Cottage Tours, 4:45 pm - Meal, 6 pm - Program
Enjoy an afternoon of barbecue, gospel singing and fellowship. Tour children's cottages, see a special program of singing and testimonies presented by children and staff, and hear from BCH president Michael C. Blackwell and Baptist State Convention president Stan Welch. Call Broyhill Home at 828-627-9254 to register. Early registration is required.

Friends of Children Fall Workdays
Events are held at Kennedy Home in Kinston, Odum Home in Pembroke, and Mills Home in Thomasville and Cameron Boys Camp in Cameron. These are special opportunitities for individuals to see and participate in the ministry. From cleaning, painting to planting, participants help with special projects, tour cottages and campsites, and have lunch with children and staff members. Registration is required.

Friends of Children also kicks-off this year's Thanksgiving Offering emphasis. Be among the first to see this year's new video, "Love, Give, Hope."

Schedule:
8:30 am to 9 am - Arrival, Registration, and Project Assignments
10:30 am - Snacks to Workers
Noon - Lunch (BCH's treat) and Thanksgiving Offering Kick-Off
1:30 pm - Optional Tours

Friends of Children dates are:

Mills Home in Thomasville
Saturday, September 8

Cameron Boys Camp in Cameron
Saturday, September 15

Kennedy Home in Kinston
Saturday, September 22

Odum Home in Pembroke
Saturday, September 22

For more information on these events or future events, call 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1277.

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Your Gift Prepares Children To Go Back To School

July 19, 2007

A letter from Baptist Children's Homes president Michael C. Blackwell:

Cody loves school.

The problem has always been that he never stayed at the same school long enough to settle into a routine. The support he needed at home was not there. He never finished homework assignments. His grades suffered.

Tattered and worn clothes and shoes caught the attention of the other children and Cody was the focus of many jokes. Soon it was easier to stay home than to go and face the ridicule. He missed so many days that he failed repeatedly, and when Cody was thirteen years old he was several grades behind.

All this heartache ended when Cody came to Baptist Children’s Homes!

At Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH), he found that he could have clean, good clothes. His feet stay dry and warm in his new shoes. He finds a nutritious breakfast every morning set out for him at the table. He can concentrate now that his tummy isn’t always making odd noises.

The pain he felt in his stomach is gone. He isn’t ashamed. He can now be the student that he often admired – the student that beamed when papers were returned graded and when report cards were sent home.

Report cards were always something Cody dreaded. It was just another reminder of the shame that he felt. That all fell behind him as only a bad memory the day he brought home his first report card. He slid the card out of the envelope and cautiously looked. His eyes opened wide because at the top was an A+, but not just one. When he opened the report card totally, he counted three As and two Bs.

It would have taken rocks tied around his ankles to keep him from floating away. Cody loves school!

Now it’s that time again. We are making plans to prepare North Carolina’s largest family for another school year. Each year, we help the many children in our care with their education needs – clothes (pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, under garments, socks, belts and handbags), shoes (dress, athletic and play), jackets and coats, school supplies, athletic and lab fees, instrument rentals and band fees, and book bags. As you can imagine, the cost is enormous!

Like Cody, I am pleased when I make the grade I know I can. Even as the president of Baptist Children's Homes, I like coming through with an occasional A+. Do you share that desire? You have the opportunity to show these children, children you do not even know but truly love, just how important an A+ really is. Your generous gift will bless a child.

In advance, I thank you for your help now. Your gift puts you at the head of the class . . . A+!

Sincerely,
Michael C. Blackwell President

P.S. The cost of sending so many boys and girls adds up quickly. Buying hundreds of pairs of jeans alone can reach into the thousands of dollars. Jacob, a resident at Mills Home, helped to calculate just how much is needed – well above two hundred thousand dollars! Your gift is needed now.

Click here to give an immediate online gift.

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Oak Ranch Welcomes Children

June 28, 2007

The new relationship between Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) and Oak Ranch is a major milestone in the institution’s 122-year history. BCH president Michael C. Blackwell worked with Oak Ranch’s leadership for eight months exploring the possibility of bringing the residential program for at-risk boys under BCH’s statewide umbrella.

Once both sides concluded the two ministries were a match, there was no question in Blackwell’s mind that God brought them together.

“God is good,” Blackwell says. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s almost unheard of today to acquire an entire campus with facilities and infrastructure already in place.” Oak Ranch contains two residential cottages for boys, an administrative building, two barns with eight horses, and a mile frontage on the Cape Fear River. Everything on the property is fully operational and ready for use.

“Oak Ranch can immediately be utilized by our staff and children from all of our statewide areas,” Blackwell explains.

Only a week after the BCH/Oak Ranch agreement was signed, boys from Cameron Boys Camp joined Blackwell for the very first BCH equine experience and fishing expedition. The group spent time with Oak Ranch’s many horses. The boys learned how to groom a horse and clean hooves. They were then treated to horseback rides.

“It was amazing to see the boys immediately take to these horses,” Blackwell says. “It was a wonderful glimpse to see how the equine therapy program will benefit children going forward.”

Blackwell has big plans for Oak Ranch. He is moving to have staff in place and begin accepting boys later this year.

“I can only imagine how BCH founder John Haymes Mills felt when the very first child was admitted at Mills Home in 1885,” Blackwell says. “Oak Ranch is providing that same kind of excitement.”

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Weekday Education Now Enrolling

June 25, 2007

The Gregg Children’s Center is enrolling children now for before and after school care. As a part of Baptist Children's Homes' Weekday Education services in Thomasville, the center offers full time care on teachers workdays, school holidays and in the summer. The center provides daily activities indoors and outdoors, field trips and homework time during the school year. The center provides transportation from local schools to our center for children in grades K to 5. Mention the BCH website and get free $35.00 registration for your child when you enroll.

For more information, contact Baptist Children's Homes' Weekday Education office at 336-474-1201 or click here to visit the Weekday Education webpage to see photos and additional information.

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Children’s Homes Agrees to Manage Oak Ranch Residential Community

June 01, 2007

Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) in Thomasville has entered into a relationship with Oak Ranch, a residential program for at-risk boys, to manage the facility located on the Lee-Harnett County line near Broadway. Oak Ranch features two existing cottages, administrative buildings and an eight-horse equine therapy component, all located in central North Carolina. The 122-year-old Baptist Children’s Homes begins operating Oak Ranch on June 1 adding the existing Oak Ranch residential program to its statewide network of facilities and programs. BCH will lease the property for 15 months and assume full ownership after that period of time.

Click here to read the full story in the Media section.

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Rain Can’t Dampen Spirits of BCH Friends

May 25, 2007

Despite a questionable weather forecast, nearly 450 volunteers came out for Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Friends of Children workdays on May 5. The event invites friends to visit with BCH staff and children in care working alongside them on a variety of work projects.

“It’s a special day,” said Kennedy Home director of campus enrichment Jim Tillman. “The volunteers help complete vital projects, and what they do touches the lives of the children. They bring smiles to everyone’s faces.”

The rain stayed away from Kennedy Home in Kinston as 175 adults and youth from area churches participated.

Rain also wasn’t a factor at Odum Home in Pembroke for the 200 volunteers who helped complete a number of campus beautification projects. The Odum Home choir, comprised of boys and girls in care, and BCH case manager Lori Cole sang for guests.

Conditions were wet at Broyhill Home in Clyde, but dozens of volunteers showed up brightening up the rainy day with their enthusiasm.

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Mills Home Prayer Walk and Bible Fundraiser on June 2nd

May 25, 2007

Friends of Children Prayer Walk
Mills Home in Thomasville
Saturday June 2. Registration at 8:45 am. Help raise funds to purchase Bibles for the children at Mills Home. Bring your contribution and contribute in the campus prayer walk. Tour cottages, meet children and staff, enjoy a delicious lunch.

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Order The New BCH Kids Booklet

May 02, 2007

The new BCH Kids booklet is available just in time for Vacation Bible School!

Baptist Children's Homes is celebrating five years of BCH Kids! This year’s booklet, “Time and Treasure,” introduces a new format and fresh approach to BCH Kids. The booklet serves as a complement to your VBS program and promotes learning about BCH’s ministry.

"Time and Treasure,” is a story about friendship. Marty misplaced something very precious to her during a trip. But in her search, she found an even greater treasure through the aid of her friends – friends who help ease her burden.

There is still time to have it in hand for this year’s Vacation Bible School. Contact Karen Fincher at 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1211 or visit the Contact Page and choose "Order BCH Kids Booklets" on the email form's subject menu to order your free copies.

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Golf Tournament Benefits BCH's Children

May 01, 2007

First Baptist Church in Kernersville is hosting the John Paul Linville Memorial Champions for Children Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 23. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will benefit the boys and girls residing Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH). Bob Wilkingson of First Baptist Church is spearheading the event.

The tournament has become a community effort as local businesses and organizations pledge their support. Sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Bank of North Carolina, Allstate Insurance, Winston Cup Museum and others.

Interested golfers can still participate. The cost is $50 per person. Call BCH’s Charles Stovall at 336-707-3249 for more information.

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Spring Dates To Remember!

March 13, 2007

Friends of Children Spring Workday
Saturday, May 5 – 8:45am Registration
Events are held at Kennedy Home in Kinston, Odum Home in Pembroke, and Broyhill Home in Clyde. These are special opportunitities for individuals to see and participate in the ministry. From painting to planting, participants help with special projects, tour campuses, and have lunch with children and staff members.

Friends of Children Spring Workday
At Mills Home in Thomasville
Saturday June 2 – 8:45 Registration
Help raise funds to purchase Bibles for the children at Mills Home. Bring your contribution and contribute in the campus prayer walk. Tour cottages, meet children and staff, enjoy a delicious lunch.

Founders Day
Tuesday, May 22 at Cameron Boys Camp
Campers serve as your personal guides as you tour the campsites and learn how BCH helps boys through this unique wilderness camping program. Lunch is served.

For more information on these events or future events, call 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1209.

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Food Roundup Set For April

February 23, 2007

In July 2003, Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) president Michael C. Blackwell called upon North Carolina Baptists and friends of children to collect food and feed the children in BCH’s care for an entire year.

Simply put, the response from associations and churches across the state was amazing!

“The ‘Food Roundup’ took on a life of its own,” Blackwell stated at the time. He was astounded by the teamwork and generosity displayed by Baptists. “It’s truly amazing.”

Four years later, the annual Food Roundup has become an important means of providing for the needs of BCH’s children. The first initiative in 2003 took place in the summer. Since then, the food drive has moved to a permanent spot in April. This year is no exception as BCH staff members are already working behind-the-scenes to plan for this year’s statewide event.

“Food Roundup becomes better each year thanks to the cooperation between churches, associations and our staff,” said BCH executive vice president, development & communications Brenda Gray. “The Food Roundup’s success depends upon the efforts of NorthCarolina Baptists. We want to support and affirm them however we can.”

When people contribute food and supplies to BCH, the agency is able to redirect funds towards the other essential needs of boys and girls in care. According to Blackwell, the success of the Food Roundup is vital.

“It is my hope that Baptists will once again answer the call and make this year’s Food Roundup the best one yet.”

Needs lists and statewide Roundup collection points will be published in the March edition of BCH's Charity & Children news publication. For more information about how you and your church can be a part of Food Roundup, contact Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277.

Click to visit the Food Roundup page.

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Baptists Open Their Hearts At Valentine Banquet

February 23, 2007

By J. Blake Ragsdale

Children from Broyhill Home in Clyde stand with former Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) resident Roberta Brunck as she sings for those attending the 2007 Valentine Banquet. As the last note is sung, 400 North Carolina Baptists rise from their chairs. Applause reverberates throughout the large fellowship hall as the audience demonstrates their love and support for BCH’s boys and girls.

The Valentine banquet was held on February 10. The event, which raised nearly $11,000, was held at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Franklin.

“We’ve always supported the Children’s Homes, but it’s become very personal to us,” says Holly Springs pastor Eddie Trull. “By seeing the children at the banquet, folks are seeing that the dollars they give aren’t going to nameless faces, but to children whose lives are being changed.”

Last year’s banquet was canceled on the morning of the event due to winter weather conditions. This year, blue sky prevailed and bright sunshine lit up the mountains of western North Carolina.

Guests from churches representing Haywood, Macon, Truett, and Tuckaseigee associations packed Holly Springs’ fellowship hall eager to enjoy a meal provided by Oinkers Family Restaurant and greet children and staff from BCH.

“We want to be a part of anything supporting the Children’s Homes,” says Bruce Cayton regarding his church’s support of the banquet. Cayton is the pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyde. “We’ve heard the wonderful testimonies of children since they have come to the Children’s Homes, and we have seen the results.”

Oak Grove and nearly two dozen other churches sponsored all 44 available tables for the event. Funding from the sponsorships will help meet the daily needs of BCH’s boys and girls. Children served dinner and dessert to the delight of guests. The interaction gave Baptists the opportunity to share words of encouragement, smiles and hugs with the children. Pastor Mike Moore found the Valentine themed event very appropriate.

“We often think of our wives or sweethearts during this holiday, but these children are our Valentines as well,” Moore said. Moore is pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Sylva. “They are dear to us. It’s a good time for us to say to them ‘we love you.’"

BCH president Michael C. Blackwell spoke of God’s love, the importance of showing love to the children in BCH’s care, and encouraged everyone to demonstrate love to family members and loved ones during Valentine week.

“And now abideth faith, hope and love…but the greatest of these is love, or charity as it reads in the King James,” Blackwell read from 1 Corinthians 13:13. “Scripture teaches us that love is never ending, and love never fails. That’s why this event is so important because we have this opportunity to show you how much we appreciate you and how much you mean to us.”

Christian groups The Porter Family from Hazelwood, Mountain Faith from Sylva, and Angie Toomey from Clyde provided the evening’s music and worship through song. Porter Family members Will and Betty have served as child care workers at Broyhill Home for 19 years.

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Bikers Toy Run Marks 20th Anniversary

January 02, 2007

By J. Blake Ragsdale

The 2006 Mills Home Bikers Toy Run on Sunday, December 3 marked the event’s 20th anniversary. Approximately 1,500 motorcycles and 2,000 individuals armed with gifts for Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) boys and girls came to the Thomasville area campus with one goal in mind – to ensure the children have a Merry Christmas.

“I want the children to know that there is always someone out there who cares for them,” says Walter Jackson. Jackson, who dresses as Santa Claus for the annual event, knows intimately the impact the Toy Run has on the boys and girls. Jackson lived at BCH’s Kennedy Home in Kinston in 1947. He remembers receiving his first ever Christmas present while living there. “The Toy Run is always very emotional for me. This year’s is one of the best we’ve had.”

Biker Buddy Grainger was instrumental in first organizing the Toy Run. Grainger knew about the Thomasville campus, formerly Baptist Orphanage, while attending Thomasville schools. His mother was raised in a similar orphanage and Grainger understood the need to provide a joyous Christmas for the Mills Home children.

“These children need a little joy in their lives,”he says. “If I can do one thing through the Toy Run to show them there are people in this world who care about them then it’s worth it.”

The Toy Run is organized by the Randolph County Concerned Biker’s Association (CBA). The event is a “labor of love” for the CBA according Gary “Poochie” Cox, owner of Cox’s Harley-Davidson in Asheboro.

“This event is the beginning of Christmas for me,” Cox says. “It’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you see the children open their gifts. For at least that day, we are all their family.”

Mills Home resident Angelina clasped her hand over her mouth as hundreds of motorcycles poured onto the campus.

“It was amazing,” Angelina says smiling. The teen arrived at Mills Home in February 2006. This is her first Toy Run. “For all these people to come and share Christmas with me makes me so happy.

“This is going to be a better Christmas for me than last year.”

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