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Children’s Homes President Receives Awards

Children’s Homes President Receives Awards

May 04, 2009

Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) President Michael C. Blackwell is the recipient of two major awards, one honoring his leadership and commitment to the welfare of children and families, the other recognizing his abilities as a writer, a skill he honed in an earlier career as a journalist and still uses today.

Blackwell received two journalistic awards from the national Baptist Communicators Association. He won both first place and honorable mention in editorial writing for his articles “What’s Right with the Church” and “Accepting Oneself is Key.” Both articles appeared in Charity & Children, the Children’s Homes’ monthly news publication, of which Blackwell serves as Publisher. The purpose of the awards competition is to “recognize the best image-makers and storytellers” in Baptist life. The awards ceremony was held April 17 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Blackwell also received the “Excellence in Leadership” award from the Children and Family Services Association – North Carolina (CFSA-NC). Every year the association presents “Forget Me Not” awards to individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of children and family services. The leadership award is new and only chief executive officers are eligible.

“We are delighted at CFSA-NC to have an opportunity to honor Dr. Blackwell for his outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of children in North Carolina,” said Karen McLeod, CFSA-NC President/CEO. “His tireless work at the Baptist Children’s Homes has changed the physical, emotional and spiritual lives of thousands of children over the years and provided them a sense of hope for the future.”

McLeod presented the award to Blackwell during CFSA-NC’s annual conference in Asheville on April 30.

“It’s always a surprise and an honor to be recognized by your peers,” Blackwell said. “I’ve spent my entire ministerial career working for the betterment of children and families. It’s been gratifying over the years to be surrounded by incredible staff members who have made me look good. This leadership award belongs to them as much as it does to me.”

Blackwell became BCH President in July, 1983. A published author, former radio and television broadcaster, journalist, and pastor, Blackwell leads the statewide institution’s efforts to serve children and families in crisis. Blackwell lives in Thomasville with his wife Catherine. They have two adult children and two granddaughters.

Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has helped children and families. BCH began with one campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, but now provides services in 14 communities across the state.

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