On November 10, 2014, Blackwell led more than 200 BCH residents and staff for a 25-minute presentation at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting in Greensboro. Entitled Rise Up, the emotional presentation featured multiple residents sharing, through stories and songs, how BCH has helped them overcome the trauma of abuse, destitution and family dysfunction. The audience applauded and came to their feet when Sedrick, a special needs resident from BCH’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry, literally rose up from his wheelchair and stood with help from his caregivers. Sedrick lost his ability to walk because of severe child abuse. Today, the 28-year-old is walking as much as 250 feet with assistance.