River Hill Refuge:
A Unique Ministry of BCH
River Hill Refuge is a distinctive ministry of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) that stands out because it brings together dedicated foster-care ministry and a special piece of donated family property to create a sanctuary for vulnerable children.
Located on five acres of the former River Hill Angus Farm near Shelby, NC, the refuge was established through the generosity of Wes and Jay Westmoreland, who donated part of their family’s land—property once home to their father’s nationally acclaimed cattle operation—to BCH for the creation of this ministry.
A Property Transformed for Purpose
River Hill Refuge transforms historic farmland into a place of refuge, healing, and stability. The land, with deep family significance to the Westmorelands, has been repurposed as a dedicated foster-care campus designed specifically to support children who have endured trauma, abuse, or neglect.
A Campus of BCH-Owned Foster Homes
What makes River Hill Refuge particularly unique is its model:
-
The property is owned by BCH but occupied by licensed foster families, creating a hybrid approach that blends institutional support with the stability of a family home.
-
The campus includes three BCH-owned foster homes—the Westmoreland Family Home, Starlite Home, and Tucker Home—each occupied by BCH-recruited, state-licensed foster parents.
-
Each home provides space for up to five children, offering a safe, loving, and fully family-oriented environment while maintaining strong BCH support and oversight.
A Ministry Rooted in Hope and Christian Care
Consistent with the mission of BCH, River Hill Refuge is designed to:
-
Offer a loving, Christian home for children recovering from trauma
-
Provide hope through faith, stability, and nurturing relationships
-
Support long-term healing and a pathway toward a brighter future
Why River Hill Refuge Is Unique
River Hill Refuge stands apart because it is:
-
A ministry built on donated family heritage property, blending past legacy with future hope
-
A foster-care campus, not an institution—homes occupied by foster parents living full-time in BCH-owned houses
-
A partnership model, rooted in community generosity, BCH expertise, and Christ-centered care
-
A scalable refuge, designed to serve children across Cleveland County and surrounding areas who urgently need safe homes
Support the Families at RHR
Churches are invited to support the families at River Hill Refuge by providing wraparound care, fellowship, and consistent encouragement as the families generously love and support the children in their care.
The property includes space and resources for planned activities such as play, meals, and celebrations for families and children.