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< Back Thrive! Summit August 28, 2026 5:00 PM Greensboro, NC Greensboro, NC A two day conference for encouraging & equipping foster and adoptive families. Register Previous Next

A two-day conference encouraging and equipping foster and adoptive families. August 28–29, 2026 at Mercy Hill Church, Greensboro NC. Register today.

Your church can bring hope to NC children in foster care. Order free Annual Offering resources from Baptist Children's Homes and say yes today.

Meet David Melber, CEO of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, leading Christian foster care, adoption, and family support ministries across NC. Meet Our CEO DAVID MELBER Rev. David Melber is in his element whether it is overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget or having a one-on-one Gospel conversation with a person God brings into his path. David has spent the majority of his career serving with Southern Baptist nonprofits. His previous positions include Sr. Vice President of the North American Mission Board, President of Send Relief, and Chief Operating Officer at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board (Note: David will be working with GBMB until December 31, 2024). The success David has been integral in achieving has come as a result of putting the Lord first within all of his endeavors. Throughout his 25 years of experience, God has equipped David to be the ninth CEO of the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH) effective January 2, 2025. David earned his Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He is married to his wife, Tera. They have three biological children and three internationally-adopted children. David calls leading BCH "an opportunity to serve, to share the incredible needs, to build relationships and see the body of Christ mobilized so that lives are changed for all eternity.” Baptist Children's Homes is grateful to have David Melber here to shepherd the ministry into the future that God has in store. Read more about David in the blog article at the link below. READ THE FULL ARTICLE What Others Are Saying View the Photo Gallery

Discover the gospel-centered mission of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, providing Christian foster care, adoption, residential care, and support for children and families. Our Heartbeat The Gospel of Jesus Christ At Baptist Children’s Homes, everything begins with Jesus. The Gospel is not an addition to our work — it is the reason for it. Because Christ has shown us mercy, we move toward children and families with compassion. Because He restores what is broken, we pursue healing. Because He redeems, we believe every story holds hope. Compassion. Healing. Redemption. We serve children in crisis, strengthen families in uncertainty, and support adults who need stability and dignity. Our care is rooted in the conviction that brokenness is not the end of the story. Through faithful presence, safe homes, and Christ-centered support, we walk alongside individuals toward restoration and renewed purpose. From foster care and adoption to residential and adult ministries, our mission remains the same: to bring tangible expressions of the Gospel into everyday life across North Carolina. Serving with the Church We believe the Church is essential to this mission. As churches open their homes, give generously, pray faithfully, and serve consistently, communities are strengthened and lives are changed. Together, we pursue excellence in care and stewardship so that the name of Jesus is honored in all we do. Contact Us

Support for aging adults in North Carolina through NCBAM, a ministry of Baptist Children’s Homes. Providing resources, guidance, and community for seniors and their families. Aging Adults (NCBAM) North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) offers a model ofministry for senior adults—engaging senior adults, equipping churches, and supporting meaningful connections that help seniors live with independence, dignity, purpose, and spiritual connection while sharing the love of Jesus. Supporting Independence with Compassion NCBAM serves older adults through programs that encourage independence while providing trusted support along the way. We come alongside individuals, families, and churches to meet real-life needs with wisdom, compassion, and excellence. Services may include: Practical Support for This is Aging in Place Enrichment workshops designed specifically for older adults Assistance navigating health and life transitions Resource referrals and advocacy through our Call Center and Hope Line We believe independence and support are not opposites. With the right community, aging adults can continue to live with confidence and purpose. Visit NCBAM.ORG

Subscribe to the Baptist Children’s Homes newsletter to receive updates, stories of hope, and ministry impact for children and families across North Carolina. Stay Connected Be encouraged by stories of transformation, learn how to pray and serve, and stay informed about what God is doing through Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Stay Connected With BCH Be encouraged by stories of transformation, learn how to pray and serve, and stay informed about what God is doing through Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. First name* Last name Email* Yes, I want to receive BCH's Stories of Hope * Stay Connected Connect With BCH Online Follow BCH on social media and stay connected to the mission.

Serve as a cottage parent in North Carolina with Baptist Children’s Homes. Provide Christ-centered care, structure, and support for children through residential ministry. Your Mission Field Awaits at Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina If God has called you to serve, to nurture, and to be the steady presence a child desperately needs, then Cottage Parenting may be the ministry He’s preparing you for. At Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Cottage Parents are more than caregivers—they are missionaries stepping into a sacred mission field where hope is planted, trust is rebuilt, and young lives begin to heal. Start Your Journey As a Christian, married couple living in our homes, you become the heartbeat of a cottage family: offering love, structure, discipleship, and encouragement to children who need a safe and Christ-centered home. Your everyday moments—sharing meals, leading devotionals, praying together, guiding routines, celebrating growth—become powerful expressions of the Gospel in action. Start Your Journey ... powerful expressions of the Gospel in action. A Mission Field Close to Home Children in residential care need more than supervision — they need steady, Christ-centered adults who are willing to invest daily in their lives. We believe cottage parents are missionaries. They model patience. They teach responsibility. They disciple through everyday moments. They create stability where there has been chaos. They reflect the love of Christ in both joy and difficulty. This is not simply a position — it is a calling. What Does a Cottage Parent Do? Cottage parents: Live on campus (while on duty) and provide daily supervision and care Create structure and consistency in the home Support children academically and emotionally Encourage spiritual growth and church involvement Partner with counselors and staff to pursue each child’s wellbeing Start Your Journey 1885 — Today This is a calling that changes lives, including your own. You’ll join a ministry that has served North Carolina since 1885 , carrying forward a legacy of compassion and excellence. Surrounded by a supportive team and fueled by faith, you’ll help create a place where children discover their worth and their God-given potential. If you feel God nudging your heart toward mission work that happens not overseas, but right here at home—within the walls of a cottage and in the lives of the children who live there—we invite you to answer that call. Step into the mission. Begin the Conversation

Your church can transform children's lives in NC. Explore mission trips, sponsorships, volunteer days, and giving opportunities with BCH Family. Partnering With Churches to Care for Children and Families Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina works alongside churches to bring the hope of the gospel to children and families in need across our state. The Church Has Always Been God’s Plan From the earliest days of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, churches have been at the heart of this ministry. God designed the church to care for the vulnerable, strengthen families, and bring the hope of the gospel to those who need it most. Together, we share that calling. Across North Carolina, churches partner with BCH in many ways—praying for children and families, serving through volunteer opportunities, equipping members through training, and supporting the mission through generosity. Every church can play a role. Every believer can do something. Explore Ways to Engage How Your Church Can Engage Whether your church is just learning about BCH or has partnered for years, there are meaningful ways your congregation can be involved in caring for children and families. Pray Prayer is the foundation of this ministry. Churches across North Carolina partner with BCH by praying for children, families, foster parents, staff, and ministries serving vulnerable communities. Sign Up for Prayer Updates Learn & Resources Help your church better understand the needs of vulnerable children and families and how believers can respond with compassion and wisdom. Explore resources designed to equip churches with biblical understanding and practical guidance. Explore Resources Training & Events BCH offers training opportunities to equip churches to better serve vulnerable children and families. Many churches participate in trainings such as: Trauma Foundations Practical Applications for Ministry Other ministry training events throughout the year View Upcoming Training & Events Every Child Foster & Adoption Ministry We believe the church plays a vital role in ensuring every child has a safe and loving home.Through Every Child, BCH works with pastors and church leaders to encourage and support families who feel called to foster or adopt.This ministry helps churches create a culture of care where children and families are supported by the body of Christ. Learn About Every Child Learn About Every Child Invite BCH to Share With Your Church A BCH representative would be honored to visit your church and share how God is working through Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. During these visits, churches learn how lives are being transformed through foster care, adoption, residential care, and family ministries—and how their congregation can be part of this work. Invite a Speaker Frequently Asked Questions ➞ How does BCH help churches support foster and adoptive families? BCH equips churches with training, resources, and practical ways to support families through prayer, care teams, and relational support. ➞ Does a church need a foster care program to get involved? No. BCH helps churches identify their unique role, whether supporting families, mentoring youth, or meeting tangible needs. ➞ Why does BCH partner with churches? Churches play a vital role in caring for vulnerable children, and BCH mobilizes the local church to create sustainable, gospel-centered impact. ➞ What training does BCH offer to churches? BCH provides foster care training, trauma-informed workshops, and church mobilization consulting to help congregations serve confidently. ➞ Do churches need special expertise to partner with BCH? No. BCH gives churches everything they need—from tools to training—to begin supporting vulnerable children effectively. ➞ How can a church start a foster care support ministry? Churches can partner with BCH to receive coaching and resources to build sustainable support systems. ➞ Can small churches get involved, or is this just for large congregations? Any size church can make a meaningful impact, and BCH helps each congregation find a role that fits its strengths. ➞ What are practical ways church members can serve? Members can serve through meals, mentoring, respite care, prayer, financial gifts, or joining support teams for foster and adoptive families. Connect with BCH through upcoming events. Throughout the year, we host gatherings and trainings where churches can learn more about the ministry, meet the people behind the work, and discover ways to serve children and families across North Carolina. View Upcoming Events

Support for single mothers and children in North Carolina. Baptist Children’s Homes provides housing, guidance, and Christ-centered care through its Family Care ministry. Single Mom Care At Baptist Children’s Homes, we believe the Gospel restores and strengthens families. Single mothers working toward stability often carry overwhelming responsibilities without consistent support. Through Family Care, we walk alongside mothers and their children with compassion, structure, and encouragement — helping them build lasting stability while keeping their families together. A Place to Rebuild and Grow Family Care provides supportive residential cottage homes for single mothers and their children who are committed to working toward greater independence. Through a structured, nine-month program, mothers receive life-skills training, goal-focused coaching, and access to essential community resources. Our program includes: Safe, stable housing in a supportive environment Life-skills development and financial guidance Counseling and spiritual encouragement Connection to employment and community resources Ongoing mentorship and accountability We believe stability is built step by step — and no mother should have to take those steps alone. Strengthening the Whole Family Family Care is not simply about housing. It is about restoration. We work to strengthen mothers so children can thrive within their own families. By providing structure, encouragement, and practical tools, we help mothers develop the confidence and skills necessary for long-term success. Because we are committed to serving with excellence and compassion, our goal is not temporary relief — it is sustainable independence rooted in dignity and hope. When families are strengthened, communities are strengthened. Learn More About Family Care If you are interested in applying to the Family Care program or referring someone who may benefit, we invite you to connect with our team. We are honored to walk alongside mothers seeking stability and a fresh start. Contact Us to Learn More

Refer a child or family for support through Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Access foster care, residential care, and family services across NC. Make a Referral Do you know a child or family who could benefit from the care and support of Baptist Children’s Homes? We’re here to help. Referrals are welcome from anyone and can be made with a simple email, phone call, or by completing the form below. Children and families are often referred by parents or guardians, social services, pastors, educators, juvenile services, or concerned family members and friends. Complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you soon to learn more and help guide you through the next steps. Make a Referral Refer a Child or Family First name* Last name* Email* Phone Address* County* Message* Submit Prefer to speak with someone directly? You are welcome to contact Baptist Children’s Homes by phone or email instead of completing the form above. Our team will be glad to answer your questions and help guide you through the next steps. Call: 1-800-476-3669 A member of our team will be happy to listen and help determine how we can best assist the child or family you are referring.

Every gift goes a long way in changing the lives of children, families, and aging adults served by Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. Give today! GIVE NEW YEAR GIVING Your kindness is what opens the door for dreams to take shape and, most importantly, for children to know about a Heavenly Father who loves them more than they can imagine—THANK YOU!