Who We Are
Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has been sharing hope and changing lives. Rooted in the love of Christ and supported by churches and compassionate partners, we serve children, families, and individuals with care that restores dignity, strengthens families, and points people to lasting hope.
What We Do
Baptist Children’s Homes serves children, families, and individuals through a variety of ministries designed to meet both immediate and long-term needs.
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These ministries include:
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Residential care for children
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Foster care and adoption services
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Family support programs
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Support for single mothers and families in crisis
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Partnerships with churches to strengthen communities
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Through these ministries, we work to provide stability, encouragement, and opportunities for individuals to build stronger futures.
Our Story
The story of Baptist Children’s Homes began in 1885, when a young girl named Mary Presson stepped off a train in Thomasville, North Carolina, the very first child received into care at the Thomasville orphanage.
At the time, the ministry began as a small orphanage serving vulnerable children in North Carolina. What started with a single location and a small group of caring individuals has grown into a network of ministries serving children, families, and individuals across multiple communities.
Over the decades, the ministry expanded to respond to the changing needs of families. Today, Baptist Children’s Homes serves individuals through residential care, foster care and adoption services, family support ministries, and church partnerships designed to strengthen communities.
While much has changed since those early days, the heart of the ministry remains the same: offering hope and help to those who need it most.
Our Faith
At Baptist Children’s Homes, our work is rooted in the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
Our faith shapes everything we do—from how we care for children and families to how we partner with churches and communities. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to experience hope.
Because of this conviction, our ministries seek not only to meet physical and emotional needs, but also to point people to the lasting hope found in Christ.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Baptist Children’s Homes is committed to serving children and families with integrity, accountability, and excellence.
Our ministry maintains accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA) and follows rigorous standards to ensure the highest level of care and stewardship.
Through ongoing evaluation, professional training, and careful oversight, we continually work to strengthen our programs so that every child and family we serve receives the best possible care.
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A Legacy of Hope
Since 1885, God has used this ministry to impact countless lives.
1885 – The Beginning
The ministry begins in Thomasville, North Carolina, when Mary Presson becomes the first child in care.
Mid-1900s – Growing the Mission
As the ministry expands, additional campuses and programs are developed to meet the needs of children across North Carolina.
1990s–2000s – Expanding Care
Baptist Children’s Homes broadens its ministries to include foster care, adoption services, family support, and specialized programs for individuals facing difficult life circumstances.
Today – Continuing the Mission
Through multiple ministry locations and partnerships with churches and communities, Baptist Children’s Homes continues its mission of sharing hope and changing lives.
The needs of children and families may change over time, but our calling remains the same—to serve with compassion, excellence, and faith.
For more than 140 years, Baptist Children’s Homes has stood alongside children and families in moments of hardship, offering care, encouragement, and hope for the future.
Learn more about where our ministries serve communities.