CHARITY AND CHILDREN

125 years

April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; But the greatest of these is charity. Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina

Please give to BCH’s Easter Appeal! (see page 5) Your support of Food Roundup is vital. (see page 8)

Only subtle changes were made to the banner fornearly 50 years. Marse Grant served as editor from

1949 to 1959. (See related story on page 3.)

F i r s t t o t e l l t h e s t o r y !

1 8 8 7 2 0 1 2

North off Highway 421 beyond the bustle of Boone is a haven for a group of adults

with special needs. Joy Cove Ministries is nestledoff the beaten path and tucked in the mountains.

“We are so far back here that nobody knows about us,” Joy Cove administrator NikkiJohnson laughingly says.

But the solitude is conducive to the residents’needs. Joy Cove’s two group homes – ThreeForks Home for men and Lindsay Home forwomen – sit side by side down a curving paveddriveway.

“It’s wonderful here,” twenty-three-year-oldMatt says. “You can judge this book by its cover.It’s beautiful on the outside and on the inside –especially the people.”

Matt has been diagnosed with Asperger syn-drome. It is an autism spectrum disorder and ischaracterized primarily by significant difficultiesin social interaction. Other characteristics includerepetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior,activities and interestswithout significantdelay in language orcognitive develop-ment.

Matt came to liveat Three Forks Hometo achieve greaterindependence. Hehad become with-drawn and was experi-encing difficultiesrelating to his family, especially his two siblings.

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) operatesnine group homes for adults with special needsin six communities around North Carolina.BCH’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry

(DDM) provides residents long-term residentialcare and opportunities to achieve goals in com-munity-based, gender-specific group homes.

“I feel better about myself,”Matt says. “I have a job, I haveactivities and I help around thehouse – I really enjoy the times Icook for the other guys.”

Matt is an avid reader andspends lots of time playing videogames. But those are not his onlyinterests. Matt has a green thumb.He nurtures plants in his room andis quick to offer visitors a clippingor a sprig of cactus.

Initially, Matt’s Aspergers created new challenges for the home’s staff. A trainer fromthe Autism Society of North Carolina workedwith Matt and the caregivers, offering techniques

and tools for Matt to achieve greater success.The use of behavior modification flash cards hasbeen very useful. Matt responds better to direc-tion by reading cues than to verbal cues.

The relationship between Matt and staff mem-bers is life changing for Matt. He has gone fromstruggling to reach his goals to achieving almost100 percent proficiency.

“My favorite things about living here are thepeople,” Matt asserts. “People are nice here –lots of love.”

Residents at BCH’s DDM homes experience a safe, home-like environment. Christian care-givers provide quality care with a loving touch.

“This is our mission,” Johnson says, “to be able to offer God’s love to each of ourresidents – for them to see God workingthrough us as we serve them.”See related story on page 7.

Joy Cove OffersMatt Success___________________________________________________

By W. James (Jim) Edminson, Editor

Twenty-three-year-old Matt is thriving at Three Forks Home located in Zionville. Matt’s Aspergers syndrome is not limiting him from growing more independent. Matt loves to kid around and is very witty. Pictured below, Matt hams

it up for the camera as he is playfully attacked by his stuffed Simba the Lion toy.

Charity & Children - Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Michael C.Blackwell, publisher; W. James (Jim) Edminson, editor (email: wjedminson@bchfamily.org); J. Blake Ragsdale, managing editor (email: jbragsdale@bchfamily.org). Charity & Children (ISSN 0009-1723-09 USPS 100-460) is published once a month for friends and supporters of Baptist Children’sHomes and is printed at Stone Printing, High Point, NC. It is mailed by Excalibur, Winston-Salem, NC. Circulation: 66,000 four times a year,46,000 eight times a year. Periodicals postage paid at Thomasville, NC and at additional mailing offices. For free subscription, or to be removedfrom the mailing list or to make address correction or change, write circulation manager Karen Fincher (using the above address), email her atkfincher@bchfamily.org or call her at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at www.bchfamily.org/contact/index/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER:Send change of address to Charity & Children, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

2 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Find Baptist Children’s Homes on Facebook

They looked like the all-American family: Tom,the smiling, smartly dressed pastor of a loving

church, and his wife, a short-order cook and con-cerned mother. The guidance and care they provid-ed for their only son, Matt, shone through in hispleasant demeanor and above-average grades inschool.

But this picture of happiness crumbled as Mattturned the corner from adolescence. Gradually, histeenage behavior deteriorated. Not only did hisgrades drop with a thud, but he also became angryand violent, lashing out at his mother and otherstudents.

Stressed out, Sandra felt relieved on occasionswhen Matt left the house, mumbling, “I’m goingto see a friend.” Of course, had she known that thefriend happened to be her son’s marijuana supplier,her peace would have flared into panic.

Despite Matt’s efforts to hide the truth, itbecame too blatant to ignore. Afraid for their son’s safety, concerned for what his future held,and overcoming the fear of what their congrega-tion might say, Tom and Sandra sought help. Theytook him to Cameron Boys Camp, one of the programs operated by the Baptist Children’sHomes network in North Carolina.

There they learned that it was not just Matt who had a problem. The whole family had toresolve the issues that had torn them apart.

Like other residents, Matt checked in with aload of emotional and behavioral baggage that wastoo heavy to lug around at home. He would spendthe next two years releasing those feelings as hecanoed hundreds of miles, backpacked to remoteareas, and swam in rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Soon after Matt checked in, a case manager discovered the source of his anger. When Matt wasa toddler, his father had a drug problem whichcaused a marital separation.

Although his father overcame his addiction,turned to God, and reconciled his marriage, thescars remained. As Matt grew older, he also grewfurther apart from Tom. Like his father, he strug-gled to control his temper.

It took the passage of time coupled with intensepersonal effort and numerous counseling sessionsto reconcile the family. Father and son learned howto agree and disagree.

Sandra saw her role in the situation, explaining,“We think as parents, ‘Camp will fix the boys andsend them home when they are finished,’ but itdoesn’t work that way. We told Matt, ‘It’s not justyou; we are all going to set goals.’ We all hadsomething to learn.”

Though this story is still being written, it isheaded in the right direction. Matt has returnedhome. He and his father enjoy fishing together,building model airplanes, and working on the goals they set earlier.

But this improved state of affairs easily couldhave ended in disaster. His parents could haveallowed fears of damaged pride, inconvenience or possible social reprisals to bottle up the truth.Sooner or later, ignoring brewing trouble is likelighting a stick of dynamite.

Relunctant SeekerPeople often are reluctant to seek help for emo-

tional, psychological, family, or marital problems.Always trying to put on a happy face, they retreatinto a state of denial. While denial can help onetemporarily cope with harsh circumstances, it isfoolish to pitch a tent in never-never land.

Of course, the roots of this problem go back fordecades. Earlier in my career, I regularly counseled

couples withtroubled mar-riages – or atleast I tried. I cannot counthow many timesthat a marriagewas on the rocksand one party(usually the hus-band) would say, “Ah, I don’tneed that. If shewants to go,

that’s fine, but I’ll just gut it out.” Sadly, divorce seems to be tightening its ugly

grip on our society, when many marriages could be salvaged if the couple would just ask for help.While there are numerous factors behind divorce, a leading problem is communication. When thesechannels get clogged, the match is in trouble.

It reminds me of a cartoon I saw once thatshowed a husband and wife sitting together at thebreakfast table, sipping coffee. The wife is thinking,“Our marriage is in trouble. We better talk aboutit.” The husband is thinking, “Our marriage is introuble. I better keep my mouth shut.”

No matter what the problem, take time to dis-cuss it with a trusted friend, confidant, counselor,or other adviser. Seeking help is a sign of strength,not weakness.

In recent decades, society has made progress at getting past the macho, all-American embrace of pride and self-reliance. Still, we have not con-quered the problem. Too many people lead lives of quiet desperation. They get out of bed, go towork, breathe and eat, but life holds little meaning,joy or fulfillment.

Sometimes, getting to the next level, whether in a job, a marriage, a relationship, or even just a hobby, takes more resources than you possess. So why not seek out those who can help instead of turning away from them?

You would not try to set a broken arm at homewith an old tree limb for a splint or operate onyourself to remove a ruptured appendix. Norshould you allow personal problems to afflict youlike migraine headaches. Look for those who canhelp you overcome them.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s Okay To Seek Help_________________________________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President

April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Charity & Children 3More stories at www.bchfamily.org

Four-year-old Dane listens intently to pre-kindergarten teacher Pam Barefoot as she

reads to the class. The children sit quietly witheach other. Barefoot allows for questions andeach child’s input is welcomed. The children arebenefitting from the class at Baptist Children’sHomes’ Robert Idol Child Development Centeron the Mills Home campus in Thomasville.

“I definitely feel like Dane is gaining a lotfrom the Pre-K program,” Dane’s father JoshBullins says. “It is an advantage for children likeDane to participate in the program – both edu-cationally and socially.”

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NCPK),formerly known as “More at Four,” is a state-funded preschool opportunity for qualifying families that is administered by Smart Start inDavidson County. Four-year-old children whoqualify attend during the school year prior toentering kindergarten. Children may qualifybased on family income, health or developmentalconcerns, or non-fluency in English.

“Dane was shy and withdrawn when he firststarted Pre-K,” Bullins says. “He now has friendsat school and is learning how to interact with theother children and with his teachers. He is moreprepared now to begin kindergarten.”

The NCPK program is very important forNorth Carolina’s children and families because

it prepares at-risk children to learn when theyenter kindergarten. The children who attendpre-kindergarten learn important educational,emotional and social skills that make them moresuccessful once they begin school.

The Bullins family qualifies based on theirincome under the current regulations, but thereis a proposal in the state legislature that couldput the program out of reach for Dane’syounger brother Gavin who could attend thisfall. The proposal would lower the income rangeleaving the Bullins family and other NorthCarolina families like them unable to participate.

“I understand the State needs to save money.I think we all understand,” say Bullins. “Butputting these children aside to save money –it’s disappointing.”

BCH serves children and families through

three NCPK classrooms. “I don’t think there should be any kind of

qualifying income,” Bullins confides. “This typeof education experience should be available toevery child.”

Early childhood programming is vital to theState’s current and future economic well-being.Learning begins at birth and by the time a childis five years old, 90% of his brain structure isformed. The early years of development are criti-cal to a child’s success throughout their educa-tion experience.

“I don’t believe North Carolinians are willingto make cuts that put our kids on the back burn-er,” Bullins concludes. “I believe we need toinvest and teach our kids right so they can bepart of fixing the future.”

Dane BenefitsFrom NCPK___________________________________________________

By W. James (Jim) Edminson, EditorAND Linda Russo, Weekday Education Director

Four-year-old Dane’s brother Gavin may not have the opportunity in the fall to attend pre-kindergarten if the NCPK qualifying income is lowered. Dane, pictured above listening during storytime, is benefitting from participating

in the program and is more ready to begin kindergarten in the coming school year.

Commemorate

Charity & Children’s 125th Anniversary by making a one-time gift of $12.50 above your regular, yearly financial contributions to BCH. To mark this special occasion and to show your appreciation and love for Charity & Children, send your one-time gift to:

Charity & Children, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361

After decades of gaining prominence,Charity & Children (C&C) faced a chal-

lenge that questioned its role in Baptist life.Detractors in the later part of the 1950s believedthe publication should serve only as the “houseorgan” for Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH).Charity & Children had carried news of allBaptist undertakings in the state, nation andworld. It was the source for news for manyNorth Carolina Baptists.

The papers competition was The BiblicalRecorder. At the time, Baptists thought the twopapers overlapped and that it would be wiser todistinguish their purposes or merge the two.

Recalling a heated moment during a Baptistmeeting regarding C&Cs future, then BCH

president W.R. Wagoner stated that “During theensuing discussion, a spokesman for The BiblicalRecorder tore an issue of Charity & Children toshreds, pitched it on the rostrum and said ‘Thisis the end of Charity & Children!’”

No formal action was ever taken, and Charity& Children continued to be published. However,it did eventually evolve into an informationalpublication for Baptist Children’s Homes on itsown accord.

After the long tenure of Editor Arch McMillan,noted North Carolina journalist J. Marse Grantbecame editor in 1950. John E. Roberts, anothernewspaper man, followed in 1960 and serveduntil 1965. When Roberts left, the paper had a circulation of 55,000.

C&C’s Third 25 Years: 1937-1962

It was Easter morning and I was probably eight or nine years old. My mother always

woke early on Sunday mornings to prepare forthe day. Easter Sundays were a little different;not only did she prepare a special breakfast, butshe fixed our Easter baskets. We would have adelicious breakfast together and open our basketsbefore going to Easter sunrise service.

This Easter morning I could hear her beautifulvoice singing as she worked to make Eastermorning special for her family. All was well withthe world until I heard a screeching yell comefrom the living room.

My mother had risen early to wash and curlher hair. We did not have a hair dryer, and I’mnot sure hair dryers even existed at that time.Her hair would not dry, and she was determinednot to go to church in hair curlers.

Remembering necessity is the mother ofinvention – my mother hatched a plan. Our fam-ily had a vacuum cleaner with return air feature.So, my mother decided to use the air from thereturn to dry her hair – but she forgot to checkto see if the bag was empty.

I ran into the living room where my mothersat and there she was with her head covered in

dirt. I thought to

myself, “Do notdare laugh!” But thesight of her got the best of me. I laughed. . .she laughed along with me. . .and the day was joyous.

Easter and the events of spring alwaysbring joy and laughter to my heart. These past few weeks have brought several days of 60 degree weather. The bright yellow daffodilsand forsythia have brought new life to my yard. I have enjoyed walks and morning cups of coffeeon my porch. I have also enjoyed watching ourcampus come alive as children are outside play-ing, riding their bikes, and a few trying theirhands at kite flying. The joyous squeals as theyrun ahead of their kite is infectious and fills yourheart as you listen and watch. The sunshine notonly warms the day, but definitely warms heartsas they play and giggle.

It is so important for our children to be children again. So many of them have beenforced to grow up too quickly. They’ve had tolearn to survive on their own because home wasnot a safe place. Some have had to take on theresponsibility for younger siblings when theirparents have been unable to do the duties. Inmany ways, they’ve had their childhood stolenfrom them. While we cannot erase their pasts, we can make a difference in their lives today and the future.

As Easter approaches, I am preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. At BCH,we see the power of the resurrection every day in the changed lives of the children. Every day,

I see children finding new hope and experiencingnew life as they receive desperately needed sup-port, encouragement and love.

These are ways you can help at this time: 1. Give a special Easter financial gift.2. April is child abuse awareness month. Be

a voice for children. 3. Become an I.G. Greer Society member.

Include BCH in your will and help us sustainour ministry.

4. Pray daily for our children and staff. It ismy prayer that the light of the resurrection willflood the darkness in the lives of the children

and families entrusted to us, and it will change them forever. Will you make this your prayer?

Will you also pray that we all will experience the newness of life, hope and possibilities

that is the Easter story?I can still hear children’s squeals of

laughter and see their smiles getting bigger and bigger as they run. The smiles and

laughter of an abused child are the reflection of a miracle.

Thank you for helping us see the reflection of the miracle that God isworking in each child and each family’slife. Thank you for helping to bringsmiles and laughter. I hope you and

your family experiencea glorious Easter celebration!

WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS

Reflections Of A Miracle___________________________________________________

By Brenda B. Gray

Learn more at www.bchfamily.org/support/plannedgiving4 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3

Brenda Gray’s passion is children. She serves BCH as the executive vice president, development & communications. Gray directs all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for the state-wide services.

One-time gift: _____ $300.00 = one child’s bed Monthly gift: _____ $25.00 x 12 months = $300.00

_____ $600.00 = two children’s beds _____ $50.00 x 12 months = $600.00

_____ $3,000.00 = a cottage (10 beds) _____ $250.00 x 12 months = $3,000.00

Name ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State ___ Zip _________ Phone ___________________ E-mail ___________________________

__ Visa __ MC Exp. Date: ______ Name on card: ________________________________________________ 3 digits on back ___ ___ ___

Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Signature:______________________________________________

Print information as you would like it to appear on your “Sweet Dreams” Bed Plaque: (Limit to 23 characters with spaces)

Line 1 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Line 2 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Line 3 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Become a child’s bed sponsorSponsor a single bed, a room with two beds, or an entire cottage for

12 months. A plaque with your name, or in honor or memory of someone special, is mounted on a child’s bed. Your gift reminds children that

you are remembering them.

Be Involved!Plan for your church to be a part of BCH’sSpring events and mission opportunities!

April – Food Roundup:www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup

May 1 – Founders Day: Cameron Boys Camp inCameron

May 5 – Friends of Children Workday: Kennedy Home in Kinston, Mills Home in Thomasville, CameronBoys Camp in Cameron, Oak Ranch in Sanford

May 12 – Friends of Children Workday: Camp Duncan for girls in Aberdeen, Odum Home in Pembroke

May 12 – Barbecue Festival: Broyhill Home in Clyde

For more information on how you or your church can participate, call 1.800.476.3669 ext. 1277.

Because of your help,Kelsey Accepted Jesus!

April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Charity & Children 5Give your Easter gift online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow

E A S T E R A P P E A L

In the middle of a pine forest, Kelsey gave her heart to Christ. The sixteen-year-old lives at CampDuncan in Aberdeen, Baptist Children’s Homes’ residential wilderness program for girls, where Kelsey is receiving compas-sionate care to conquer her anger and heartache. Kelsey’s relationship with Christ is giving her new hope!

While Camp Duncan’s residents often hike wooded trails as a part of the therapeutic wilderness program, those forestpathways cannot compare to the tumultuous terrain Kelsey had to navigate as a child. Her young life was marked byabuse. The deep hurts that had taken root in her heart as a result of the trauma was more than Kelsey could handle. Her mother, who had also been abused as a child, tried to comfort her daughter, but Kelsey’s pain was too great.

Kelsey’s mother turned to Baptist Children’s Homes. Through the guidance of her Camp Duncan counselors, known as “chiefs”, Kelsey is thriving. Her relationship with her mom is healing. And her anger and pain are diminishing especially since the dayChief Paul shared Christ’s love with Kelsey underneath the canopy of trees at the forested campsite.

You have given Kelsey new hope! Because you choose to support Baptist Children’s Homes, you have given Kelsey a fresh start. Camp Duncan was there for Kelsey’s mother when she was in desperate need. And because of you, Chief Paul shared the hope of Jesus with Kelsey.

In 2011, 65 of our Baptist Children’s Homes’ residents accepted Christ because of your help! What better way to celebrate Easter and Christ’s glorious resurrection than to give a gift honoring Kelsey and the lives of our residents who have given their hearts to the Lord. In 2011,we helped 5,700 children and families! And just as you have made provision for Kelsey, your gift will make a difference in the lives of boys and girls currentlyin Baptist Children’s Homes’ care as well as those who will be coming soon.

Kelsey and her mother were able to turn to Baptist Children’s Homes because of you! It is only through your generosity that our nonprofit ministry is able to be open and available to children and families in crisis. They are counting on you. Your Easter gift means so much!

With kindness,

Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

P.S. Did you know that 70% of Baptist Children’s Homes’ residentscome to us unchurched? Your Easter gift is not only important for provid-ing every day care to boys and girls, but it goes toward meeting their spiritu-al needs as well. We are able to share the gospel with North Carolina childrenwho are unreached because of your help. Please make your gift today! Youcan give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow to help immediately.

Must have Credit Card Expiration Date: __________Three-digit security code (on back of card): ___ ___ ___

Contact me with information on how to prepare a Christian Will. I have included Baptist Children’s Homes in my estate plans.

$25 $50 $100 $300 $ ______________ Any size gift!

I want to celebrate Easter by sharing Christ’s love with children.

Name _____________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Option: Visa Mastercard Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Mail to: BCHP.O. Box 338Thomasville, NC27361

To give immediately click on www.bchfamily.org/givenow

_______________________________

“Every day since then is better –better because I have a relation-

ship with Jesus. A weight hasbeen lifted off me.”

– Kelsey_______________________________

6 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Find Baptist Children’s Homes videos on YouTube

Unwanted and unloved – this is exactly howTravis felt. He spent his childhood believing

his life was inconsequential to his parents. Insteadof embracing their son, his mom and dad spentmore time embracing their addictions.

“My mother was a cocaine addict and myfather a drunk,” Travis reveals.

As a young boy, Travis would bounce back and forth from his mother’s house to his father’shouse. His dad was often completely disconnectedfrom his son because of his alcoholism. Whenwith his mom, it was not uncommon for her to leave Travis alone at night while she went in search of her next high.

On one occasion, Travis’ mother stayed awaydays leaving her son with a friend she barely knew.News of this incident left Travis’ father distraught.Worried about his son, he called his sister Karento see if she and her husband would take care ofTravis while he sorted his personal struggles.

“My husband Daniel and our two childrenagreed that there wasn’t anything to discuss,”Karen recalls.“Travis was coming to stay with us.”

What the family could not prepare for was the raw emotion and anger the seven-year-old boy would bring with him. Travis completelyshouldered the blame for his parents’ problems.But he was also dealingwith severe trust issuesregarding his mom. Hetook his frustration outon his aunt who was nowTravis’ mother figure.

“While my uncle was at work, all my painwould come out on AuntKaren,” Travis explains.

Years passed, but hisparents’ personal issuesdid not improve. As aresult, Karen and Danielwere granted permanentcustody of Travis. Andwhile the judge left thedoor open for his parents to one day gain visita-tion rights, or even regain custody, it was clear toTravis that they were not working towards thatgoal. His self-worth continued to plummet whilehis anger elevated to new highs.

One Sunday after the family returned home

from church, Travis’ emotions erupted.“He said his parents didn’t love him, he want-

ed to die, and he wanted to leave,” Karen says.“We knew that through our family, his therapistand the guidance of our church, we had doneeverything we could for Travis. We reached out to Cameron Boys Camp for help.”

When Travis and his aunt and uncle first visitedBaptist Children’s Homes’ residential wildernessprogram near Southern Pines, things clickedimmediately for the thirteen-year-old boy.

“I knew I had to focus on taking care ofmyself,” Travis says. “It was like God was sayingthat Camp is the right place for me.”

Travis had become a believer and was baptized at his aunt’s and uncle’s church. Cameron Boys

Camp chiefs – counselors thatprovide guidance to the boysand live with them at camp-sites – and Camp social workershelped Travis understand howGod could heal his hurt.

“I had hated God because ofthe things that had happened inmy life” Travis explains. “OnceI understood that these thingsweren’t my fault, I was able torecommit my relationship toHim. God has much betterthings in store for me.”

Through Camp’s Christ-cen-tered focus and unique supportstructure, Travis shared about

his pain and feelings for the very first time.“Camp pushed me to deal with it,” he says.

“The respect chiefs show us campers, and weshow them, made me realize I needed to bedoing that at home.”

Throughout his two years at Camp, Travis andhis aunt and uncle attended family sessions withCamp staff. They have worked through the paintogether.

“Aunt Karen is the mom I should’ve had,”Travis says. “Uncle Dan is like my second dad.”

Before coming to Cameron Boys Camp, Travismade the choice to cut off all communicationswith his mom and dad so he could focus on hisgoals. With the help of his family, Travis is makinga careful reconnection with his father.

“He’s cut down on his drinking, and he has a job,” Travis says. “During one of my home visitsto my aunt and uncle’s, dad came over with a bas-ketball goal that we put up together. We’re enjoy-ing a good relationship.”

Now fifteen years old, the dark days for Travishave receded. He will soon return home to hisAunt Karen and Uncle Dan.

“Travis saw people at Camp, who weren’t hisfamily, be completely committed to him and hishealing,” Karen explains. “He saw churches comeand support camp. Travis saw God’s hands andfeet at work here on Earth. And everything every-one has done has made healing possible.”

Travis has shared his story of growth and heal-ing in many churches. His poise and his ability toarticulate caught the attention of BCH presidentMichael C. Blackwell who has provided encour-agement to Travis and has offered to coach himin his public speaking endeavors.

Travis ConquersPersonal Pain___________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale

Fifteen-year-old Travis and Chief Brad stop to wash their hands as they hike the trail leading to the Rangers campsite. Travis has experienced both personal and family healing while living two years at Cameron Boys Camp.

He has recommitted his relationship to God and is returning home to live with his Aunt Karen and Uncle Dan.

Travis’ Campsite TourFind “Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina”

on Facebook, YouTube or Vimeo to watch Travis’ two-minute video tour of Cameron Boys Camp.

VIDEO EXTRA!

Scan with your smartphone to watchTravis’video tour of Camp on YouTube!You can also watch on Facebook andVimeo.

The Developmental Disabilities Ministry(DDM) of Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH)

provides long-term residential care to adults withspecial needs. Residents are provided opportuni-ties to achieve goals and reach their highest levelof independence in community-based, gender-specific group homes located around the state.

“Our group homes are different from othergroup homes in North Carolina,” BCH SpecialMinistries director Martha Surratt says. “Ourclean, attractive, comfortable homes provide a family atmosphere in a warm, loving, Christianenvironment. Weactually strive tobuild families whenwe place residents in our homes.”

The DDM pro-gram provides trans-portation; social andrecreational activities;and assistance asneeded with daily living skills. Grouphome caregivers teach daily livingskills includinghealthy meal prepara-tion and offer manyopportunities forspiritual enrichment.The goal for each resident is to achieve the high-est level of independence within the least restric-tive environment. Nine homes are located in six Tar Heel communities.

BCH established the DevelopmentalDisabilities Ministry in 2000. Havingprovided residential care for childrensince 1885, BCH was asked to use itsexpertise to lead in the creation ofgroup homes fordevelopmentally disabled adults.

“It is super impor-tant that BCH offers this type of ministry,”Surratt continues. “We are meeting ahuge need. We notonly provide a long-term home – maybeeven a lifetime homefor our residents –

but we provide much neededrelief to their parents. Many are aging and can rest in theassurance that their child will

be taken care of beyond the parent’s lifetime.” Do you have questions? Contact the DDM

administration office at 336-474-1261 or 336-474-1245. To learn more about the ministry,download an application, and see the video

“Lindsey’sStory,” go towww.hereismy-home.org.

Download the VBS video and additional resources at www.bchkids.org April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Charity & Children 7

DDM EffortsSuper Important___________________________________________________

Vacation Bible School kids helping Baptist Children’s Homes kids!

Share Kimani’s video with your VBS! Find the video, VBS leader guides, activity sheetand other downloadable resources at www.bchkids.org. Order a DVD at 1.800.476.3669, ext. 1209.

Kimani was 12 years old when he first came to Broyhill Home. He had been starved and neglected by theadults in his life. Today, Kimani is thriving at Baptist Children’s Homes and has accepted Christ becausechurches have given to the Baptist Children’s Homes mission.

IT’S POWERFUL TO SEE CHILDREN HELPING OTHER CHILDREN! Your church’s VBS can helpmeet the needs of North Carolina boys and girls like Kimani. Share the Baptist Children'sHomes ministry with your VBS and collect a missions offering to purchaseclothes, school supplies and other provisions for BCH children. Kimani’s Video

Baptist Children’s Homes operates nine group homes for adults with special needs in six communities around the state.Established in 2000, the Developmental Disabilities Ministry provides quality, caring environments where residents can

reach their highest level of independence. Pictured left to right are Three Forks Home residents R.L., Matt and Ben.

Scan the QR Code with yoursmartphone andvisit the DDM website:

www.hereismyhome.org

“Lindsey’s Story” You can view this special DDM video

on BCH’s YouTube and Vimeo channels, on BCH’s FaceBook Page and at

www.hereismyhome.org

Food/ Cooking Items:__ Canned Fruits__ Bottled Water__ Fruit Cocktail__ Juice (Apple, Orange,

Grape, Cranberry)__ Dry Cereal__ Spaghetti Sauce__ Pasta (Spaghetti,

Lasagna, Macaroni)__ Canned Tomatoes

(diced, sauce, paste)__ Pancake Mix & Syrup__ Soups (Cream of

Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth)

__ Sugar (Granulated & Brown)

__ Splenda__ Popcorn, Kettle Corn__ Apple Sauce__ Fruit Pie Filling (Cherry,

Peach)__ Beverage Mixes (Tea, Tang, Kool-Aid, Lemonade, Cider Mix - All Sugar Free)

__ Vegetable & Olive Oil, Shortening, Pam Cooking Spray, Bakers Choice

__ Canned Sweet Potatoes, Canned Yams

__ Canned Meats (pink salmon, tuna, chicken - packed in water)

__ Stuffing Mix__ Gravy Mixes

__ Tuna, Chicken, & Hamburger Helper

__ Pickles (Sweet, Dill, Sweet Relish)

__ Refried Beans__ Hot Chocolate Mix__ Snack Foods with & with

out sugar (Fruit Rollups, Fruit Cups, Cheese Nips, Pretzels, Rice Krispies Treats, Vanilla Wafers, etc.)

__ Health Snack Foods (Dried Fruit, Raisins, Cranraisins)

__ Individual Cookie Packs__ Jello__ PopTarts__ Rice__ Instant Potatoes__ Banana Muff. Mix__ Bisquick Mix__ Kidney Beans__ Baked Beans__ Pickle Relish__ Cranberry Sauce__ Mac & Cheese__ Corn Meal__ Jiffy Mixes,

Corn Muffin Mix__ Potatoes__ Hush Puppy Mix

__ Peanut Butter__ Jelly, Jams, Preserves

(Strawberry is afavorite)

__ Pizza & Pizza Dough Mix__ Saltine, Ritz, Graham Crackers__ Sauces (A-1, Steak, BBQ, Texas Pete, Cheese, Worcestershire)

__ Spices and Seasonings (including Salt & Pepper)

__ Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce

__ Brownie & Cookie Mix__ Canned Vegetables__ Soups (Tomato, Chicken

Noodle, Vegetable)__ Hot Dog Chili__ Coffee (Regular & Decaf)__ Coffee Creamer__ Sweet Condensed Milk__ Evaporated Milk__ Flavorings (Vanilla, etc.)__ French Fried Onions__ Honey__ Ketchup__ Mustard__ Oatmeal__ Parmesan Cheese__ Puddings__Salsa

__ Vinegar

Non-Food Items:__ Paper Products

(Towels, toilet paper, Kleenex)

__ Dishwashing detergent (Cascade, Jet Dry, Ivory, Dawn)

__ Washing Powder or Liquid (Tide, Cheer, Ajax, Arm & Hammer (allergen free)

__ Fabric Softener (Dryer Sheets)

__ Brooms, Mops, scrub brushes,dust pans

__ Clorox Bleach__ Clorox II Cleaner__ Windex Window Cleaner__ Foil and Plastic Wrap__ Ajax or Comet Cleanser__ SOS Pads__ Sanitary Pads & Tampons__ Hand Lotion__ Shampoo__ Body Wash__ Soap__ Paper Products (Cups,

Plates, Bowls, Plastic Ware)__ Furniture Polish (Pledge,

Murphy’s Oil, Kleen Guard)__ Lysol Spray and Cleaner__ Pine Sol Floor Cleaner__ Shout Pre-Wash Spray__ Soft Scrub__ SOS Pads__ Spray and Wash__ Tilex Mildew Remover__ Trash Bags (large & small)__ Zip-Loc bags (Sandwich,

Snack, Quart & Gallon Size)__ Band Aids__ Rubbing Alcohol/Peroxide__ Razors__ Shaving Cream/Shaving Gel__ Dental Floss__ Tooth Brushes__ Tooth Paste__ Deodorant__ Conditioner__ Hair Brushes__ Diapers (Sizes 3’s, 4’s,

and 5’s)__ Bug Repellent__ Wasp/Hornet Spray__ Sunblock 30+__ Batteries (AA and AAA)__ Disposable Gloves (Latex

& Non-latex)

Food Roundup resources at www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup8 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3

Alexander AssociationKen Lambert/Lari Stucky828-632-6546Anson AssociationBuz Parks704-475-2988Ashe AssociationDavid Blackburn336-246-5631Atlantic AssociationRachel Dupre/David Phelps252-447-4593Avery AssociationWade Huntsinger828-260-6839Beulah AssociationWilma Foushee336-364-2338Bladen AssociationBruce or Wendy Cannon910-862-3496Blue Ridge AssociationSharon Baldwin828-460-6290Brier Creek AssociationSherry Mesimer336-468-8000Brunswick AssociationPatricia Lewis910-754-7979Brushy MountainAssociationRaymond Blevins orLois Woodie336-838-4407

Buncombe AssociationSusie Black828-252-1864Burnt Swamp AssociationOdum HomeKathy Locklear910-318-5826Cabarrus AssociationMarvin Tyson704-786-9171 or(Church#)704-455-9611Caldwell AssociationDale Fisher828-758-4081Carolina AssociationDr. Sandy Beck828-216-3459Catawba River AssociationMarlene Houk828-437-0137Catawba Valley AssociationHighland BC, Hickory, NCLisa Skinner828-328-2683Cheoah AssociationNew Hope BC, RobbinsvilleNellie & Gerald Phillips828-479-8279Chowan AssociationRob Roberts252-426-9621Columbus AssociationChadbourn Baptist ChurchTheresa Powell910-654-3992

Cullom AssociationShirley Phillips252-257-4513Dan Valley AssociationDr. Randy Cash336-342-2207Dock AssociationAl Gore910-640-0801Eastern Association1. Warsaw BC, WarsawKim Matthis910-293-42362. Grove Park Baptist ChurchShelley Wiggins910-592-3937Elkin AssociationBill Davis/Lisa Green336-835-8433Flat River AssociationBecky Curran919-693-2300French Broad AssociationDru Moore828-689-2845Graham AssociationNew Hope BC, RobbinsvilleNellie & Gerald Phillips828-479-8279Greater Cleveland Assoc.Charles Reed704-482-3472Greater Gaston AssociationBetty Hamilton704-867-7257

Green River AssociationBilly Honeycutt828-286-9278Haywood AssociationBroyhill HomeLinda Morgan828-627-9254Johnston AssociationJohnston Comm. CollegeCarolyn Tharrington919-934-3749Liberty AssociationMills Home, ThomasvilleAlan Williams336-474-1277Little River AssociationAlice Davis910-893-4282Macon AssociationCindy Bohner828-524-3215Metrolina AssociationBob Lowman/Angie Wolff704-375-1197Mitchell AssociationDaniel Whetstine828-765-9412Montgomery AssociationMarie Dunn910-572-2451Mount Zion AssociationKelly Stutts336-226-0249Neuse AssociationKennedy Home, KinstonDawn Millard

252-527-4406New River AssociationGlenna Devinney910-347-3146New South RiverAssociationRobert Ivey910-485-8791North Roanoke AssociationAssociation OfficeDebbie Williams252-443-3883Pee Dee AssociationLanell Moree910-895-5282Piedmont AssociationRebecca Newlin336-275-7651Pilot Mountain AssociationKaren Taylor336-759-7622Polk AssociationHubert Street828-894-3787Raleigh AssociationIris Woodard919-231-3995Randolph AssociationDrema Hill or Steven Sells336-625-4175Robeson AssociationDon Goforth/Mary LynnDavis: 910-738-8186Rocky Face AssociationNeal Walker828-632-8155

Rowan AssociationCindy Key704-637-3407Sandhills AssociationPatty Lunday910-947-2238Sandy Creek AssociationNancy Evans919-776-9423Sandy Run AssociationLoretta Winters orMarvin Green828-245-2613South Fork AssociationFaith Ingle704-735-1642South Mountain AssociationDon Willis704-462-4472South Roanoke Association1. FBC, Wilson (Nash St.)Max Liles: 252-243-79612. Assoc. OfficeLinda Franks or Phil Frady252-756-4332South Yadkin AssociationFairview Baptist Church,StatesvillePaul Hill704-872-4246Stanly AssociationBetty Pate or Libby Hartsell704-982-8338704-982-1033Stone Mountain AssociationWanda Call

336-696-4210Stony Fork AssociationRoy Gryder828-295-3410Surry AssociationSylvia Chilton336-789-5701Tar River Assoc. CenterDougald McLauren919-496-7172Tennessee River AssociationFBC, Bryson CityJudy Cloninger828-488-2679Three Forks AssociationBarry Nealy828-264-4482Transylvania AssociationNancy Kilpatrick828-877-3203Truett AssociationMitchell Shields828-837-5401Tuckaseigee AssociationGracella Morris828-586-6011Union AssociationJean Rollins or Bessie Bent704-283-8383United AssociationMetrolina AssociationBob Lowman/Angie Wolf704-375-1197West Chowan AssociationBritton Ministries, AhoskieDeborah Lane

252-209-0294Wilmington Association1. Theresa Bradley or DennisLong – 910-799-11602. Northside BC, DebbieCapps - 910-791-60533. Scott’s Hill BC, YolandaJohnson – 910-686-9026Yadkin AssociationBrenda Garner336-679-8731Yancey AssociationHarvey Sharpe828-682-2388Yates AssociationTeresa Dotson919-489-3396

For more information, contact Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277.Also, visit BCH’s FoodRoundup online resourcewebpage. Click onwww.bchfamily.org/sup-port/foodroundup or go towww.bchfamily.org and clickon “Support Us” and then“Food Roundup” located inthe bottom right corner.

Statewide Food Collection Points Ready to Receive

Needs List________________________________________________________

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH)serves as many as 700,000 meals

and snacks every year. Providing for thedaily needs of boys and girls is no smalltask. This year’s Food Roundup is slatedfor April. Now is the time to begin gath-ering your food and nonperishable items.Questions? call Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277.

Gift Cards are greatlyappreciated to buy per-ishables and items notreceived. (i.e. Wal-Mart,Sams Clubs, Food Lion,Lowes, Ingles)

We can use all size cans,however most campusesprefer #10 cans. (FamilySize)

Please check for expireddates on food.

Please help our volun-teer truck drivers bypacking your church’sdonations in small, stur-dy boxes. Banana boxesare sturdy and the per-fect size.

Most needed items arebolded. The items con-stantly needed arecanned fruit, fruit juices,cereal, paper towels,and laundry detergent.

March 6, 2012. Thanks to Wallace Maultsby for infor-mation on Velma CarterStewart. On Christmas dayshe suffered a heart attack. I was shocked when I heard herstrong, energetic voice on thephone and to hear how well sheis doing. Luckily, she requiredonly two stints. Mainly, sheremembers her trip via heli-copter to the hospital and thetwo handsome medics whotook care of her. Friends canwish her well at 4374 BullMtn. Rd., Stuart, VA, 24171.Email: jdvic@swva.net, orPhone: 276-694-4493.

Thanks to Ron Richardsonof BCH for news (though sad)of the deaths of two formerworkers: Va l l i e R a p e r andRe x Campbell. Mrs. Raperwas the wife of Sam Raperwho was farm manager formany years at Mills Home.Vallie served as librarian. Bothwere highly respected by alum-ni for their dedication and ser-vice to Mills Home. Vallie wasan amazing 105 years old whenshe died on Feb. 19, 2012. Shehad been living at the PiedmontCrossing Retirement Com-munity. All of the Raper off-spring are still living: Barbara,Jim and Richard. They haveproduced seven grandchildrenand 14 great-grandchildren forthe Raper family.

Rex Campbell, a formerpastor, served with his wife as a houseparent at MH in the1980’s. His memorial servicewas held at the Ardmore BaptistChurch in Winston-Salem onFriday, Feb. 17. He was 93.

Thanks to Carolyn McCar-son Tharrington for informa-tion on the death of J a c o bL e o n a r d Gerrald whoserved BCH from 1972-1994.The last part of his tenure with BCH was spent in servingas Mills Home Director.Memorial gifts to be made toBCH, P.O. Box 338, Thomas-ville, NC 27360.

A memorial service forBobby Ray King was held atthe Mills Home Baptist Churchon January 14. He died Dec.18, 2011. Born in May, 1959 inOhio, Bobby came to MillsHome in 1965 and left in1976. He mar r ied JennyHargrove in March of 1980,and they have one daughterBrandy. Both Jenny and Brandysurvive Bobby as do his father,brother Billy King of Hudson,his sister Linda King Goodyearof Thomasville, and two grand-children. At the time of hisdeath, he worked for GeneralSecurity. Condolences may besent to the family in care ofLinda King Goodyear, 405Sullivan Rd., Thomasville, NC27360. Phone: 336-476-4335.

A note from Sandra Mor-ris Lackey says, “I have beenmeaning to let you know thatMother and Daddy have movedin with my husband and me.They moved in on September10th. We are all getting alongfine but staying busy with doc-tor appointments and Mother’sthree trips a week to dialysis. Ifanyone wishes to contact themvia mail, the address is Clydeand Gin Morris, 965 EmblerRoad, Lexington, NC, 27292.”

A note from Ann Coving-ton Turbeville says, “By theway I have a new grandsonborn January 12, 2012. Hisname is Anthony Justin LeeTurbeville (9 lbs 7 oz. 21 inch-es). He is a real cutie. I had thehonor of babysitting Valentine’snight for David and Melonee togo out. I now have six grand-sons and still only one grand-daughter who will graduatefrom high school this year.Keep in touch and hope to seeyou soon.”

Jewel Hoppes Riley hadhoped to be at Homecom-ing in August but that will nothappen. A note from her whichmade its way from Facebook tothe Mills Home website said,“My good news is that I juststarted a new job last month,but the bad news is that I willnot be able to take a vacationthis year. So my heart is brok-en that I will not be atHomecoming this August. Iwill be there next year with mybrother Ivan; that is our plan. Ihave had and will have you alland Mills Home and Carolinain my mind. I love you all.Jewel.”

Stan Hoyle and some of thewebsite friends are trying tothink up ways they can persuadeJewel’s bosses to show somecompassion and let her comehome, maybe a letter writingcampaign from all her orphanbrothers and sisters.

Mini reunions of MillsHome alumni are abounding. I heard a rumor that threeyoung ladies made a trip to thebeach back in October with-out a chaperone. They wereGeraldine Beshears Cali-cutt, May Dean Vick andFrances Burgess Omran.Well, even without a chaperonefor those mischievous ladies, all went well and their littleMini reunion was wonderful.Another group got together forthe ACC Championship gameon March 2. Pictures to the

website showed what a goodtime was had by Ruth BerndtHodges, Sandy Penley, JanGibson Kaufman, RichLewis, Michael Hazzard andscrub orphan John Terrell. Athird mini reunion took place inlate January at Carter Brothersin High Point. Twenty-five orso people met for dinner whichwas followed by an extended“chewing the fat” session.Another alumni gathering is inthe making for April 28 at theMH picnic grounds. Detailshave not been publicized, so if you are interested, contactEstie at estiemae1@aol.com, 336-886-2061 or Rick-smootrchrd@aol.com or 336-885-0974.

I love the information emailsbut I love the real letters too, soI thank Bertie FulbrightBenfield and Eunice TonyJarrell. In February, Bertiewrote, “Dear Lib, Just anupdate on John and me. Hewas in the hospital from Jan. 20to Feb. 7th and was very sick.When he was discharged, theyhad not found the reason for hissickness. He is doing better andhas a way to go before he iswell. We have been married 64years, have two sons, twograndsons, three great grand-sons, and one great grand-daughter. We’ve had a good lifeand I credit it to having grownup at Mills Home. I went therein 1938 and left to marry Johnin November after his gradua-tion in the spring of 1947. Iretired from Pilot Schoolcafeteria in June of 1990 after25 years service, and Johnretired from Old DominionFreight Co. in 1993. Sinceretirement, we’ve really enjoyedtraveling by motor coach.Hoping to see you at Home-coming.”

Eunice Tony Jarrell calledme early in the year just to chatbut followed up soon there-after with a great news letteralso. Actually, Eunice was veryconcerned that there are not

many people from the 40’s and50’s who write letters for thecolumn. She wants everyone toknow that people are interestedin them and their well beingand she hopes more people willtake the time to write. Her notewent on to mention people she had had recent contactwith: Christmas cards fromMae Fore, Lori “Gale” BallBurns, Joe Cunningham andVannie Downing C a r t e r .She seemed to be impressedwith the fact that Mae stillwants “everything to be perfectin her housekeeping” like shewas taught at MH. She men-tioned how Gale Ball is still verybeautiful and very active in herchurch. At that time, Gale waspracticing to sing “O’ HolyNight” at her church sometimeduring the Christmas season. (afavorite song of many) Euniceremembers Joe Cunningham asher best friend from her MHdays. Though he has lost hisvoice because of cancer, Eunicesays he is still very muchthe comedian he always was.Other fondly remembered MH sisters that she mentionedwere that hot basketball player Betty Sue BlackburnHutchens and ShirleyTopping Maxwell, master ofthe piano keyboard and greatvocalist. Eunice is so proud ofthe Christian lifestyle of somany of her MH friends.

Eunice herself is very proudof being a Christian and likes towrite Christian poems. Shecame to MH in 1941 and lefther senior year (1952) to marry.Presently, she is married to MHalumnus Sam Jarrell and theylive in sunny Florida. Friendscan contact them at 4559Schooner Ave., Lakeland, FL33815. Phone: 863-688-9692.

Lib Johnson was a resident of Mills Homefrom 1946 to 1957.Johnson began writingthe Mills Home alumnicolumn in 1992.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Charity & Children 9

MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN

Gathering on Apr. 28at MH Picnic Shelter______________________________________________________________

By Lib Smathers Johnson5612 Bledsoe Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 299-7412libsjohnson@triad.rr.com

Restaurantsthroughout

Thomasville part-nered with BaptistChildren’s Homeson February 16for a special dine-out event.Restaurants agreedto give back atleast 10% of cus-tomers meal pur-chases to helpchildren living atMills Home in Thomasville. Restaurants includedT’ville Diner, Ruby Tuesday, Domino’s Pizza, La Caretta Mexican, Milo’s Italian, Monkezbrew,Pigs ‘n’ Puddin’, S&S Grill, Side Street Cafe, andTommy’s Barbecue. CEPrint Solutions inLexington donated print materials for the event.Pictured above, Mills Home alumna BerthaPoole Slate receives a hug from great grand-daughter Layla while dining at Ruby Tuesday.

Family Care: Queen (center) a single motheroriginally from New York and her five childrenrecently moved into one of the two Family Carecottages at Mills Home in Thomasville. ThroughBaptist Children’s Homes’ Family Care program,the family has a safe place to live while staff pro-vides the support Queen needs to transition intoa successful independent living situation. Therehas been such a tremendous need for this newprogram that BCH Family Care cottages acrossthe state are filling up quickly. Family Care isavailable in Thomasville, Broadway, Kinston,Pembroke, and Franklin.

Developmental Disabilities Ministry: The adultresidents from Hinkle House in Winston-Salemhad a fun and educational time together with stu-dents from Winston-Salem State University’soccupational therapy program. The studentscooked a spaghetti dinner with Hinkle residentsand also helped them learn new social and moneymanagement skills. Visit www.hereismyhome.org

Community Support: Fishing enthusiastsassociated with NC Angler have donated fishinggear for children at BCH. Recently, NC Anglerfounder Randy Durham presented BCH Directorof Communications Blake Ragsdale with some ofthe donated items. More have been collectedsince then. Learn more at www.ncangler.com

Church Support: GA’s from Grace BaptistChurch collected and delivered paper products togirls living at Mills Home’s Blackwell Cottage.They visited with residents and toured campus.

AROUND THE STATE

RestaurantsPartner with BCH_________________________________________________________

It is essential to Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH)to have individuals who are willing to lend a help-ing hand. People share their time, talents andresources to meet the daily needs of BCH’s boysand girls. You can help in these ways:___________________________________________________Friends of Children Workdays: From painting to planting, participants help with special BCH facility projects, tour campuses and have lunch with childrenand staff. Call 336-474-1209.

Food Roundup: BCH’s “Food Roundup” offers anopportunity for churches, businesses and organiza-tions to help provide the food needs of the boys and girls in BCH’s care. Call 336-474-1277.

Bed Sponsor Program: Become a bed sponsor andhave your name engraved on a plaque mounted on a child’s bed. Each night, your name reminds a childyou are remembering him/her in prayer. Call 336-474-1277 or visit www.bchfamily.org/bedsponsor

Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting a “Mile ofPennies.” When it comes to providing care for hundreds of children, it takes everyone workingtogether – one penny added to another penny andthen another penny. Continue to multiply the penniesand just imagine how far you can go in making a realdifference! Call 336-474-1209.

Walk for Change: Have a “Walk for Change” at your church or in your community. Walkers recruitsponsors to give a cash gift for walking a certain dis-tance. Walks can be comprised of church members,organizations and individuals. Or have a “Bike forChange.” It is organized the same way. Trade in yourwalking shoes for a bicycle and get ready to roll! Setyour goal, secure your sponsors, designate a saferoute. . . and have fun! Call 336-474-1209.

Recycle Projects: Collect empty printer cartridges(laser, inkjet and fax cartridges). Deliver items to anyBCH facility or use prepaid shipping labels to senditems to recycler. Millions of cartridges are thrownaway each year. Begin collecting and help this year-round program earn money for children. You canrecycle cell phones, too. Call 336-474-1209.

Bike for Change: Bike for Change is a fun and dynam-ic way for children to help "change" the lives of chil-dren. By pedaling bicycles, children raise support andawareness for Baptist Children’s Homes’ boys andgirls. It is a great service project for schools, churches,and other children's groups. It also teaches childrenthe importance of participating in missions outreach.To learn more, visit www.bikeforchange.org whereyou can download the planning guide and otherresources. Contact Bike for Change coordinator JayWestmoreland at bikeforchange@bchfamily.orgfor more ideas.

Lend Helping Hands . . .

10 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 More stories at www.bchfamily.org

Renata T. Conyers (1978-1984); 291 1/2 Hillside St.,Asheville, NC 28801; Email:turkeybaby38@hotmail.com:“My life began in a strange way, but turned out awesomethanks to the love of God andthe understanding family atKennedy Home. I moved toNorth Carolina in 1975 withmy Dad from New York City,after living in 17 differenthouses and foster homes inNC. Since I was not in schoolmuch or had a stable home,and had no one to structure mylife as a child, I moved toKennedy Home in 1978. Ilived in Bryant Cottage. Myhouseparents were Ethrageand Mazie Warters. I had thebest social workers beforemoving to Kennedy Home,and then while I lived at KH.Once I got settled at KH myfirst social worker moved toAfrica to work. My secondsocial worker was Robert( B o b ) Tr a v i s (deceased) .I truly did appreciate him somuch. My last social worker,Garland Walker, stuck with meuntil the end of my stay at KHand afterwards. I have had andstill have wonderful peoplewho helped change my life -Horace and Mary Hawes,Ruth aka ‘Gooney Bird’ Suggsand Olia Lee Suggs. My firsthouseparents, Ethrage andMazie Warters, became myparents from the time I movedto KH, and are still in my life now. The Warters left KH in 1979 and moved to Ashev i l le , NC. Duringthose years I came to visitthem on holidays and vaca-tion time (I tell you, riding

Trailways/Greyhound buses for12 hours was the pits!), but it was well worth it. In 1984 I moved to Asheville, NC dueto circumstances. I’ve stayedhere ever since and haveenjoyed every minute of it. I am close to my parents andsister, Nicole, the Warters’daughter. Nicole has two kidswho I consider my niece andnephew. I truly do love themvery much and I enjoy thembeing in my life. For the past28 years I have worked in all kinds of public health. SinceI was little I have always want-ed to work in any kind of pub-lic health care work. I am apeople person who is willing toput both feet forward to helpout any way that I can. I havea good job, good friends/family, and most of all I thankGod for letting me go throughtrials and tribulations to getwhere I’m at now. In life we allhave to go through struggles tomake it or break it, and stillkeep learning in the process. AsI have grown I have alsolearned that where I came fromthings could have been a lotworse for me. I have alsolearned I can’t live in the past,and that I have to move for-ward and keep looking forthose great opportunities thatkeep coming my way.”

J a n i c e L y d a D o h e r t y(1969-1971); 3971 Cobble-stone Bend Dr., High Point,NC 27265; Phone: 336-841-0422; Email: janpened@hot-mail.com: (Janice was a SocialWorker at Kennedy Home): “Ilived at Mills Home from1953-1962, and upon highschool graduation, I entered

Gardner-Webb College (only atwo-year college at thattime) and graduated 1964with an Associate of Artsdegree. While at Gardner-Webb, I met my soon-to-behusband, J im L yda. Heentered UNC-Chapel Hill andI entered High Point Univer-sity with plans to get marriedafter our graduations. I gradu-ated in May 1966 on aSunday, scheduled to be mar-ried on the first Saturday inJune 1966. Jim was workingpart-time at UNC with a con-struction company that wasbuilding Granville Towers, astudent housing complex,while finishing his senior year.He was scheduled to graduateafter his completion of thesummer session and we wouldlive in student housing on cam-pus. On Tuesday, May 31,1966, Jim fell four floors ontothe exterior construction eleva-tor shaft base and was hospital-ized for the next month, havingsuffered brain damage from anopen head concussion, brokenleg and one damaged kidney. Itwas uncertain whether his braindamage was temporary or per-manent; he began rehabilita-tion and had to learn to walkand talk again. We cancelledthe wedding and put our planson hold to focus on his healthcare and healing. We stayedwith his parents in Gastonia,NC and I went to work .After a shor t s tay, I movedout from his parents’ home,into my own apartment. Wewere very hopeful and contin-ued to discuss our dreams for alife together, but Jim’s recoverywas very slow. In February,1967, we secretly traveled toSC and were married, but wereturned to our separate livesin Gastonia. I began to searchfor work in the Durham/Chapel Hill area and prepar-ing for us to live there. I got a job with DurhamCounty Department of SocialServices the summer of 1967and we moved so we could stayclose to his medical follow-upat the hospital in Chapel Hill

and my new work. Whileretaining that employment for three years, I worked in the Child Welfare Unit, dealingwith foster care and protectiveservices to children. I was in correspondence with thesoc i a l work s t a f f a tKennedy Home, trying to placetwo children from foster careinto a more long-term and sta-ble environment, whenKennedy Home Superinten-dant at that time, RogerWilliams, invited me to workfor the Social Services Div-i s ion of Kennedy Home.Roger was the pastor at MillsHome while I was there andbaptized me around age 10.We discussed Jim’s health andrehabilitation possibilities atKennedy Home and decided it would be a good fit for us both. We moved into theapartment adjoining the infir-mary and became friends withthe nurse at the time, SarahTroyer. We only lived on cam-pus about three months be-fore moving to La Grange.Except for my work on campus,we had limited contact wi thsta f f and chi ldren. I regretnot being able to develop morerelationships with kids or staff,but our personal situationdemanded most of ourattention. It turned out thatJim’s brain damage was morepermanent and demanded wepursue additional professionalhelp. We moved to GuilfordCounty where I found work atthe Department of SocialServices and Jim could be clos-er to family. While at KennedyHome I worked with a won-derful social work staff: BoydFarmer, Bob Travis, andSharon Terrell. They loved thechildren and were always look-ing for ways to better servethem. We became great friends.I had known Mr. and Mrs.Roger Williams and their fami-ly since childhood and contin-ued to look forward to seeingthem at Mills Home Home-comings. The most memo-rable experience while atKennedy Home was the fun of

being involved with all the practices and final performance of the story of the Kennedy family andthe beginnings of KennedyHome ( ‘D i amonds andDeeds’). I enjoyed the chil-dren’s dancing especially.I remember the Beachamswere fa i r ly new housepar-ents and seemed to be loved bythe children and the staf f. I remember and loved thechildren I helped place atKennedy Home, but I regret I wasn’t there long enoughto remember more.

“Eventually I had two boysby my first husband. After 22years of being a single momand getting my boys throughcollege, I remarried to my cur-rent husband, Ed, and live inHigh Point, NC. I retiredfrom social work in October2010, so I could spend moretime with my husband. Myolder son is a US Federal DEAagent, and my younger sonmarried a Spanish girl, movedto Spa in , and they haveopened three optical shops inSpain. I have two grandchil-dren by my sons and three step-grandsons. Since retirement, I have enjoyed more time toreconnect with my ‘orphanbrothers and sisters,’ and meetmany I never knew.”

Teddy L. Jones (1963-1969), age 60, passed away onSunday evening, 1/17/2012in Yuma, Arizona. His sister,Trilbia Jones Hall, Tricia JonesSpear, and brother William(Bill) Jones, and Allen Jones(deceased) also lived at KH.Oldest brother, George C.Jones, age 69, fromRichmond, VA died threeweeks before Teddy. Teddyhad a son, Ted, Jr. Pleasekeep the family in your prayers.

KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN

Alumna’s CreditsGod’s Love and KH______________________________________________________________

By Donna Weeks Duty110 Angora Court, Cary, NC 27513(919) 244-0920 donnaduty1017@yahoo.com

Donna Duty cameto Kennedy Home in1967. She graduatedhigh school and left BCH in 1974. Today she lives in Cary.

April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 Charity & Children 11http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kennedyhomealumni

1. Western Area FamilyServices 828.627.9254 Linda Morgan, Regional Dir. Broyhill HomeDrake Cottage Moody HomeTruett Baptist Assoc. Home

2. Central Area FamilyServices 336.474.1200 Lynn Garner, Regional Dir. Mills Home Care House Oak Ranch

3. Eastern Area FamilyServices 252.522.0811 Sandy Perry, Regional Dir. Kennedy HomeOdum Home Britton Ministries

4. Cameron Boys Camp 910.245.4034 Tim Gibson, Director

5. Camp Duncan 910.944.3077 Paul Daley, Director

Weekday Education Thomasville, 336.474.1201 Linda Russo, Director

Developmental Disabilities Ministry 336.474.1261Martha Surratt, Director

North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry336-474-1221Dr. Sandy Gregory, Directorwww.ncbam.org

Calling All State Employees!Designate BCH as your charity of choice in the State EmployeesCombined Campaign. Our SECC code is 3641. Encourage others to do thesame and better the lives of childrenand families in North Carolina.# 3 6 4 1

We participate in these areas:C F C # 3 3 2 4 1

12 Charity & Children April 2012 Volume 125 No. 3 More Homeword at www.bchfamily.org/about/homeword

Baptist Children’sHomes – “North

Carolina’s largest family” –provides only the highestquality of care through ahighly trained, skilled,Christian staff whose personal and professionalmission is “helping hurtingchildren. . .healing brokenfamilies.”

Can BCH be of service to you or someone youknow?

Can we be of service to you or someone you know?Research Triangle Area CFCCape Fear Area CFCCamp Lejeune/OnslowCounty/New River CFCSoutheastern North Carolina

(includes Fort Bragg)

Greater North Carolina CFCCherry Point CFCRowan/Iredell County CFCCFC Central CarolinasCFC of Western NCSouth Hampton Roads CFC

(Camden, Chowan, Currituck,Dare, Gates, Hertford,Pasquotank, and PerquimansCounties and Albemarle andElizabeth City)

The envelope sits on the credenza inthe foyer when I return home at the

end of the day. The brown paper and theaddressee all in lower case reading“daddy” catches my eye.

The return address simply reads “P.O.Box 5446, Boiling Springs.” My youngest, a firstyear student at Gardner-Webb University, hassent me a letter.

I open the envelope, unfold the letter, andbegin to read.

“I love you a lot!” Mary writes. “I hope youknow just how much I appreciate you in my life!”

I remember to breathe and step toward the living room to sit on the sofa.

Mary, like my other two daughters, is dear to me. Each one of my daughters share uniqueexperiences with me. I have a special relationshipwith each girl.

Mary is known as the “miracle child” in ourfamily. She is a miracle because she was conceivedafter my bout with cancer and after surgery andabdominal radiation therapy left me with little to no hope of ever being able to father a childagain.

She laughingly refers to herself as my Mini-Me.Our eyes and hair are the same color and manyof our mannerisms are identical.

I think as I read on that I am so thankful Maryis “in my life.”

“Never do I need to doubt how much I amloved,” the next line reads.

Love is underscored by faithfulness. Faithful-ness magnifies a longterm commitment to alwaysbe there – without condition, accepting all that

comes one’s way.I smile as I remember the hours logged follow-

ing Mary as she threw herself into marching bandand mission trips. I recall the days giving up myinterests to affirm hers, being there to tell her“Good job! You rock!”

I am humbled to read her words that speak ofher realization of all I’ve done.

And then she writes, “I know everything youdo is in my best interest.”

As a parent, you strive to put your child’s bestinterest first. It is your intent to raise your childin such a way that she can eclipse you – rising toheights beyond your highest pinnacle.

But as I read the words, my head spins. I real-ize I’m not breathing, and I gasp to catch mybreath.

A parent doesn’t get lots of do-overs. A fragileself-esteem is connected to a child’s pushing ofboundaries, and I prayerfully balance the give andtake involved in child-rearing. A father does notalways have the benefit of the child knowing hehas done his best. Mary’s words touch my heart.

With tears gathering in the corners of my eyes,I read, “You have been the best role model of howI should always be treated by a boy!”

I have always realized that my children wouldgrow up and live their own independent lives. I have always realized that they would need to

be given a cleardirection to guide

them. This feeling waseven greater with mythree daughters. I havealways been keenlyaware that I wouldnever be the only manin their lives. And withthat in mind, I havealways sought to treatthem as I treat theirmother and as I would

want them to come to expect allmen to treat them – with respect

and with unconditional love.She begins to close the letter: “I don’t say it

enough, but thank you for being the best daddy a girl could ask for!”

Her words refresh me. Being a father whilewearing my other hats – husband, son, brother,friend, employee, coworker, minister, supervisor –is exhausting, not so much for the never-endinghours spent, but for the constant striving to get it right every time and the knowledge of fallingshort of my mark sometimes.

But I remember her third grade artwork shegave me that says “World’s Best Daddy” and myheart melts: she really meant that! She stillbelieves that!

“I love you forever, Mary,” she closes. My Mary is an incredible young woman,

and she takes time to write me a letter and to tell me I am an incredible daddy. My cup run-neth over. . .

I love you, too, Sweetheart.Forever.

HOMEWORD

Mary’s Letter__________________________________________________

By W. James (Jim) Edminson, Editor

Edminson is editor of Charity & Children and writes“Homeword” to inspire and encourage families in themidst of full lives and hectic schedules.