Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina

The heart of Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) beats with a rhythm of hope that extends to children, families and adults. For every person’s specific need, there is a unique BCH ministry ready to help. We are many ministries beating with one heart — the heartbeat of Jesus.

Our History

Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) was born on November 11, 1885 when nine-year-old Mary Presson stepped off the train at the property located in the small community of Thomasville, NC. Greeted by founder and longtime North Carolina Baptist John Haymes Mills, Mary became the first child admitted into the care of the Thomasville Orphanage as it was originally known.

Today, BCH has grown from its inaugural location into a sprawling organization located in 30 communities throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and in Guatemala. The nonprofit, which is fueled by charitable funding provided by churches and donors, has added a variety of services to offer help and hope to children, families, single mothers, college students, intellectually/developmentally disabled adults, and aging adults.

Our Mission

Sharing hope… changing lives

To provide the highest quality of Christian services to children, adults, and families in a caring culture of measurable excellence.

Our Values

Christ-Centered. Intentional Relationships. Goal-oriented Change. Experiential Education.

What We Do

The heart of our ministry is building a daily partnership and relationship with youth. Three counselor/teachers or “Chiefs” provide the primary care and leadership for a group of 10 boys/girls. They live with the group in a primitive campsite setting with a rotating work schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off.

The Counselors purpose is that of helping troubled youth confront and resolve past issues and current life conflicts while developing healthy relationships and living habits. The “Chiefs” facilitate a group process where problems are resolved as they arise and a caring, helpful environment is developed in the group.

The counselors lead the group in having adventures, following an educational planning process, establishing routines for living. They will also lead songs and devotionals during share time, chapel and Vespers services. As positive relationship develops, the mentors find opportunities to share their faith in Christ or help them grow in their spiritual lives that can meet the deep needs in the campers’ lives. We plan for the youth and their families to be reunited and help them tie in to a local church.

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