Truett Home heralds special partnership

By J. Blake Ragsdale

BCH Communications

Guests look at the home operated in partnership between BCH and Truett Association.

BCH photo

A special open house on Feb. 3, not only celebrated the expansion of Baptist Children's Homes (BCH) services in the far western area of the state, but also signaled the beginning of one of the most unique relationships in North Carolina Baptist life.

About 300 guests attended the event celebrating the opening of the Truett Baptist Association Children's Home, which will provide services to children and families in Clay County, Cherokee County, and Graham County. The new home near Hayesville is the result of two years of hard work between the Truett Baptist Association and BCH.

"We are excited to partner with the Truett Baptist Association to provide services to children and families in Clay County and the surrounding area," said BCH president Michael C. Blackwell. "We have a tremendous relationship with the Truett Association. They care greatly for the children and families in their community, and we are proud to work with them to bring hope and healing."

Blackwell said the partnership between the Truett Association and BCH is a natural fit. BCH provides more than a century of expertise in residential childcare services. The churches that comprise the Truett Association are already strong supporters of BCH's ministry. The formation of the Truett Baptist Association Children's Home is the result of a revolutionary relationship between a North Carolina Baptist entity and association.

"This is a natural progression to a higher level of cooperation between a local Baptist association and BCH," Truett Association director of missions Mitchell Shields said.

Truett Association leases the building located outside of Hayesville that houses its young residents. The association provides funding while BCH lends its expertise to operate the service and provide the staff. The home is a part of BCH's Western Area Family Services that provides residential services in Franklin, Clyde and Waynesville.

Shields has long seen a need in the area for services to children and families. According to Shields, the enthusiasm throughout the association and community has been contagious.

"This is the most significant project the Truett Association has ever undertaken," said Shields. "There has never been as much excitement about any ministry we have done. This home has really pulled people in these three counties together."

Truett Baptist Association Children's Home offers specialized residential services for up to six children. The home provides a structured environment for school-age children giving them an opportunity to rise above the circumstances that have brought them into care.

"The Truett Baptist Association Children's Home represents the finest in partnership involvement between BCH and a local association," Blackwell said. "The enthusiasm and excitement at the open house bodes well for the future success of this new partnership. It also affirms just how crucial local-level Baptist support is to our success."