“It all happened quickly. I had no idea where I was going, but anywhere was better than where I had been.”
- Mary (Shaw) Howze, Mills Home Alumna

The abuse Mary Shaw endured at the hands of her father began when she was six. At 12 years old, she was removed from her home and stayed at four foster homes before coming to live at Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Mills Home at age 16. Mary felt like she had finally found her home. On May 10, 2024, she and her husband Tim Howze rode their motorcycle to Mills Home as part of this year’s Ride to Clyde charity ride. Read about Mary’s emotional return to Mills Home after 37 years.

Through your gift, we are able to provide all of the necessities a child has never been able to count on before. But the greatest thing your gift provides to the NC foster children we serve is hope.

“We had talked a number of years ago, once we saw how God was growing this (event), that perhaps we could bring in $1 million by the tenth year. It’s awesome. The Lord is good.”
- Rit Varriale, Head Pastor, Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby

In 2016, participants of Ride to Clyde raised more than $19,000. For this year’s check presentation, event co-founders Brian Davis and Rit Variale revealed an oversized check totaling $233,064 – the most in a single year. The combined total for the nine annual rides surpassed $1 million. Click to see the photo gallery and learn more about the BCH benefit ride organized in cooperation with NC Baptists.

“We are so grateful for Mike and the churches. Their hearts to serve are huge.” - Linda Morgan, Vice President of Children and Family Services

The Broyhill Barbecue Festival on May 11 raised $50,000 in support for the children served by BCH’s Western NC ministries. Most of all, it spotlights the teamwork of churches and the efforts of those who serve at the volunteer-led event.

"By coming and volunteering, it reminds BCH’s staff that they are not alone serving children and families."
- Krystin Butts, Director of Volunteer Engagement

Twenty-nine servicemen stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville showed up on May 7 for a day of volunteer work at BCH’s Kennedy Home in Eastern NC. Members from Kellum Baptist Church provided lunch for the volunteers as they tackled projects along the grounds including assisting at Greater Vision Outreach, a ministry aiding community families in need. Read Krystin’s article that shares how volunteering is an important means of sharing Christ’s love to the children and families we serve.

P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361  |  Tel: 1-800-476-3669  | www.bchfamily.org

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Mission: Sharing hope...Changing Lives

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