INNOVATION Crossnore School & Children's Home is pleased to announce the receipt of a $1.3M gift from Elizabeth M. Strickland, a longtime resident of Winston-Salem, NC.* This gift will be used to pilot an evidence-based program providing prevention services to support families and prevent children being removed from their homes or entering Department of Social Services custody. Mrs. Strickland’s gift will fund the pilot program for its first year. “Betty Strickland has long been a supporter of the Winston-Salem community and her generous gift will serve families in the Triad for generations to come,” said Brett Loftis, Crossnore’s Chief Executive Officer. With the passing of the Families First Prevention Services Act, early intervention and prevention programs have taken on a greater importance in the child welfare system. Crossnore will implement HOMEBUILDERS® Family Preservation, which is a nationally-known and evidence-based program. This program provides in-home crisis intervention, counseling, and life skills education for families whose children are at imminent risk of being removed from the home. Crossnore expects to initially create four to five new staff positions in Winston-Salem, with more teams planned in the future. These teams will work with local Departments of Social Services to identify and serve families who need this support. Victor Isler, Director of Forsyth County Department of HOPE | 2020 Annual Report 10
Photo credit: Robert Merritt
Social Services, said, “Forsyth County Department of Social Services truly values the presence of Crossnore School & Children’s Home. They continue to strengthen our community with various evidence-based services and advocacy for a system of care development for children and families. The HOMEBUILDERS® Family Preservation program
