HOPE IMPACT REPORT
CAMPAIGN RECAP
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
In 2022, we set out on a daunting venture to raise $41 million through The Promise of Home campaign. This “promise” has been, and continues to be, to bring hope and healing to children and families. As we looked to the future, we were focused on ensuring the highest quality, safety, and accessibility of all Crossnore properties and programs. We were committed to keeping our promise.
To do so fully meant a big number, hard asks, and putting faith in our beloved community— our longtime trusted friends, connected community partners, and passionate new advocates. You believed in our commitment to rebuild that essential idea of home for children and families—to help them heal, gain perspective, and ultimately thrive.
More than 5,800 of you donated more than $53 million, exceeding our goal by more than $10 million. These extra dollars helped cover additional program expansion, as well as the rising cost of construction and materials since the campaign’s beginning.
We are so incredibly grateful for you.
Innovation in child welfare is more important than ever. These and continued investments to provide whole-child care and improve broken systems are critical as we champion the well-being of children and families.
As we work to build resilience in our homes, schools, and communities, we are grateful for your past and future partnership. Because of you, children can believe in and find home. And for a child, there isn’t anything more important.
- BRETT A. LOFTIS, JD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
“For more than 100 years you’ve laid the foundation and kept us going. And for 100 more, we know you’ll walk with us, championing our vision and supporting our work. Thank you!”
The Promise of Home CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
To deliver fully on the historic promise of Crossnore and to continue to serve the needs of some of North Carolina’s most vulnerable children and families, in 2022, Crossnore embarked on a comprehensive campaign with the goal of raising $41 million. The Promise of Home campaign focused on three overarching priorities: Fundamental Building (where we serve children), Power to Programs (how we transform lives), and Everyday Essentials (the administrative gears that keep us moving). Every priority was born from our unwavering dedication to children and a commitment to help reclaim every child’s God-given right to feel safe and cared for and to know the warm acceptance of a place called home.
$53+ million 5,800+ Total raised Total donors
“ “
Because of you, we have made crucial steps to expand and enhance our spaces and programs, and the children and families we serve will be the beneficiaries of that incredible generosity. We could not have done it without you!
- CAROLINE HART, CHIEF EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER & DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Fundamental BUILDING
PRIORITY 1 | fundamental BUILDING
Hendersonville Office
As soon as we established Crossnore’s Hendersonville, NC location in 2018, we outgrew our rented office space. The Promise of Home campaign allowed us to purchase a permanent building at 1410 Greenville Highway, led by the incredible generosity of Flat Rock community members, Brian Robinson and Brendan Hill, with a commitment of $1,000,000.
The building opened in August and has dedicated office space for key programs including Therapy Services, Bridging Families™, Community Foster Care, and Family Foundations. It also houses regional staff for Crossnore’s External Relations and Center for Trauma Resilient Communities teams.
Additional features include a family room, conference room, and shared work areas. Naming opportunities are still available for spaces throughout the building.
“ Henderson County was given a rare gift in 2018 when Crossnore brought their nationally acclaimed work with at-risk youth to our community. Countless lives have been transformed in just six years. Now Crossnore is putting down deeper, more permanent roots here. Brendan and I couldn’t be more thrilled to help them achieve this goal. This new center will allow them to expand their work to fulfill the promise of home and hope to children in crisis. ”
- BRIAN ROBINSON, CROSSNORE FRIEND AND DONOR
30+ Southwest NC Staff
30+ Staff Workspaces
943+ Clients Served in Southwest NC Region since 2018
Charter School
We were thrilled to welcome our very first students on August 11th for the first day of school! Anderson Academy will be a model school for how education is done differently. We not only focus on academics, but also on the social-emotional well-being of students. We address the needs of the whole child, as well as the needs of all scholars, based on their individuality.”
- RASHAWN MEEKINS, ANDERSON ACADEMY PRINCIPAL
12
20
100
Every child is on a journey— each has their own hopes, dreams, and future destination.
In a challenging world that can often feel heavy, we equip students with the knowledge to fly, the confidence to climb, and the courage to explore.
At Anderson Academy, challenges become opportunities, and students are empowered to push the boundaries of their perceived limitations. Our students rise with resilience to embrace their own adventure. We help them believe that nothing’s impossible and give them the wings to find out.
At Anderson Academy, we prepare our aviators to take flight— and then we proudly lift them up and celebrate them as they soar.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
ANGELA Bollo-Higgins
Angela Bollo-Higgins joined Crossnore’s Hendersonville office in 2019 and currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement in Crossnore’s mountain regions—actively building partnerships with community organizations, faith leaders, and funders; advocating for child welfare policies; and supporting program families.
THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY
Angela values seeing community partners become ongoing supporters who help us expand services like our Bridging Families™ program. She highlights the dedication of our foster care team, the addition of Norm the Dog to the therapy team, and values the collaborative community effort that led to the first Behavioral Health Conference in Henderson County.
WORKING TOGETHER
In 2022, she and her husband experienced firsthand the support of the Crossnore community when they became kinship parents overnight. Angela is especially proud of events that celebrate and strengthen connections among foster parents, social workers, and partner organizations—all working together to create positive change for children and families.
PRIORITY 1 | donor STORY
Tami
& Mike Barker
In 2011, Tami and Mike Barker discovered Crossnore’s Avery campus when eating lunch. Having purchased a home in the area, their realtor took them to Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop & Cafe to grab a bite. At the time, Tami was volunteering as a guardian ad litem and began seeing children placed at Crossnore. As the two became more involved, they developed a deep love for our mission. Donors for more than ten years, Tami and Mike have been members of Crossnore’s Hope Society and Circle of Friends, and made a lead gift to The Promise of Home. They moved to Flat Rock in 2020 and have played a critical role in Crossnore founding a permanent home in Hendersonville. Mike joined the Crossnore Board of Trustees in 2022 and currently serves as the Vice Chair. “I am honored to serve on the Board,” says Mike. “My hope is that I can be a strong ambassador in western NC and help grow Crossnore’s footprint.”
Through the years we’ve watched Crossnore grow and change to better serve the children in their care. It has been an awe inspiring journey, and we are blessed to be a small part of it. After five years renting office space in Hendersonville, we’re excited to see Crossnore put down permanent roots in this area. Tami and I were so happy to support this huge endeavor.
-
MIKE BARKER
POWER to to
PRIORITY 2 | power to PROGRAMS
POWER to PROGRAMS
Crossnore brings clinical expertise and compassionate care to children and families through our trauma-sensitive continuum of care, providing a range of supportive programs from early intervention to intensive care. These services ensure that families have access to the right resources at the right time, fostering continuity and collaboration among service providers, promoting the well-being of children and families through all stages of the child welfare process—including those in danger of entering it and teens and young adults transitioning out of it.
STABILIZING HOMES
By providing early-intervention services—such as counseling, parent coaching, and community resources—families can access support to prevent situations from reaching a crisis point. These programs help stabilize families before child welfare involvement becomes necessary. In recent years, we have built our continuum of care to include services such as Homebuilders® and Family Foundations, allowing children and families to stay together in the home while receiving the consistent, comprehensive support they need.
REUNIFYING FAMILIES
For families already involved with the child welfare system, a continuum of care is essential in promoting family reunification and preserving family integrity whenever possible. Continuing support after children are reunified with their families ensures they continue to receive services that help maintain a healthy environment. Our innovative, professional foster parent model, Bridging Families™, works to reunify families, filling a gap in the system to meet the needs of families and children in a different way than traditional foster care. Crossnore continues systems change work, looking to expand this model across North Carolina and the U.S. In 2024, the NC Department of Health and Human Services selected Bridging Families as the only recognized model of professional foster parenting in North Carolina.
Crossnore’s innovative continuum of care helps families navigate the complexities of the child welfare system and increases the likelihood of positive, longlasting outcomes for children and families.
Donor STORIES
Remembering our Friend, Betty Strickland
Betty Strickland lived by the mantra, “People are the only ‘thing’ in this world that really matter.” Her strong faith led her to love and support the work of Crossnore. Betty passed away in 2023, but not before leaving a legacy of impact on our organization.
“Her life was a joyful commitment to hard work and the beauties of the world: its seashores and mountains, music, theatre, art and artists, laughter, philanthropy, and love,” said her daughter, Cinny. “[In her philanthropic endeavors] she believed in daring greatly: doing one’s ‘homework’ carefully, then advancing with commitment, optimism, and faith.”
Donna & Ken Lewis
Large fundraising campaigns often start with a “silent phase,” when an organization reaches out to its most loyal and generous donors, increasing the campaign’s credibility and creating enthusiasm for the future. Two of the very first people we contacted as we launched The Promise of Home were Donna and Ken Lewis.
Since 2014, the Lewises have consistently given generously to Crossnore stating, “We love Crossnore because we get to see first-hand the successes of the children who have so many impediments working against them.”
With our Campaign ask, once again, the Lewises answered the call, making a $2 million
Betty helped kick off The Promise of Home campaign with her incredible $1.3 million gift to pilot and launch the Homebuilders® program at Crossnore on our Winston-Salem campus. Homebuilders has since expanded to include 15 counties in North Carolina. Betty and The Strickland Family Foundation, established in 1994, also made a $1 million gift towards expanding the Bridging Families™ program to our Winston-Salem campus. Betty was a staunch advocate for systems change. Both of these programs work to keep children in the home, when possible, and to reunite them quickly and successfully if they do have to come into care. We are forever grateful for Betty’s generosity, her spirit, and the indelible impact she made on Crossnore.
transformational pledge—critical funds that helped us open a Bridging Families™ home and expand our Family Foundations program on the Avery campus, invest in several new fleet vehicles, renovate cottages, and upgrade security. Donna and Ken’s confidence and commitment became a catalyst for our success. When asked why they choose to support Crossnore, Ken responded, “Children are society’s greatest potential resource. Crossnore’s model sets the standard.”
But we know it’s friends like Donna and Ken who set the standard, and we are forever grateful.
Little by little, step by step, I am getting where I need to be. I know my children are safe while I’m doing that.”
- Birth Parent
PRIORITY
2 | power to PROGRAMS
Foundation SPOTLIGHT :
The Leon Levine Foundation
The Leon Levine Foundation has been a friend of Crossnore since 2018. With numerous gifts of support, the foundation has championed our work, helping fund crucial initiatives.
In addition to donating unrestricted funds annually, as part of The Promise of Home campaign, the foundation donated to support the launch of our Family Foundations team in the Hendersonville region. Family Foundations is an in-home intervention program that works with families to keep children from entering foster care or in post-reunification to ensure stability and success.
The Leon Levine Foundation also gave an amazing $3.75 million toward the creation of our Bridging Families Institute™.
The institute will allow Crossnore to coach and collaborate with other child welfare partners to expand our innovative Bridging Families™ program throughout North Carolina. Bridging Families is a family-focused program that works to reunify families successfully and permanently. We are thankful to The Leon Levine Foundation for years of incredible support! To read more about the foundation’s impact, visit bit.ly/Crossnore-Levine or scan the QR code.
The Leon Levine FOUNDATION
CROSSNORE’S Center for Trauma Resilient Communities
Established in 2018, Crossnore’s Center for Trauma Resilient Communities (CTRC) furthers our mission and impact by collaborating with organizations and communities of all sizes across the United States. From local initiatives to national efforts, CTRC embeds and applies the science of trauma resilience, supporting communities and organizations as they build lasting, trauma-informed, and resilient change.
We understand that adversity and trauma impact communities in significant ways—whether through childhood experiences, significant life events, chronic organizational stress, or societal injustices. We are committed to addressing these challenges with compassion, recognizing
the lasting effects they can have on individuals and communities.
We believe in the power of collective knowledge and strong partnerships to integrate trauma-resilient practices into the fabric of cultures and systems. By doing so, we aim to create lasting environments that promote healing, wellness, and purpose.
We challenge what exists and work collaboratively to envision what should be.
CTRC stands as a pivotal coordinating hub dedicated to cultivating collective impact. We partner with organizations to forge a vibrant learning community that enhances resilience across diverse systems.
163 Organizations engaged with CTRC
8 states NY, NC, DC, CA, FL, KY, CO, TN
217 TRC community champion leaders cultivated
39 Sustaining backbone agency partnerships
Cultivating Resilience through Healing Centered Church
Crossnore’s CTRC is partnering with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (WNCCUMC) to build healing-centered faith communities. This initiative aspires to establish safe church environments that provide a pathway for hope, healing, and mutual care in Western North Carolina.
In recent years, the UMC has faced significant challenges, including the impacts of COVID-19, disaffiliations, and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The initiative’s vision is to empower WNCCUMC leaders and congregations to cultivate the internal capacity for nurturing trauma-resilient church communities.
To amplify our impact and ensure sustainability, we nurture individual Trauma-Resilient Community (TRC) Champions to rise as leaders and establish enduring partnerships with backbone agencies (BBAs) that typically span three to five years. These collaborations are vital for instilling and sustaining long-term systemic trauma-resilient change within communities.
In alignment with Crossnore’s mission, we are committed to strengthening environments that empower children, families, and communities to heal and thrive.
We heal together.
In its first year, the focus is on engaging church leadership and members to build connections, foster shared dialogue, and deepen understanding of the impact of adversity on individuals and organizational culture. The next two years will concentrate on embedding these skills and providing guidance in creating a sustainable plan for leading healing-centered faith communities.
Initial phases included customized Trauma Resilient Communities (TRC) leadership sessions, multi-day workshops, and a regional Healing and Resilience Learning Summit.
“This is an opportunity to forge a healthy and hopeful church culture and an ideal time to build trauma-resilient and healing-centered churches,” said Rev. Lory Beth Huffman, Appalachian District Superintendent and Director of Connectional Ministries for the WNCUMCC.
Everyday ESSENTIALS
PRIORITY 3 | everyday ESSENTIALS
Sustaining and strengthening our everyday systems and operations takes prudent investments in priorities that can sometimes seem a bit lackluster. However, these essentials allow our staff to provide top notch services that have become a hallmark of Crossnore Communities for Children.
Tech that Connects
Safe and high quality care is Crossnore’s top priority and so, in 2023, we invested nearly half a million dollars in a new electronic health record (EHR). Providing secure and efficient coordinated care reduces errors and improves communication between professionals.
Mission Mobility
Crossnore has more than 150 vehicles in its fleet program—a critical tool for consistent care. Trustworthy vehicles are the bridge between our people and programs, each playing a vital role in delivering care where it’s needed most—whether that’s transporting children to activities, moving staff and supplies, or enabling our team to conduct in-home visits and community outreach. Special thanks to Reynolds American, the Joey Logano Foundation, and a few individual friends for donating gently used cars to our fleet.
Fuel the Mission
Unlike restricted gifts, which are designated for specific purposes, unrestricted donations allow us to direct resources where they’re needed most. In addition to funding our infrastructure, staff retention efforts, and daily needs, these powerful dollars also support innovation and growth. Unrestricted dollars empower us to pilot new ideas and scale what makes the greatest impact. A signal of trust from Crossnore donors,
Reliable transportation is key to all the next steps!”
- BRETT A. LOFTIS, CEO
CROSSNORE GRADUATES
Drive to Success!
Most students may be able to save a few thousand dollars during their high school years, but it is increasingly difficult to purchase a reliable car for under $5,000. Before our Driving to Success program, even if a student in Crossnore’s care could purchase a vehicle, they would often struggle with unplanned car trouble and costly repairs. Not having reliable transportation impacted our graduates’ ability to work and continue their education.
TOWARD FUTURE SUCCESS
Now, students in campus-based foster care who graduate high school, have a valid driver’s license, and have obtained car insurance receive a dependable vehicle upon graduation. In North Carolina, only around 57% of students in foster care graduate high school. Only 2% of them will go on to receive a higher ed degree. Thanks to the Driving to Success program, students are more motivated to graduate, knowing they’ll receive a quality vehicle to help launch them into postsecondary success.
Driving to Success is students’ favorite program at Crossnore, and we’d be lying if we said it wasn’t high up on our list, too. We are so grateful for this program that brings such immense joy to our graduates (and staff!) and the monetary and vehicle donations that make it possible.
MIRACLE HEIGHTS ADVENTURES
Located on our Winston-Salem campus, Miracle Heights Adventures engages groups in experiential learning activities that embody the spirit of adventure, build resilience, and empower collective success.
To get involved with the impactful work happening at MHA, check out our website at crossnore.org/mha or email us at MHA@crossnore.org. We had a great 2024, and are excited for what’s already happening in 2025!
Groups & Participants
4,037 146 343 1,723 109
Served
Served Served by Discover Scholarship
Build Resilience
Foster Connection with by Miracle Heights Adventures
by Miracle Heights Adventures
Join Crossnore Communities for Children’s Miracle Heights Adventures for MHA Team Connect, a daylong team building experience customized for your growth and connection.
Ready to build a stronger team?
Find out more and book your MHA Team Connect experience today at crossnore.org/MHA-Team-Connect
DONOR STORY
Reynolds American, Inc. (RAI) generously provided $211,000 in annual support for Bridge Scholarships during the Campaign’s quiet phase. These scholarships help cover the gap between public funding and the full cost of housing and holistic services for our campus-based students, enabling access to additional opportunities such as spiritual life, recreation, and travel.
RAI has also donated six vehicles for child and staff transportation, volunteered for campus beautification, and participated in our Trunk-or-Treat event. Additionally, the Reynolds American Foundation pledged $750,000 over three years to support Anderson Academy.
Q&A WITH WALTER FARABEE
Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Reynolds American, Inc.
What do you enjoy about your role at Reynolds American?
I enjoy connecting our organization with the community through volunteerism, board service, and giving. Every day brings new opportunities to engage with colleagues and nonprofits making a difference.
Why is philanthropy important to RAI?
Our philanthropy aims to build thriving communities through impact-driven giving, like our foundation’s support for Crossnore’s new charter school, which aligns with our focus on educational success.
What do you hope for the futures of the children and families
Crossnore serves?
I hope every child feels loved, safe, and supported in learning. The new school will help create brighter opportunities for them.
What is a personal legacy you hope to leave?
AMERICAN INC.
“Reynolds American exemplifies impactful corporate philanthropy through their generous time, resources, and support. Their partnership made a tremendous difference in The Promise of Home campaign, and we are deeply grateful.”
- SHANA HEILBRON, VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
I want to be remembered for making life better for others and inspiring new ways of giving that address social challenges.
If you could be a kid again for one day, what would you do?
I’d enjoy a carefree Saturday morning, eating cereal and watching cartoons in my pajamas.
$211,000 annual support for Bridge Scholarships
6 vehicles donated to Crossnore fleet
$750,000 campaign pledge toward Anderson Academy
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
$34,713,356 Support & Revenue
$29,600,606 Expenses
$29,121,223 Support & Revenue
$26,248,674 Expenses
2022
$26,398,710 Support & Revenue
$24,373,626 Expenses
2022-2024
Campaign Total HIGHLIGHTS
$9,212,022
$16,400,000
Raised in annual support over three years to ensure the day to day operating needs of the organization are met.
$3,702,721 Raised for Bridging Families™
Raised for Center for Trauma Resilient Communities
$1,314,900
Raised for Hendersonville Renovation project
$8,944,234 Raised for Anderson Academy
$2,310,000 Raised for Family Preservation Services
$9,618,828
Raised for miscellaneous campus projects like fleet cars, electronic health record, cottage renovations,security enhancements, pay equity, and playgrounds.
Crossnore offers an unmatched continuum of professional care and services, engaging with communities and stakeholders at every level to build a resilient ecosystem of support.
CAMPAIGN thank you
The Promise of Home campaign wasn't just about raising money, it was also about raising awareness, opportunity, and impact. In addition to our donors, we want to thank so many others who gave of their energy and resources to make The Promise of Home successful.
Campaign Co-Chairs Charlie Izard and Katheryn Northington gave much of their time to raise money, build relationships, tell our story, and inspire others to believe in our cause. Thank you for believing in our mission and turning that belief into action!
This tremendous effort would not have happened without Crossnore's dedicated staff, who worked long hours strategizing the Campaign's next steps. Special thanks goes to Crossnore's Chief Executive Officer, Brett Loftis; Chief External Relations Officer, Caroline Hart; Vice President of Development, Brandon Cathey; and Vice President of Community Engagement, Shana Heilbron, for dreaming big and reaching higher than ever before.
Passion and commitment fueled our progress. Today, because of countless dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and generous donors, more of North Carolina's most vulnerable children and families are thriving in safe and loving homes, trauma-responsive schools, and resilient communities of support. Thank you all for helping make Crossnore the way to hope and healing for so many!
WHAT'S NEXT
The Promise of Home campaign started with bold action—a couple of wise, generous women made transformational commitments to Crossnore Communities for Children that set in motion a powerful momentum. Although the Campaign has come to a close, and we are celebrating overwhelming generosity, our success is not an endpoint.
It’s a catalyst.
The need will not diminish or disappear just because we had a successful campaign. As long as children, families and communities need support, we have a job to do. Campaign dollars are working today to strengthen ecosystems so that children and families can thrive in safe and loving homes, learn in traumaresponsive schools, and live in resilient communities.However, the demand remains great.
We should absolutely take pride in all we’ve accomplished, together. But we must also understand that continued engagement is vital to future growth and sustainability. We still need your support. Priorities include renovating the gymnasium on the Winston-Salem campus to support Anderson Academy; replacing office and student space
Look at what we’ve done together, and imagine what we
CELEBRATING Generosity
Crossnore Communities for Children salutes the many donors who made a financial commitment to our organization as part of our three-year The Promise of Home Campaign. The lists on our website represent the more than 5,800 individuals, churches, civic groups, foundations, and businesses who believe in and support our mission. Thank you for your love, generosity, and continued loyalty to the children of Crossnore.
To view our donor lists, scan the QR code or visit: crossnore.org/donor-lists
Crossnore Communities for Children Board of Trustees
Mike Barker
Kim Belk
Nancy Bourne
Julia Chandler
Iris Cole
Cricket Crigler
Tom Dale Saribeth Dozier
Harvey W. Freeman, Jr
Kelly Graves
Katheryn Northington
Traci Royster
April Ruffin-Adams
Henry Stokes
Austin Szyperski
Lizzy Thier
Trip Wheeler
Marilyn Williams
The Crossnore School Children's Foundation Board of Directors
Jonathan Blanco Vice Chairman
Rush Dickson Sec/Treasurer
Saribeth Dozier Ex-officio
Kelly Graves
Ted Laporte Chairman Katheryn Northington
David Riggins
The External Relations Division
Peter Berry, Miracle Heights Adventures Manager
Angela Bollo-Higgins, Regional Director of Community Engagement
Brandon Cathey, Vice President of Development
Patrick Cole, Adventure Based Learning Counselor
Andrew Florence, Director of Experiential Learning
Caroline Hart, Deputy Director & Chief External Relations Officer
Larry Haythorn, Donor Relations Coordinator
Shana Heilbron, Vice President of Community Engagement
Viktor Hernandez, Visual Production Manager
Lucia Higgins, Director of Development
Jose Jimenez, Adventure Specialist
Kim King, Regional Manager of Community Relations
Kim Marshall, Development Coordinator
Traci Royster Ex-officio Brett Rule
Chip Williamson
Tessa Matthews, Communications Coordinator
Summer Nguyen, Administrative Coordinator
Elizabeth O’Hagan, Regional Manager of Community Relations
Jennifer Pantoja-Paredes, Visual Design Coordinator
Amy Price, Communications Manager
Lila Riley, Regional Director of Community Relations
Michelle Scott, Senior Manager of Development Operations
Katie Thompson, Development Officer
Mariea Tountasakis, Grant Manager
Patrice Williams, Director of Communications
Crossnore Communities for Children’s impact report is published annually. Despite our efforts to ensure accuracy of the names listed in the on the website, errors do sometimes occur. If your name has been ommitted or mispublished, please accept our sincerest apology and notify us so we can correct the record. With questions about the the impact report, please contact Patrice Williams, Director of Communications, at (336) 721-7600 or pwilliams@crossnore.org.
THE HOPE IMPACT REPORT is a publication of Crossnore Communities for Children's External Relations Office.
DATA COMPILATION: Crossnore Communities for Children Staff
PHOTOGRAPHY: Staff and friends of Crossnore Communities for Children
DESIGN: Crossnore Communities for Children’s Visual Production Team
ACCREDITATIONS:
