The Children's Home Merges With The Crossnore School

A longtime Winston-Salem center that helps children in crisis is merging with a foster care organization in Western North Carolina.

The Children's Home was a self-sustaining orphanage founded in 1909.  Eventually, it refocused on providing trauma treatment for young people and families. Some residents may know it best for the farm on its 212-acre campus on Reynolda Rd., near the heart of the city.

But after years of financial uncertainty, it's merging with The Crossnore School, a similar organization located southwest of Boone.

CEO Brett Loftis says he expects new building and renovation on the Winston-Salem site, along with some expanded services.

“This partnership really allows us to have two full campuses of children, and to serve kids in foster homes and therapeutic homes in the community in Western North Carolina,” Loftis says.

Crossnore's current residential capacity is 83, though it will soon rise to more than 100.

According to Loftis, there are more than 10,000 children in foster care across North Carolina.