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Thank You for Your Gift

A Spotlight on our Western Region Foster Care Program

Six years ago, Crossnore expanded its reach to Hendersonville, North Carolina. What started as a foster care team of one has now grown to a staff of five. Our dedicated […]

Celebrating National Women’s History Month

March is National Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month initially began as Women’s History Week in Santa Rosa, California. It was observed during the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day. In 1987, March was proclaimed by President Reagan as Women's History Month. Since then, every president has issued an official proclamation recognizing March as “Women’s History Month.”

Fear and Psychological Safety in Our Teams

Before we dive in, let’s remember that being fearless is not a thing. As noted in the Fear episode on the Ologies podcast, celebrating someone for being fearless is like celebrating them for not feeling hunger–it’s just not possible!

the way home, episode 11

Today’s episode features Patrice Williams, Communications Manager and Blair Johnston, Executive Administrative Coordinator. You'll learn about the process of foster home licensing, adoption, and hear Patrice and Blair's own experiences as foster and adoptive moms.

the way home, episode 13

Today's episode features Dr. Sarah Norris, Crossnore's Chief Program Officer. Sarah discusses Crossnore services, our continuum of care, trauma-informed care, and the opportunities to work for Crossnore.

the way home, episode 17

Today’s episode features David McCorkle, co-founder and Senior Faculty of the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, and Cynthia Copeland, adjunct faculty at NYU Steinhardt School and also faculty at the Center. David and Cynthia discuss trauma in faith spaces, how it occurs, and how we can address it.

the way home, episode 18

Today’s episode features Beatriz Vides, co-founder, Faculty, and Senior Director of Program Development for the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. Beatriz talks about her experience as an immigrant coming to the United States, the complex trauma that many immigrants experience, and how we can respond in a trauma-informed way.

the way home, episode 30

Today’s episode features David McCorkle, co-founder of Crossnore's Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. David talks about spiritual trauma and how to make our faith-based spaces trauma-informed and trauma resilient.

the way home, episode 33

Today’s episode features Sarah Norris, Ed.D., Crossnore's Chief Program Officer. Dr. Norris discusses her career in child welfare and why others might want to choose child welfare for their career.

the way home, episode 34

Today’s episode features Alex Hudson, Bridging Families Supervisor, and Deb Eiserman, Bridge Parent at Crossnore. Alex and Deb discuss the Bridging Families program, where it fits in the foster care world, what reunification for families looks like, shared parenting, and more.

the way home, episode 35

Today’s episode features Kelly Holbrooks, Crossnore's Director of Dietary Services, and Erika Brown, Dietary Services Coordinator on our Winston-Salem campus. Kelly and Erika talk about the importance of nutrition for children in foster care and the role nutrition plays in creating trauma resilience.

the way home, episode 36

Today’s episode features Courtney Branch, Miracle Grounds Farm & Food Forest Coordinator. Courtney talks about permaculture and how the farm is set up, as well as the work she does with children who live on our campus, and our upcoming plant sale.

the way home, episode 37

Today’s episode features Nick Reed, Chief Financial Officer, and Laura Lee, Sr. Vice-President of Economic Development, from Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Nick and Laura talk about the mission of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., some of their initiatives for our community, and how to get involved with their organization.

the way home, episode 38

Today’s episode features Meredith Martin, Crossnore's Vice-President of Programs. Meredith talks about myths surrounding poverty and families involved in the child welfare system.

the way home, episode 40

Today’s episode features Elizabeth O'Hagan, Fostering Communities Officer on our Avery campus. Elizabeth talks about in-kind giving, what it is, and how it supports Crossnore's work.

the way home, episode 41

Today’s episode features Courtney Branch, Miracle Grounds Farm & Food Forest Coordinator. Courtney talks about permaculture and how the farm is set up, as well as the work she does with children who live on our campus, and our upcoming plant sale.

the way home, episode 39

Today’s episode features Angela Woods, JD, MBA, Chief Operating Officer at Crossnore. Angela discusses what it means to be a professional coach and how she works with clients to help them achieve their success.

the way home, episode 31

Today’s episode features Cyndi Austin, Ed.D., Principal of Marjorie Williams Academy on Crossnore's Avery campus. Dr. Austin talks about the benefits of a public charter school, as well as what Williams Academy offers, and the application process for admittance in the fall.

the way home, episode 32

Today’s episode features Dawn O'Malley, Psy.D, Crossnore's Vice-President of Clinical Servces, and Amy Mock, Director of Tailored Care Management. Dr. O'Malley and Amy discuss Crossnore's new Tailored Care Management services and how you can access this service.

the way home, episode 29

Today’s episode features Kevin Redding, Executive Director of Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC). Kevin talks about the mission and work of PLC, the partnership with Crossnore, and the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail opening on Crossnore's campus in April.

the way home, episode 28

Today’s episode features Angela Woods, JD, MBA, Crossnore's Chief Operating Officer. Angela talks about her journey to leadership as an African-American woman, and gives some tips on diversifying your organization's leadership, as well as tips for those looking to move into leadership.

the way home, episode 27

Today’s episode features Michelle Hughes, consultant and project manager for the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. Michelle talks about the new work of the Western North Carolina-Trauma Resilient Communities project, why this work is important for everyone in NC, and adverse childhood experiences.

the way home, episode 26

Today’s episode features Melissa Morrissette-Hurst, Senior Director of Child Welfare, and Angela Voss, Human Resources Manager. Melissa and Angela discuss careers at Crossnore, current openings, benefits, and our special need to fill parenting roles.

the way home, episode 24

Today’s episode features Jamie Southern, Executive Director of Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC. Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit that cultivates community by bringing people of all ages together with books and authors who educate, inspire, challenge, and entertain. Bookmarks is a community partner with Crossnore and Jamie talks about the history of Bookmarks, the Bookmarks Festival, and how community partners are making a difference in Winston-Salem.

the way home, episode 25

Today’s episode features Brett Loftis, Chief Executive Officer of Crossnore. Brett talks about our Youth Independent Living program, partnership with The Open Table, our upcoming MOVE Conference, and how you can get involved.

the way home, episode 22

Today’s episode features Angela Squire, Crossnore's Senior Director of Prevention Services. Angela talks about creating programs to meet the Family First Prevention Services Act, how prevention services further fulfills our mission to work with children and families, and the specific services offered by her team.

the way home, episode 23

Today’s episode features Angela Woods, Crossnore's Chief Operations Officer. Angela gives us a good definition of health and wellness, talks about its importance for leaders, and how health and wellness fits into a trauma-informed organization.

the way home, episode 21

Today’s episode features Joe Torrence, Director of Community Relations for The Open Table. Joe discusses the mission of The Open Table, partnership with Crossnore, how we can walk alongside youth aging out of foster care and The MOVE Conference.

the way home, episode 20

Today’s episode features Tanya Blackford, Executive Director-Western Region. Tanya discusses Crossnore's work in western North Carolina, the community partnerships we are part of, and collaborating to bring services to these rural areas.

the way home, episode 19

Today’s episode features Shana Heilbron, Executive Director-Triad Region. Shana talks about joining Crossnore's team and her role, trauma-informed care, working in community partnerships, and Crossnore's plan for opening a trauma-informed charter school.

the way home, episode 16

Today’s episode features Caroline Hart, Crossnore's Deputy Director and Chief External Relations Officer. Caroline discusses Giving Tuesday and how you can support Crossnore's effort in this global movement of generosity.

the way home, episode 14

Today’s episode features Amber Rucker, Crossnore's Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Amber discusses her role at Crossnore, the DEIB work we are engaged in, and why that is important in a trauma-informed organization.

the way home, episode 15

Today’s episode features Dr. Sarah Norris, Crossnore's Chief Program Officer. Sarah discusses the parenting roles that Crossnore is looking to fill, how each role plays a part in the hope and healing of children and families, and how you can apply for one of these roles.

the way home, episode 12

Today’s episode features Jim Hart, Director of Christian Education & Experience and Megan Boyles, Spiritual Life & Recreation Coordinator. Jim and Megan discuss spiritual life and recreational activities at Crossnore and how that helps kids find hope and healing.

the way home, episode 10

Today’s episode features Brett Loftis, Chief Executive Officer of Crossnore Communities for Children and co-founder of the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. Brett talks about creating a trauma resilient community and why that's important, as well as the outcomes experienced in communities that do this work.

the way home, episode 9

Today’s episode features Kimberly King, Fostering Communities Officer in Winston-Salem and Elizabeth O’Hagan, Fostering Communities Officer on our Avery campus. Kim and Elizabeth talk about volunteer opportunities, Amazon Wish Lists, Christmas at Crossnore, and more.

the way home, episode 7

Today’s episode features David McCorkle, co-founder and senior faculty of the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, and Cynthia Copeland, faculty at the Center. David and Cynthia discuss the Center, the work they do in communities, self-care and compassion, cultural and historical trauma and more.

the way home, episode 8

Today’s episode features Marni Eisner, Director of Business Development for Crossnore’s Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. Marni talks about what the Center is, the work they do, creating a trauma-resilient community, and how your organization can get started in this work too.

the way home, episode 6

Today’s episode features Abby Monclova, Senior Director of Human Resources at Crossnore Communities for Children, and a foster mom. Abby talks about careers at Crossnore, tangible and intangible benefits, internships, and what makes Crossnore a great place to work.

the way home, episode 5

Today's episode features Hailey Bullis, Case Manager at Crossnore Communities for Children, and a foster mom. Hailey talks about what it's like to be a foster parent, fostering as a single person, building attachments, and why our listeners should consider fostering.

the way home podcast, episode 4

Today's episode features Andrew Florence, Director of Experiential Learning, and Peter Berry, Miracle Heights Adventures Coordinator. Andrew and Peter talk about our Philip L. Van Every Outdoor Adventure Center, the work they do with children who receive services from Crossnore, and how the public can get involved through Pay to Play days or corporate team development. 

the way home podcast, episode 3

Today's episode features Kelly Riley, Director of Foster Home Licensing & Training. Kelly talks about the need for foster homes, some steps and requirements for becoming a foster parent, and why it's important for us to care for the children in our communities. 

the way home podcast, episode 2

Today's episode features Angela Bollo, Fostering Communities Officer in our Hendersonville office. Angela talks about Fostering Communities, how it ties into Crossnore's overall mission, who can become involved, and invites listeners to the upcoming Fostering Communities Conference.

the way home podcast, episode 1

Crossnore Communities for Children presents the way home podcast. Each week, we will talk with a staff member or community partner about the work we do. You will learn about the child welfare system, our organization, our community partners, and how you might get involved.

Advice from Veteran Foster Parents to New Foster Parents

Being a new Foster Parent can be an exciting, overwhelming, and challenging experience. There may be a lot of unknowns and uncertainties to navigate through. “What happens next?” and “Are we ready for this?” are questions that new foster parents often ask themselves after becoming licensed. We had the opportunity to speak with three of our veteran foster families to ask them what advice they would give to new foster parents.

Working Toward the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Then and Now

On March 21, 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa killed 69 people during a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws. These laws controlled the areas in which persons of color were allowed to be.

How Childhood Trauma Impacts Development

Creating a Family Podcast invited Brett Loftis, Crossnore's CEO, and Dr. Dawn O'Malley, Senior Director of Clinical Services, to a discussion of how trauma impacts a child's development.

Unbroken Families: Helping Children Facing Divorce or Separation

The reality of our world today is that most children in America no longer live in a household with their married, biological parents, or what has historically been labeled a traditional family. Nationally, as of 2014, 54% of children were living in a different or non-traditional family structure, with single parents, divorced parents, or non-parental caregivers. One in five children will experience parental separation by age 9. The disruption of the traditional family structure is a loss for the child and is associated with an increased risk for adjustment difficulties such as challenges with academics or depressed mood.

A basketball card, a decision, and making a difference

Jimmy and Cathy Mahan have been long time friends of Crossnore. After hearing about Crossnore through a friend that worked there, the Mahans soon toured our Avery County campus and fell in love with our work and mission. "We just kept looking at each other [during the tour]," Jimmy said. "Like, is this real? This is full of so much of the spirit of what we talk about all the time!" Soon, Jimmy quit his job and the couple became Cottage Parents on our mountain campus, and spent four years hands-on, loving and caring for our children.

The Mission of Agape Love

First Corinthians 13 is a scripture that most of us know well. It is read at most weddings, and although it is fitting for marriage, Paul wasn't writing to a married couple. When he wrote 1st Corinthians, it was to a hurting church - a group of people in conflict. There are several different terms for love in the Greek. Eros is a passionate, romantic love. Phileo love is the type of love we shared a few years ago when the Panthers were in the Super Bowl, and everyone was united in love for one another for a common purpose - Go Cats! It is a warm, sentimental love shared between friends and family. But the love that is talked about in 1 Corinthians 13 is a different kind of love altogether.

4 Practical Tips to Encourage Kids to Love Cleaning

Just in time for spring-cleaning season, we've got the tips you need to keep your household tidy. We asked members of the Crossnore community for their best advice, because who knows more about cleaning than parents who clean up after 8 to 10 children? While cleaning may never be effortless, with these four great tips from our experts, the process will at lease be more manageable...and maybe even fun!