Kennedy Home continues repairs after Matthew

Feb. 05--Months after the devastating flooding left behind after Hurricane Matthew, businesses, families and nonprofit organizations are still recovering.

Kennedy Home, one of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina's statewide residential campuses for children, is currently in the process of repairing the damage left behind.

Baptist Children's Home CEO, Michael Blackwell, said the hurricane set the campus back in a lot of ways.

"When Matthew hit, we knew very soon that we were going to have to relocate and these kids were displaced," Blackwell said.

All seven cottages, the gymnasium the food locker and other buildings on campus suffered $1.5 million in damages.

"The water got up under several tarp papers, the shingles on the buildings, and it just trickled down to the walls," said Blackwell.

Four of the seven cottages have since been reopened for children and families to share while the other three are being renovated.

Kennedy Home provides a home for children who come from a variety of challenging circumstances ranging from family dysfunction to abuse, neglect and abandonment. In the program, school-age boys and girls live with professionally-trained child care workers (houseparents) in a Christian, family environment. When the family is involved, BCH's case managers work with family members to help them identify and overcome their challenges, according to the Kennedy House website.

Blackwell said wind-driven rains caused trees to fall, water damage in several buildings, and loss of power.

"The students were relocated for a week, and we were also without power for a week, "Blackwell said.

Blackwell said at the time of the storm, the children and staff members were forced to temporarily evacuate to its sister campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, until it was safe for them to return.

Child Care Supervisor Al Little said throughout the experience the kids have kept their spirits up and adapted to the change.

"They've had a great spirit about everything because they have played a part in helping refurbish and move everything," Little said.

While the children on campus have helped with the renovations, many volunteers have helped the organization as well.

"I think the volunteers have kept them encouraged because they see people donating their time to help," Little said.

At this time, BCH officials do not know how much of the damage insurance will cover. However, it has been confirmed that the entire amount will not be covered by insurance.

Kenneth E. Haigler, a trustee of the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, said at this time they are 80 percent done with repairs. Officials hope to have the campus repairs compete by June 1.

To refer a child or family, call 1-800-476-3669. You may also send an email to [email protected] or visit www.bchfamily.org/referral.

Michelle Taylor may be reached at 252-559-1073 and [email protected]. You can follow her on Twitter at @MTaylorKFP.

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