OUR MOUNTAIN WORK The Quarterly Newsletter of
Black Mountain Home for Children
2026 – Issue I
Holding Beth’s Heart Beth arrived clinging to a pink heart, a comfort item given to her by the social worker who had picked her up at school. She was seven when her mom accidentally overdosed, and there was no one else to call. Being picked up by a person they don’t know is frightening for children, especially the younger ones. Some arrive in tears, others, like Beth, are silent with fear. After her arrival, our counselors gently told Beth about her mom. She listened quietly; her eyes fixed on the floor. Her fingers pressed into the fabric of the heart. When she finally spoke, Beth asked when her “mommy” would come to get her. The counselor gently explained again that her mom had died, that she wouldn’t be able to come back. Beth listened, but her face didn’t change. That evening, Beth barely spoke. Sensing her sadness, our other children were quiet, too. When it was time for bed, her house mom held her as the tears finally came and she begged for her mother. We knew her healing would be slow. Our counselors would help her process her grief, but it would take consistent nurturing care, day after day, week after week, for her to understand that she was not alone. Beth’s pain broke our hearts, and we are thankful to people like you whose generosity provides the comfort, security, and love our children need to heal from the traumas they have endured. Although Beth is older now and understands what happened to her mom, she still feels the loss. But she knows she is safe and loved. And that she is not alone.
A father to the fatherless…God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68: 5-6
The Greatest of These is Love We all long to be loved. To know that we matter to those around us and that we are not alone. That security is essential for children to develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Whether due to the death of a parent or an out-of-home placement, it is traumatic for children to be removed from their homes and separated from their families. Many, like Beth, are too young to understand why. Older children often feel like it’s somehow their fault. Despite how well they adjust to being part of our BMH family, they carry the pain and loss with them. Holidays, birthdays, graduations, and other special days can be especially difficult. We are deeply grateful for the love you showed our children during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and winter break. Thanks to you, they gathered around the table for special meals, opened gifts just for them on Christmas morning, and enjoyed activities that helped them grow, gain confidence, and build relationships. They had a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day, and soon they will carry Easter baskets filled with goodies and wear new outfits to church. These moments are deeply impactful for children who have endured loss and trauma. They are tangible proof that they are loved. Because of you, children like Beth have a safe home and loving family to show them, day after day, that they are not alone.
Jimmy Harmon, President
Reductions in Government Funding Impact Our Ministry Since its enactment in 2018, we have shared TH how the Family First Prevention Services Act has affected children’s homes like Black Mountain Home. Between now and the end of our fiscal year on June 30th, the reduction in federal funding will leave a $1 million gap in our budget.
JUNE 30
This loss of funding directly affects the children entrusted to our care. Children who carry pain, loss, and grief, and who need to know they are not alone. A generous donor has pledged $100,000 to match gifts we receive this Spring. Every gift will be doubled, helping ensure children like Beth have a safe home, counseling, and the loving support they need to heal. Many of you gave generously during the fall, and we are truly grateful. If you have not made a recent gift or if you feel led to help during this important time, please consider making a special gift to help us bridge this funding gap. Your compassion will ensure that children who have endured abuse, abandonment, and loss have the care they deserve. Thank you for having a heart for children in need and for helping us ensure they are not alone. We invite you to use the enclosed envelope or scan the QR Code above to make your gift today.
A Home Built on Core Values Core Values guide our ministry as we love shapes how we care for children, support families, guide staff, and strive to answer God’s call to care for steward your gifts. Grounded in biblical children who have endured neglect, truth and guided by prayer, we are abuse, abandonment, and other traumas. Children come to us carrying committed to loving children as God loves us. Your support enables them to fear, loss, and the pain of feeling unwanted and unloved in their hearts. experience God’s love not just in words, but in lived reality. In addition to meeting their physical needs, we are committed to helping “Remain in me, as I also remain in you… them understand that they are precious apart from me you can do nothing.” in the eyes of God, in our eyes, and in (John 15:4–5) the eyes of people like you, who make their healing and hope possible. Spirit-Led We rely on God’s Spirit to guide God-Honoring Relationships decisions, both big and small. This Healing happens through relationships allows our staff to remain flexible, built on respect, trust, and love. meet children where they are, and Because of your support, children be responsive to their ever changing experience consistent, loving adults needs. When plans change or who listen, comfort, guide, and nurture. challenges arise, we trust God’s leading These relationships reflect Christ’s love and move forward with courage and and help rebuild pain and brokenness. compassion. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
Christ-Centered & Biblically Based
Excellence
worthy of it. Through trauma-informed, evidence-based care, accountability, and continual improvement, we create family environments, effective programs, and trained adults who help children begin to see themselves differently. Excellence tells each child, “You matter.” “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Intentional Stewardship
We are faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We wisely and attentively manage the time, talents, people, and resources entrusted to us by God’s benevolence and the sacrificial giving of our donors to maximize our impact. We work strategically, transparently, and collaboratively to support and build lasting relationships with the children, youth, and families entrusted to our care. We nurture a culture that values lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
Christ is at the heart of our mission. His
“Whoever can be trusted with very little Excellence means giving our very best, can also be trusted with much.” because God requires it and children are (Luke 16:10)
Thanks to Fred Anderson Subaru for donating coats to our ministry through the Subaru Loves to Care Program.
We love it when young people have big hearts for other youth. Thank you, Evelyn, for using your Hearts for Helene Project to support learning opportunities for our youth.
A special thank you to one of our longtime friends, Leola Lunny of Charleston, SC. At 101 1/2 years old, she faithfully supports our children, often in honor of her family.
Christmas The holidays are hard for children who cannot be with their families. Their feelings can be complicated. Painful memories and the ache to be home often overshadow the joy. That’s why we do all we can to fill the holidays with their favorite meals, traditions, activities, and gifts they wanted to find under the tree. Because of you, our children felt remembered. Their smiles were precious as they opened presents, played games, and experienced simple moments of joy that helped restore their sense of belonging and self-worth. Thank you for ensuring our children and youth experience the true meaning of Christmas and the love and security they need to heal. Over time, they rebuild trust. Smiles come more easily. And despair gives way to hope. Thank you for making Christmas a time of comfort, belonging, and joy for children who are learning that they matter, not just to us, but to the family of supporters who make their care possible.
Thank You! Thanks to your generosity, our kids were able to enjoy experiences that brought laughter, confidence, and a sense of belonging. They cheered alongside a crowd at a Panthers football game and were wide-eyed with wonder as familiar stories came to life at Disney On Ice. They jumped, flipped, and laughed at the trampoline park, releasing energy and stress in a healing way. A Charlotte day trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a Hornets basketball game offered fun and an opportunity to talk about teamwork. And a trip to Brown Mountain to ride dirt bikes gave our kids adventure, fresh air, and shared memories they’ll carry with them forever. These experiences may seem simple, but for children who carry the scars of hardships and trauma, they are powerful moments of joy, connection, and possibility.
House Parents Change Lives
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We felt God’s call to make our marriage and life together about more than just ourselves. Being House Parents at Black Mountain Home allows us to answer that call with support and training. We aren’t experts, and don’t have all the answers. But we know that our presence matters. Listening matters. Being here matters.
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Do you have a heart for children who have experienced hardships and trauma? We are looking for resilient, adaptable couples to join our team as House Parents. Training and support are provided.
March 12, 6 PM
Scan the QR code or visit BlackMountainHome.org/event/houseparent to register for our next no-obligation Zoom information session to learn more and ask your questions. Couples of all ages, including those with children at home, are welcome.
Be part of a team of dedicated professionals that pray together and play together.
Our staff had a great time fellowshipping together during the annual Christmas outing. The breakfast provided by Valley Hope Church was delicious and the bowling was as much fun as it was competitive. Thank you to everyone who helped make Christmas special for this hard working team.
www.BlackMountainHome.org/about/employment/
GO TEAM!
Thank you for showing your love to our children on holidays, birthdays, and other special days. These times can be especially difficult for children who are away from their families, making your thoughtfulness even more meaningful. Love has the power to heal, and your generosity reminds each child that they are not alone.
Learn More about Foster Care
You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference—just willing to open your heart and home to a child in need. Convenient information sessions are offered monthly to help you learn more about being a foster family. To register, visit BlackMountainHome.org/FosterCare. Join our next virtual information session to learn more about opening your home and heart to a child in need.
The Carolina Panthers didn’t win, but our youth had a blast pulling for them to make it to the Super Bowl! In these ordinary moments, they are having fun and making memories with their BMH family.
Financial Donations Financial Donations can be made by check using the enclosed envelope or online at: BlackMountainHome.org/donate
In-Kind Donations In-Kind Donations can be delivered to our office or ordered online and shipped to:
Donations at Black Mountain Home 80 Lake Eden Road Black Mountain, NC 28711
Scan to see our ministry needs list on Amazon.
Find Your Purpose
Want to make care possible for 170+ children this year? Learn more at a People With Purpose Volunteer Orientation and Tour. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website for more information and tour dates.
Volunteers are needed in our:
https://www.amazon.com/registries/ gl/guest-view/16D0WO86O9J78
• Thrift Store • Administrative Offices • Grounds & Maintenance Department • Farm & Garden Program • Education & Recreation Departments
HOPE FOR CHILDREN DINNER
APRIL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
APRIL 30, 2026 Your support of this event will help children in need in Western North Carolina. In addition to our heartfelt gratitude, you will also will receive tickets to our Hope for Children Dinner and the below recognition.
Give the Gift of Hope Platinum $10,000 Name & Large Logo
Gold $5,000 Name & Medium Logo
Silver $3,000 Name & Small Logo
Bronze $1,000 Name
Tickets to the Hope for Children Dinner (Food prepared & served by BMH Youth)
8 tickets ($2,000 value)
6 tickets ($1,500 value)
4 tickets ($1,000 value)
2 tickets ($500 value)
Recognition at the Hope for Children Dinner
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Event Website & Materials
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May Newsletter
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Appreciation from 170+ children for making their care possible.
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Sponsor Levels
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
Please consider sponsoring our annual fundraising event. For more information about sponsor levels and benefits, scan the QR code or visit the website below.
www.BlackMountainHome.org/Hope
2026 Important Dates • March 12, 6 PM House Parent Virtual Info Session • April 1, 6 PM, Foster Parent Virtual Info Session • May 15, Foster Family Appreciation Event • September 11, Homestead Harvest Donor Appreciation Event • October 10, Fall Festival & Alumni Reunion
80 Lake Eden Road Black Mountain, NC 28711 BlackMountainHome.org 828.686.3451
To receive our prayer calendar, email prayer@BlackMountainHome.org