The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSC) made a $300,000 contribution to the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) to help launch the “Every Child” foster care and adoption ministry, an initiative between the two organizations focused on eradicating childhood homelessness in the state.

BSC Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker made the announcement and presented BCH President and CEO Michael C. Blackwell with a $300,000 gift during his address to messengers at the opening session of the BSC annual meeting on Nov. 8.

“The Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina is a vital ministry partner, and we are excited about the launch of the ‘Every Child’ initiative,” Unzicker said. “Scripture tells us that God is a father to the fatherless and calls us to care for the needs of orphans. 

“Imagine if North Carolina were a state where no child experiences homelessness, and every child in need has a safe, loving home where they could hear the gospel? With God’s help, I believe such a vision can become a reality as we work together to be on mission together.”

The “Every Child” initiative was launched on Nov. 2 in a joint announcement between BCH and the BSC. With approximately 16,000 children in the North Carolina foster care system, the goal of the initiative is to involve local churches in the foster care and adoption process.

Through “Every Child,” BCH will provide training, equipping and support for couples and churches that wish to engage in foster care and adoption.

Unzicker said the initiative grew out of conversations he had with Blackwell shortly after becoming the state convention’s top executive earlier this spring.

“It was evident from the beginning that this was a project close to both of our hearts,” Unzicker said. “We believe God is calling N.C. Baptists to end child homelessness.”

Unzicker said the contribution will “bring help and hope to precious souls” and make an eternal difference in children’s lives.

“Because of your faithfulness, there are children across the state who will finally discover the safety and security of a loving home, and, God willing, they will find joy and hope in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Unzicker said.

To learn more about the “Every Child” Initiative, visit every-child.org.