The images and stories coming out of Western North Carolina are hard to take in. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the devastation of homes and livelihoods caused by Hurricane Helene.

Our Asheville Crisis & Assessment Center and Franklin Group Home were both in the path of the storm. But we have good news:

All children in our care are safe; all employees are accounted for.

Even so, our children and families need your prayers – there is a long road ahead. Some of our children are from areas that were demolished; they’ve been unable to talk to their families.

Our home in Franklin initially avoided damage, but the community is now dealing with mudslides.

Our center in Asheville has power and is accessible. We have opened it to distribute food and other donated items to staff, their families, neighbors, and Department of Public Safety staff in need.

We gave out the first round of supplies on Monday and staff wept. They had run out of water earlier in the day.

Thank you for your prayers and support.