Crossnore Bridging Families

With state approval and families progressing toward reunification, the Bridging Families program is expanding to address the growing number of children entering the system. Today, there are four Bridging Families cottages on the Avery Campus.

In December 2022, Crossnore received a grant to support the first Bridging Families community home in partnership with Saluda United Methodist Church in Polk County. The church owns the home, and Crossnore will provide the Bridging Families staff and expertise. Another community partnership is in development with Homes for Youth, a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless youth in Henderson County and keeps the teens in their communities.

“My hope and vision is that we find partners who help build community around these families and create the circumstances that allow for healthy futures,” said Tanya Blackford, Executive Director of Crossnore’s Western Region.

Crossnore has a long history of serving youth in the child welfare system as well as those transitioning out or at risk of entering the system. It offers a full continuum of services to meet the clinical, medical, physical, and spiritual needs of each child. With a host of community partners, including multiple DSS agencies, schools, churches, and other nonprofits, Crossnore is a critical partner and regional leader providing essential holistic child welfare services.

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