a unique ministry of BCH –

River Hill Refuge

Christian foster care homes on transformed farmland near Shelby, NC.

WHERE FOSTER CARE MEETS FAMILY HERITAGE –

A Sanctuary for Vulnerable Children

River Hill Refuge is a distinctive ministry of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) that stands out because it brings together dedicated foster-care ministry and a special piece of donated family property to create a sanctuary for vulnerable children.

Located on five acres of the former River Hill Angus Farm near Shelby, NC, the refuge was established through the generosity of Wes and Jay Westmoreland, who donated part of their family’s land—property once home to their father’s nationally acclaimed cattle operation—to BCH for the creation of this ministry.

A property transformed for a purpose

River Hill Refuge transforms historic farmland into a place of refuge, healing, and stability. The land, with deep family significance to the Westmorelands, has been repurposed as a dedicated foster-care campus designed specifically to support children who have endured trauma, abuse, or neglect.

a campus of BCH-owned Foster Homes –

Three Family Homes on One Campus

  • Tucker Home for foster families at River Hill Refuge
  • Starlite Home for foster families at River Hill Refuge
  • Westmoreland Family Home at River Hill Refuge
  • Aerial view of the River Hill Refuge property on the former River Hill Angus Farm
  • The property is owned by BCH but occupied by licensed foster families, creating a hybrid approach that blends institutional support with the stability of a family home.
  • The campus includes three BCH-owned foster homes—the Westmoreland Family Home, Starlite Home, and Tucker Home—each occupied by BCH-recruited, state-licensed foster parents.
  • Each home provides space for up to five children, offering a safe, loving, and fully family-oriented environment while maintaining strong BCH support and oversight.
A loving Christian foster home environment at River Hill Refuge

Why River Hill Refuge is unique

  • A ministry built on donated family heritage property, blending past legacy with future hope
  • A foster-care campus, not an institution—homes occupied by foster parents living full-time in BCH-owned houses
  • A partnership model, rooted in community generosity, BCH expertise, and Christ-centered care
  • A scalable refuge, designed to serve children across Cleveland County and surrounding areas who urgently need safe homes

Designed for Healing

  • Offer a loving, Christian home for children recovering from trauma
  • Provide hope through faith, stability, and nurturing relationships
  • Support long-term healing and a pathway toward a brighter future
Support the Families at RHR –

Churches, You’re Invited

Churches are invited to support the families at River Hill Refuge by providing wraparound care, fellowship, and consistent encouragement as the families generously love and support the children in their care.

The property includes space and resources for planned activities such as play, meals, and celebrations for families and children.

cONTACT US –

Interested in River Hill Refuge?

Interested in the benefits and opportunities of living at the beautiful River Hill Refuge with your family and foster children? Want to support the families as a church? Contact us today.

Contact BCH