Our Journey
2016-2019
In 2016, Alexis and Josh Kelly's lives changed forever when they adopted a child from NC foster care. Through this experience, they discovered a significant need: thousands of children seeking loving foster or adoptive families, far outnumbering available homes. As they navigated the adoption process, they also became aware of the challenges faced by homeless teens and young adults aging out of foster care—many lacking essential life skills and hope for a stable future.
Moved by compassion and a desire to make a difference, the Kellys felt called to action. In December 2016, they established The Kelly Children's Home (KCH), a 501c3 nonprofit aimed at supporting youth and families in need.
2020
Over the next few years, the Kellys dedicated themselves to crafting a business plan and searching for the ideal location to realize their vision—a safe haven where those in need could call home.
In 2020, as COVID-19 emerged, the Kellys stumbled upon a vacant building for sale—a former church and home to another nonprofit that had been a pillar in the community for decades. They envisioned revitalizing this space to continue its legacy as a beacon of hope for all who enter.
Faced with the challenges of the pandemic, the Kellys turned to the community for support in acquiring the property. In a remarkable display of solidarity, the community rallied behind them, enabling the Kellys to purchase the property outright by September 2020.
2021-2024
In January 2021, the City of Washington secured a grant from the Department of Commerce specifically for The Kelly Children's Home project. This grant was instrumental in transforming a vacant building into a nurturing group home facility, designed to foster hope, love, stability, and preparation for a brighter future. Planned features include 13-15 bedrooms, a spacious common area, library, computer lab, classroom, visitation center, kitchen, family-style dining area, and offices for staff and house parents.
From 2021 to 2023, the Kellys worked closely with the City of Washington to meet all post-grant requirements—a challenging yet ultimately fulfilling process.
Throughout this period, the nonprofit didn't sit still. Though our doors weren't open yet, our commitment to supporting the community remained unwavering. We developed initiatives such as our Back to School and Christmas Blessings programs, provided donations to other nonprofits and families in need, assisted domestic violence survivors in starting anew, and facilitated transitions for homeless families into stable housing. Each year, The Kelly Children's Home distributed over 1,000 gifts to local children during the holiday season and contributed over 2,000 diapers to struggling families. Additionally, KCH partnered with local schools to address any needs of their students. The Kellys look forward to continuing to offer such community support for years to come.
In 2023, BW Architecture was selected as the project architect, followed by Berry Building Group as the General Contractor in 2024. The groundbreaking ceremony in July 2024 marked a significant milestone as we eagerly anticipate opening our doors and welcoming those in need to our revitalized home.
Stay tune for the next part of this incredible journey!