For The Media

Organization Overview

The SECU Family House on the Richard J. Reynolds, III & Marie M. Reynolds Campus (Family House) provides affordable lodging in a caring environment for referred adult patients and/or their caregivers who travel to Winston-Salem for medical treatment.

Opening in 2011, the 45-bedroom facility offers a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, opportunities for prepared meals, and scheduled transportation to and from the hospital for only $40 a night. It is a place where families who are already facing the heartache and distress of a serious illness can receive support from caring staff and volunteers and share their experiences with other families.

To date, the Family House has served over 36,000 guests, from 95 North Carolina counties and 43 states.

Executive Director:

Kathy Kooken Carr was named executive director of the SECU Family House on the Richard J. Reynolds III & Marie M. Reynolds Campus in March 2010.

kathy-carr-secu In 2003 Kathy served on the steering committee of the Hospital Hospitality House as a liaison to the Medical Alliance of the Piedmont. In July 2009, Kathy was hired by SECU Family House as the campaign coordinator. A native of Winston-Salem and with medical professionals in her family, Kathy has felt particularly called to the Family House’s vision of caring for caregivers, and was honored to transition to Executive Director.

Kathy and David have three adult children and they live in Winston-Salem. A member of Augsburg Lutheran Church, she has also held leadership positions with the NC Lutheran Synod of the ELCA. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Winston-Salem, and active in Town and Country Garden Club.

Facts:

House provides affordable lodging for referred adult patients and their caregivers who travel to Winston-Salem, NC for medical treatment. Referrals come from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Forsyth Medical Center, and Trellis Supportive Care.
Located on 8.8 acres at 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. (at end of Hospice Lane). Building is just under 34,000 square feet consisting of 45 overnight guest rooms with private baths.
Staff is on site at all times and the service of 65 volunteers assist over 4,500 families who stay at the house each year.
To date, the SECU Family House has served over 36,000 patients and their families. These guests have traveled from 95 North Carolina counties and 43 states. Our average occupancy is 86% (39 rooms / night).
Amenities include common living, dining and kitchen areas, laundry facilities, outdoor patio, outdoor water feature, chapel for meditation. Services include a caregiver support group, chaplain intern, and evening activities such as bingo, knitting, crafts, and therapy dogs.
$40 nightly fee is requested, with a Family Assistance Fund established to assist those who cannot afford this rate.
Ongoing operation relies on continuing support – money, supplies and volunteer time from individuals, civic organizations, and businesses.
Donations received from two medical centers, foundations, businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center/North Carolina Baptist Hospital Foundation have each donated $250,000 to establish a $500,000 endowment for operating expenses.
Opened in September 2011. Capital cost is $5.4 million with an annual operating budget of $600,000. Construction by Landmark Builders.
Donation total includes a $1 million lead gift from The Richard J. Reynolds, III and Marie M. Reynolds Foundation and a $2 million challenge grant from the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation.

Download: SECU Family House Media Kit, including fact sheet

Social Media:

News Coverage:

Lexington Dispatch: SECU Family House recognized Essential Service Provider with a $100,000 gift from the SECU Foundation (August 2020)

WFMY: A Look at SECU Family House’s Servies for Families with Loved Ones in Hospital (July 2020)

Spectrum News: Clemmons Girl Celebrates Birthday by Giving Back (November 2019)

Forsyth Magazine: Men Who Cook Event for SECU Family House (February 2019)

Clemmons Courier: 11 Year-Old Raises $1,000 for the SECU Family House (October 2018)

Watauga Democrat: A Home Away from Home (June 2018)

Personal Experience Fuels Desire for SECU Family House Winston-Salem, N.C. For Charles Baldwin and his parents, Sandy and Beth Baldwin, the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Family House is a personal family mission.

Art:

Download: High resolution Family House 2-color logo

Download: Black and white logo

Download: PNG Logo

Download: Square logo icon

Awards and Milestones:

2005: Incorporation and establishment of nonprofit structure 501(c)3 and board of directors
March 2007: $1 million grant from the Richard J. Reynolds, III and Marie M. Reynolds Foundation
2007-2008: Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and NC Baptist Hospital Foundation pledged $250,000 each to the Endowment Fund
October 2009: $2 million challenge received from State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation
September 2011: First guests stay at the Family House
2011, 2013: Winner, Hospital Hospitality Network’s Best of Website
July 2014: Family House serves 10,000th guest
September 2015: Winner, Hospital Hospitality Network’s Best of Newsletter
November 2015: Winner, HandsOn NWNC High Five Award for Innovation
March 2016: Family House hosts inaugural Men Who Cook signature fundraising even
June 2016: Family House hires first Support Services Coordinator
July 2016: Family House serves 20,000th guest
May 2017: Education Program awarded Outstanding Community Partner Award by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Physician Assistant Program
November 2018: Support services coordinator transitions to first volunteer and community outreach coordinator
2020: Family House breaks ground on anniversary park project
August 2020: Family House receives $100,000 COVID-19 relief grant from the SECU Foundation

Contact Information:

Kathy Carr, Executive Director

kathy.carr@familyhousews.org; 336-793-2822

Erin Craver, Director of Development

erin.craver@familyhousews.org; 336-793-2822

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