Who We are
About Us
Opening in 1873, the Masonic Home for Children, then Oxford Orphanage, was the first children’s home in North Carolina. Since opening, the Masonic Home for Children has had over 11,000 children come through its doors. We are located in Oxford, North Carolina–a small rural town with lots of heart.
We specialize in providing residential care for children ages 0-18 and provide independent living programs for young adults ages 18-22. Our goal is to provide a stable environment for children while we encourage and help them grow into independent and successful adults.
If you or someone you know is in need of placement, please contact us by heading to our admissions page to contact us. We are here to help you!
What We Do
Cottage Life: There are two residential programs on campus. Youth aged 0-18 can live in Direct Care cottages. Each resident has their own bedroom in a family style cottage with up to six other young people of similar age and gender. Each cottage has live-in married couples that provide daily supervision and care. Youth aged 16-22 live in Transitional or Independent Living Cottages. The two Transitional Cottages have live-in married couples (houseparents) that provide daily supervision and skill building. Each resident has their own bedroom in the cottage that has up to seven other young people. Youth over 18 can move into a one-bedroom apartment in the two cottages that have a live-in Resident Advisor that provides guidance and skill building. All cottages have family-style meals and common areas for play and relaxation. The residents attend the local schools and community college. Residents are encouraged and supported in participating in school and community sports, clubs, and activities. Residents are also provided many opportunities for fun and recreation on and off campus.
Family Involvement: Family is important to MHCO and to the residents. Residents are encouraged and supported in maintaining contact with legal guardian approved friends and family. Home and family visits are regularly scheduled two weekends a month, holidays, and summer breaks. Families are included in the resident’s programming and accomplishments.
Team Approach: All residents have a team of professionals who work together to meet their needs in daily living, education, mental health support, spirituality, recreation, vocational and independent living.
Mission
Mission Statement: Providing and promoting a safe, nurturing home for children and young adults in need with opportunities to maximize their potential.
Quality Statement: MHCO is committed to high quality care for children and young adults in need through: highly qualified personnel, continuously evolving evidence informed model of care, and active engagement with families, community, and other stakeholders.
Vision Statement: MHCO is a haven where children, young adults, and families develop and flourish here and beyond.
History
The story of the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, originally known as Oxford Orphan Asylum began over 150 years ago, in 1872, when the Grand Lodge of North Carolina voted to turn their deserted property in Oxford, NC, formerly St. John’s College, into an asylum for “indigent orphan children”. They then elected John H. Mills as superintendent and appropriated $500 in support of the institution. In February of 1873, the first children were received into the home. At the end of 1873 the institution had 109 children in its care. In 1879 a hospital was constructed on campus and in 1882 a building was erected to house the orphan boys. Eventually Oxford Orphan Asylum would become known as Oxford Orphanage and throughout the years would boast a hospital, multiple cottages to house residents, a dining hall, an industrial building, a print shop, a school, a swimming pool, and many other buildings and facilities on its campus. The only consistent element at Oxford Orphanage, later to be renamed the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, was that of constant change and growth.
