Victory Junction’s next phase: Henry’s House

RANDLEMAN — Parents and care-givers can take a rest while their children with complex needs have fun at camp. That’s thanks to a combined investment to Victory Junction of $3.9 million.

Officials with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Trillium Health Resources presented a check for nearly $4 million to Victory Junction in ceremonies at the camp on July 29. 

The program is called Henry’s House in honor of a “boy named Henry, whose resilience inspires support for children living with complex needs and their families/caregivers,” according to a press release.

This is the second Henry’s House funded by Trillium, the first being Easterseals PORT Health in Burgaw. Trillium’s portion of the Victory Junction gift is $2.4 million with NCDHHS providing $1.516 million.

According to the Victory Junction press release, “The program is expected to serve over 150 respite experiences for children and families annually, operating alongside Victory Junction’s traditional yearround programming, which includes summer camps, spring and fall weekend sessions, partner programs and hospital outreach. Henry’s House Program will be offered at Victory Junction’s medically safe, fully accessible campus in Randleman, with services set to begin in 2026.”

“Henry’s House at Victory Junction will provide a safe, joyful, and inclusive space for children and a much-needed respite option for families and caregivers,” said NCDHHS DMH/DD/SUS Director Kelly Crosbie, MSW LCSW. “Increasing access to services is a top priority for the state. Henry’s House will make it easier for families to receive support and treatment in their community.”

a promise to families that they are not alone,” said Yvonne Copeland, NCDHHS DCFW Director. “Creating additional services and programs that allow caregivers and family members to receive a break are necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for their children and loved ones receiving care.”

VJC notes that children at Henry’s House will have “enriching camp-style activities and social connection while their caregivers receive essential time to rest and recharge.”

The program will feature:

■ Home-like, fully accessible lodging for overnight stays.

■ Tailored programming for children with I/DD, Autism and TBI.

■ Trained respite care teams and onsite medical support.

■ Opportunities for independence, exploration and play.

■ A safe, inclusive environment grounded in community and compassion.

Chad Coltrane, CEO of Victory Junction, said, “What’s so exciting for me is a greater opportunity to continue what we already do — care for kids and respite for their family. I look forward to making it grow. I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

Coltrane went on to explain that “initially it won’t be different. We’ll offer services in the existing program. The next phase will provide services Monday through Thursday in the fall and spring. We’ll use the same facilities with the attention to care. We’ll start in 2026 with six months of building out the program. We’ll be visiting other programs.”

Richard Petty, who with his family started Victory Junction in honor of his late grandson Adam Petty, said, “This is one of the biggest things” at the camp since its opening in 2004. “This gives children the freedom to do the things they want to do. Now we already have the money, the donation to expand to other things we’ve been thinking about.

“So many people have made it work,” Petty said of the Victory Junction mission. “Kids (who have been limited in their activities) find they can do other things. Some come back as counselors, more every year.”

“For over 20 years, Victory Junction has created fun, life-changing moments for children living with complex medical and physical needs,” Coltrane said. “The Henry’s House Program will build on our abilities to make an even larger impact by offering rest, adventure and comfort to kids and their families or caregivers when they need it most.” 

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to reimagining care for children with different abilities,” said Cindy Ehlers, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Trillium Health Resources. “Henry’s House is a model for what investments in family-centered, community-based support can look like.”