Supporter Spotlight: Betty Jo Wall Forrest

Sometimes our deepest connections to a cause begin with the people who inspire us. For Betty Jo Wall Forrest, support for Children’s Home Society grew from a family tradition of generosity and evolved into a personal commitment rooted in her professional experience and belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing home. Today, she continues that legacy through her ongoing support and planned giving. In her own words, Betty Jo reflects on how one person’s dedication can help nurture opportunities for generations to come.

“I was born and raised in Greensboro and have been aware of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina for as long as I can remember.  After living the majority of our adult years in the Chapel Hill/Durham area, my husband and I were pleased to make the move back to our hometown of Greensboro.   We lost my husband’s mother Virginia Hayes Forrest not long after we moved.  My husband Hayes passed the following year.  As I began to handle matters of business on my own, I assumed management of an endowed fund which had been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro by my mother-in-law. Virginia had been a longtime supporter of Children’s Home Society, among other things, and she left specific instructions regarding her wishes.  Truthfully, this is exactly how I became more familiar with CHS and its admirable mission.

As a former registered nurse in the field of community health, I am sadly aware of how difficult it can be for some children to have the blessing of living in a safe, nurturing, and stable environment.  When I began to donate from Forrest Fund, I became increasingly familiar with the work of Children’s Home Society, and I decided to make supporting CHS a regular part of my own giving.  Through my personal fund which I have established at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, I have made Children’s Home Society part of my legacy plan.

Through these past years I have attended several functions put together by CHS and appreciate hearing the speakers share about their experiences with the fostering and adoption of children.  CHS makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day, yet the need remains great. There is still so much work to be done, and continued support is essential to ensuring more children and families have the opportunity to thrive. I am pleased to have an organization such as this here in Greensboro, and in our state and do what I can to introduce others to Children’s Home Society, and I hope others will do the same.

I have always enjoyed spending quite a bit of my time outdoors enjoying nature’s beauty.  Locally, I have had the pleasure of serving as a board member of the Piedmont Land Conservancy which works to preserve natural spaces in Guilford and eight surrounding counties. Having peaceful and beautiful environments to explore is good for everyone, and I love to see the pleasure it brings to children when they are given the opportunity to be awed by nature.

Child welfare has always been an important interest of mine, and I am honored to contribute what I can to help improve the lives of children and families in our community.