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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Durham, NC

Home Care Durham, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bennett Place in Durham, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Durham, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I'm very happy with this company. They are delivering the services what they promised to do. I'm very happy to have Judith . She is very smart and understanding. I couldn't get any better person than Judith to help me. I had a couple to othe care givers who were smart and good as well.”

Karol P.
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“Ahana was such a pleasure to work with! We didn’t know what to expect or how the process would go at first, but she was friendly, personable, and very communicative every step of the way. She made my grandmother’s transition to assisted living feel smooth and stress-free. We really appreciated her help and support!”

Katie H.
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“I would recommend Misty she has been great working with my mom. She goes above and beyond to make sure she is cared for, safe, and happy”

Julie R.
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“Misty Wilkins is by far the best and most amazing caregiver she is an amazing person and a hard worker . She's always going above and beyond”

Joseph G.
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“Asia is THE best! She has the most beautiful caregiving heart and is an exceptional caregiver. A true natural. And, she has formed a beautiful bond with my MIL. So grateful for Asia and Always Best Care.”

Tracy B.
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“Alice Sharper is a wonderful helper. She always looks out for my health and she does chores around the house without being asked. She has driven me to multiple appointments. She is always is an up mood. Camille Bialik”

Dan B.
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“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”

Angel W.
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“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”

Mike M.
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“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”

Crystal J.
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“Very promising????”

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“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”

Lisa B.
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“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”

katherine V.
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“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”

Christina D.
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“Wonderful company! Best services.”

Afton H.
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“Wonderful company!”

Artisha B.
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“Great company !!”

Krystal P.
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“Absolutely love this company”

Devra
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“Great company even better staff”

Loren
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“This is an amazing company and the staff do an amazing job.”

Asia A.
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“Great company”

Ty W.
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“Always Best Care is the most respectful nicest company I’ve work with I love working with them.”

Nikita R.
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“I love Always Best Care, it’s a great company….”

Brandi P.
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“Great company”

Keith A.
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“Always great”

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“Great people ‼️‼️‼️‼️❤️❤️❤️”

kay W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Durham, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Durham, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Durham, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Durham, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Durham, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sandy Creek Park in Durham, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Durham, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nanas or visit Duke Homestead, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Durham, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Durham, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Durham, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Durham, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Durham, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Durham, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Durham, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Springdaile Assisted Living
  • Brookdale Durham
  • The Addison
  • Atria Southpoint Walk
  • Durham Ridge Assisted Living
Home Care Durham, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Durham, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Durham, NC

Latest News in Durham, NC

Major League Baseball and Durham Bulls Bring MLBx Back to Durham on September 18

Durham Selected to Stage MLB's Innovative 3-on-3 Competition with Zobrist a confirmed participantFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 13, 2026Contact: [email protected], N.C. – Major League Baseball and the Durham Bulls today announced that MLBx, MLB's high-energy, co-ed competition that combines the excitement of power hitting with the athleticism of defensive play, will return to Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Friday, Sep...

Durham Selected to Stage MLB's Innovative 3-on-3 Competition with Zobrist a confirmed participant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

DURHAM, N.C. – Major League Baseball and the Durham Bulls today announced that MLBx, MLB's high-energy, co-ed competition that combines the excitement of power hitting with the athleticism of defensive play, will return to Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Friday, September 18, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Following the showcase in Philadelphia during MLB All-Star Week, and after two successful appearances in Durham, MLBx returns in 2026, further cementing Durham's reputation as one of baseball's premier destinations for marquee events.

MLBx delivers a fast-paced, high-energy twist on baseball, blending towering home runs, spectacular defensive plays and nonstop entertainment into an exciting fan experience. Four co-ed teams compete in semifinal matchups before advancing to a championship game, with every swing and catch impacting the outcome.

Each team is made up of three players: an MLB legend, an elite female player from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) or the collegiate ranks, and a collegiate baseball standout. In Durham, the collegiate players will represent four of North Carolina's premier baseball programs: North Carolina, Duke, NC State and East Carolina.

The first player confirmed for the Durham event is former Durham Bull, World Series Champion and World Series MVP Ben Zobrist. Additional MLB legends, AUSL stars and collegiate standouts will be announced throughout the summer.

MLBx: Durham is a high-energy competition that combines the excitement of power hitting with the athleticism of defensive play. Each player receives one two-minute thirty second at-bat during the three-inning game. During an at-bat, one team positions its three players in the outfield while the opposing team hits from a custom-built stage. Teams earn points for home runs and defensive catches, with bonus points available by hitting a center-field target positioned above the outfield fence. Players can also activate a five-swing "Hot Streak", where offensive and defensive points count double. At the end of each game, the team with the most points advances. The bracket-style competition features two semi-finals followed by a Championship Game, with each game lasting approximately 30 minutes.

"We're incredibly proud that Major League Baseball continues to choose Durham as one of the cities to host MLBx," said Chrystal Rowe, General Manager of the Durham Bulls. "Hosting events like MLBx reinforces what makes Durham such a special baseball community. Bringing together MLB legends, elite women's players and some of the best collegiate talent in North Carolina creates an unforgettable experience for our fans while celebrating the past and future of the game. We can't wait to welcome baseball fans from across the state back to Durham Bulls Athletic Park for another incredible night."

Tickets, starting at just $13, go on sale Wednesday, July 15, at Ticketmaster.com. For additional event information, visit DurhamBulls.com.

About MLBx

MLBx is Major League Baseball's innovative 3-on-3 competition featuring MLB legends, elite women's players and top collegiate athletes competing in a fast-paced, action-filled format. Combining towering home runs, spectacular defensive plays and unique scoring opportunities, MLBx delivers a fresh, exciting way for fans of all ages to experience the game.

About Capitol Broadcasting Company

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; The Zebulon Devil Dogz in Zebulon, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.

Kingston, the dog rescued from a Durham dumpster, has found a new home

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A happy ending on a story ABC11 shared days ago about an abandoned dog that was rescued from a dumpster Durham.The Animal Rescue Society shared the good on its Facebook page Saturday that the dog named Kingston has a new home.Kingston was found after a deputy responded just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday to The Shoppes at Lakewood in Durham on Chapel Hill Road. Workers call law enforcement and reported there was a dog trapped in a dumpster on the property.The tan pit bull mix was discovered when workers...

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A happy ending on a story ABC11 shared days ago about an abandoned dog that was rescued from a dumpster Durham.

The Animal Rescue Society shared the good on its Facebook page Saturday that the dog named Kingston has a new home.

Kingston was found after a deputy responded just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday to The Shoppes at Lakewood in Durham on Chapel Hill Road. Workers call law enforcement and reported there was a dog trapped in a dumpster on the property.

The tan pit bull mix was discovered when workers heard an approaching collection truck and rushed outside to throw more garbage in the dumpster before the truck arrived. When they saw the dog, they waved the truck off and called for assistance. The deputy safely pulled the pup out of the container.

Kingston's Adoption

Kingston has been adopted by someone with experience caring for dogs that have experienced trauma and skin conditions, the Animal Protection Society of Durham said.

The shelter shared the happy update on social media.

The shelter went on to say they are incredibly grateful to everyone in Durham who helped Kingston, followed his story, and cheered him on. His story began with something terrible, but the rest of his story is already becoming one about a community coming together to help an animal feel safe, cared for, and loved.

After viewing security footage provided by the business, the deputy saw a person of interest on the video. The sheriff's office is trying to identify the man. The man was last seen leaving the property toward House Street just after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

As a reminder, Animal Services deputies and animal control officers will pick up a pet that is ill or that a resident can no longer keep.

"There is no reason for anyone to throw a pet away or abandon them in any manner," the sheriff's office said in a release.

Rescued dog receives TLC

Kingston was taken to the Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS), where staffers named him and put him on the journey to recovery.

Kingston received a full medical evaluation, vaccinations, and a medicated bath to help soothe his irritated skin, the APS said.

The APS added that the pup was still frightened and adjusting to his new surroundings, but he has started seeking affection from some of his caregivers, who have been spending extra time sitting with him.

"Kingston's story is heartbreaking, but what has happened since he arrived at APS is also a beautiful example of Durham at its best," said Stacy Bluth, Interim Executive Director of the Animal Protection Society of Durham. "People stepped in to get him to safety, our team immediately surrounded him with care, and so many members of our community have reached out asking how they can help. We are honored to be one small part of Kingston's recovery."

He was scheduled to be neutered and microchipped on Friday.

"This is what community animal welfare looks like," Bluth said. "It takes people who notice, people who act, and people who care. Durham has shown once again what an incredibly compassionate community it can be."

Durham County Sheriff's Office Animal Services investigators are looking to identify a person of interest in a suspected case of animal cruelty.

Anyone with information on the identity of the person of interest is asked to please call the Durham County Sheriff's Office communications center at (919) 560-0900 or Animal Services at (919) 560-0630.

Durham County Sheriff's Office Animal Services investigators are looking to identify a person of interest in a suspected case of animal cruelty.

Gun, ammunition found at Durham high school; parents voice concerns on second day of classes

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Parents of students at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability raised safety concerns after a gun and ammunition were found on campus during the second day of the school year.The investigation began after a fight involving several students Monday afternoon. School staffers later received information that one of the students involved might have had a gun.Deputies placed the school on secure status Tuesday morning while they searched for the student. However, that student did not come to school, accord...

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Parents of students at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability raised safety concerns after a gun and ammunition were found on campus during the second day of the school year.

The investigation began after a fight involving several students Monday afternoon. School staffers later received information that one of the students involved might have had a gun.

Deputies placed the school on secure status Tuesday morning while they searched for the student. However, that student did not come to school, according to the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

It's crazy, and it's only the second day of school. They're supposed to be here to learn. It's ridiculous. Terrifying also.- Anaudia Johnson, sister of a student

Instead, deputies said they found a handgun in one student's backpack and ammunition in the possession of another student. The sheriff's office said it is seeking juvenile petitions and secure custody orders for two students involved in the incident.

Parents waiting in the pickup line Tuesday afternoon said the discovery was unsettling, especially so early in the school year.

"It's so early in the school year. It makes me uncomfortable," parent Robert Lemons said. "I'm going to keep her home tomorrow and let things get settled. For the second day of school, it's a bad start."

RELATED | More back-to-school stories

Anaudia Johnson, whose sister attends the school, said she was shocked by the incident.

"It's crazy, and it's only the second day of school," Johnson said. "They're supposed to be here to learn. It's ridiculous. Terrifying also."

Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead urged students, staff and parents to report suspicious activity.

"When they see something suspicious, say something," Birkhead said in a statement. "I applaud the quick actions of our SROs working in conjunction with Durham Public Schools security and Southern High School staff to bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion."

Birkhead also encouraged students and families to contact school resource officers, school staff or use the Durham Public Schools Text-a-Tip line at 274637 to report concerns.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Durham County Sheriff's Office said it is working with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice to determine appropriate charges for the students involved.

On Tuesday evening, DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis sent a message to the school community.

"To our Durham Public Schools parents, families, staff, and community,

Yesterday we welcomed our traditional school scholars back for the 2026-2027 school year. And today, we experienced a troubling incident on one of our school campuses that is a reminder of the importance of safe learning environments. As we start our new school year together, I want to share some expectations to help us to experience and ensure success and safety this year.

Because safety and security are first and foremost in our schools and offices, we encourage a review of Board of Education Policy 4301.1, Student Code of Conduct - Elementary Schools and Policy 4301.2, Student Code of Conduct - Middle and High Schools.

Student behavior policies are provided in order to establish expected standards of student behavior; principles to be followed in managing student behavior; consequences for prohibited behavior or drug/alcohol policy violations; and required procedures for addressing misbehavior.

What you'll find when you review this policy and when your principal brings it to your attention is that Durham Public Schools has a zero-tolerance weapons policy. This is to ensure a safe and secure daily teaching and learning environment that you can depend upon.

Simultaneously, Durham Public Schools is a restorative district, which means that we are focused on repairing harm, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, we encourage all in our school community to stay vigilant and if you see something, Say Something. We're committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for all students, and an environment of belonging for all employees.

We will continue to address matters of behavior and conduct, and offer other opportunities for those who do not choose to adhere to policy.

We appreciate your ongoing support. I am confident that together we will have a successful school year."

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