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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 Winston-Salem, NC

Home Care Winston-Salem, 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 the historic Historic Bethabara Park 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 Winston-Salem, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Winston-Salem, 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

“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was the best option. She was familiar with all assisted living/memory care facilities around town and was quick to respond to the family with tours. She delivered FL2 forms to physician's and made the transition an easy process. I recommend Sandy 100 % for any family needing a smaller community for their elderly family member.”

MATTCH
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”

Samantha T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Bailey Park 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 Winston-Salem, 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 The Downtown Grille or visit Old Salem Museums Gardens, 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 Winston-Salem, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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:

  • Heritage Woods Senior Living
  • Homestead Hills
  • Mallard Ridge Assisted Living
  • Brighton Gardens of WinstonSalem
  • Arbor Ridge At Stanleyville
  • Forest Heights Senior Living Community
Home Care Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, NC

Latest News in Winston-Salem, NC

Triad Heat Advisory in effect Thursday, heat index over 100

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —Heat Advisory The Triad's first stretch of extreme heat continues. Humidity will be high and temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s in the afternoon. The resulting heat index values will climb over 100 degrees. A HEAT ADVISORY is in effect for the Piedmont Triad until 7:00 p.m. Thursday.Humidity levels have dropped a bit since Wednesday, but they are still high enough to push the heat index over 100° on Thursday. A Heat Advisory remains for the Triad until...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —

Heat Advisory

The Triad's first stretch of extreme heat continues. Humidity will be high and temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s in the afternoon. The resulting heat index values will climb over 100 degrees. A HEAT ADVISORY is in effect for the Piedmont Triad until 7:00 p.m. Thursday.

Humidity levels have dropped a bit since Wednesday, but they are still high enough to push the heat index over 100° on Thursday. A Heat Advisory remains for the Triad until 7 PM. Stay cool and hydrated especially in he afternoon.https://t.co/WDCfKnf8f7 pic.twitter.com/HG691soKL6

— Brian Slocum (@brianslocumwxii) June 26, 2025

Long stretches of hot weather can be extremely dangerous. Heat is the top-ranked weather killer. Emergency room doctors in North Carolina began reporting their first round of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses by the second week of May. Young children, older adults, outdoor workers and others with compromised immune systems or underlying disease are more at risk from heat-related illness. Still, others may be more susceptible to heat illness from being outdoors during the heat wave if they haven't acclimated to the 90s. May highs in the 80s combined with high humidity to bring the heat index or feels like temperatures into the 90s.

While 90s are part of our typical summer temperature swings, there is a chance of an extended stretch of above normal highs in the lower to mid-90s for the last full week of June. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service issue the experimental heat risk forecasts for a 24-hour period during the spring and summer to help outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly, and other at-risk people prepare for the threat of heat-related illnesses. The forecasts are color coded corresponding to heat and health impact levels from 1-4: minor, moderate, major and extreme. Heat-related illness is possible. Make sure that you are paying attention to what your body may be telling you. Know the signs and symptoms of heat illness and be prepared to take action if necessary.

Temperatures will remain in the 90s through the weekend. Returning storm chances this week will help to cool us off a bit as the week progresses.

Are you on the Heat Alert list? Beginning in 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services started a special program. Their North Carolina Climate and Health team started sending residents an alert via email when hot weather may impact health. Sign up for heat alerts here to help plan your summer and prevent heat illness. Residents choosing to receive alerts and subscribe to a county will receive heat alerts when the daily maximum heat index may meet or exceed the heat index threshold for that county’s region. Based on the new heat alert system, the Triad and Piedmont area temperatures need to meet the following thresholds for a heat alert to be issued:

Temperatures also don't have to be what meteorologists might call extreme heat for it to impact your body. The physiological reaction to heat response also depends on the person. Things to consider are how much time will you be exerting yourself outdoors, length of time in direct sunlight, how well hydrated you are prior to heat exposure, and whether you may have underlying health issues. Here are some ways to prepare for the heat.

Adjust activity schedules to be outdoors during the milder hours of the day before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

How hot? Check the latest forecast for the next seven days here. For more on how to prevent dehydration, view this weather story here.

Parents, Teachers push back as WSFCS Schools move forward with job cuts

Concerned parents demand reevaluation of Winston-Salem/Forsyth's job cuts aimed at reducing a $42 million deficit.WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Emotions ran high Tuesday night as concerned parents and educators packed the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board meeting, voicing frustration over planned job cuts aimed at closing a $42 million budget deficit.Dozens of attendees took to the podium, urging district leaders to reconsider reductions that would impact positions like media coordinators, teacher assistants, and other st...

Concerned parents demand reevaluation of Winston-Salem/Forsyth's job cuts aimed at reducing a $42 million deficit.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Emotions ran high Tuesday night as concerned parents and educators packed the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board meeting, voicing frustration over planned job cuts aimed at closing a $42 million budget deficit.

Dozens of attendees took to the podium, urging district leaders to reconsider reductions that would impact positions like media coordinators, teacher assistants, and other student-facing staff.

“These aren’t numbers—they reflect lives and futures,” one speaker said during public comment. “The presence of a media coordinator is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” added another. “Cutting these roles means cutting off access, opportunity, and identity-building.”

Another parent emphasized the community's united stance:

“Black, brown—and now white residents—have spoken loud and clear: we do not support this plan.”

According to district leaders, the plan calls for the elimination of 228 positions across 81 schools—an average of one to three positions per campus. The goal is to reduce spending by $8.75 million, part of a broader strategy to resolve a multi-million dollar financial shortfall.

Among the roles expected to be affected: central office staff, media coordinators, and teacher assistants.

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore said the financial challenges stem from past overspending, particularly in state-funded accounts known as PRCs.

“I think the biggest issue that we have is the dollars that we owe the state for PRCs that were overspent,” Moore explained.

The district is now working with the IRS and state agencies to address the budget shortfall.

District leaders say school principals—not central office administrators—will ultimately decide which positions to cut. Principals have been meeting with area superintendents and human resources to create individual staffing plans.

In a statement, the district said the process is about “positions, not people.” But some parents disagree.

Ashley Wallace, the parent of a student at Sedge Garden Elementary, said the cuts feel deeply personal.

“It is about people—because our kids don’t care what your title is,” Wallace said. “They care that you make their boo-boo feel better, that you help at field day, that you teach them something about a book. That is what they care about—and that is what is important.”

Wallace also criticized the district’s approach, pointing out that student-facing staff are often the ones children connect with most.

“At Sedge Garden, everyone knows my child’s name—whether they’re the teacher, TA, or media coordinator. Cutting these positions is terrible. It’s going to affect the attention and love these children receive.”

District officials say no classroom teachers will be laid off—for now. However, any staff who fail to meet state licensing requirements by the end of June will be terminated.

The community continues to push for transparency and a re-evaluation of priorities. Several speakers called for more administrative cuts and questioned whether enough has been done at the top levels of the district’s leadership.

Principals' finalized staffing plans and submitted proposed cuts will go in effect no later than the 26th.

WS/FCS budget updates: state investigative audit, IRS issues, staff allotments changes

At Tuesday night’s school board meeting, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools interim superintendent presented a wide-ranging budget update.WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is continuing to chip away at its multimillion-dollar budget deficit and projected shortfalls. However, the deficit could grow, and cost-saving measures could have significant implications for school staff.At Tuesday night’s board of education meeting, interim superintendent Catty Mo...

At Tuesday night’s school board meeting, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools interim superintendent presented a wide-ranging budget update.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is continuing to chip away at its multimillion-dollar budget deficit and projected shortfalls. However, the deficit could grow, and cost-saving measures could have significant implications for school staff.

At Tuesday night’s board of education meeting, interim superintendent Catty Moore provided a budget update, sharing what has been done, what still needs to be done and what remains unknown.

Speaking about this year’s budget deficit, Moore said the district will pay all its vendors by the end of the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. This is with the exception of three vendors whose contracts total $16 million. The district is exploring payment plan options for these vendors. As of Tuesday, one of those vendors has been wired about $800,000.

Moore says one of the biggest budget issues remaining now is at least $18 million in state overages for this year. She did not recommend that the board request that money from Forsyth County Commissioners. However, she floated the idea of the board requesting flexibility from commissioners with capital outlay funds and bond interest earnings.

Looking at next year’s budget, Moore says the district plans to save $44 million. This includes school principals looking at reducing and moving staff for a budget savings of more than $8 million. Moore says all but one school has completed this work, and the board will soon be provided with a list of what has been done. She added that these changes will need to be monitored.

"As early as November, we gather feedback from those that were impacted by some of these changes to help, and begin to identify budget priorities for the next year,” she said.

"I met with principals recently—that association that you have of principals and assistant principals—and I told them, I said, ‘I expect you to demand that the reductions made at school be reinstated,’" Moore continued.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, about a dozen speakers expressed concerns about the elimination of media coordinator positions at several schools. Several current and recently eliminated media coordinators said cutting these positions would have a negative impact on student literacy and urged the board to reconsider these eliminations.

Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, educators and community members expressed concern about the district’s most recent personnel report, which shows the district losing 117 staff members, including 53 teacher terminations.

Moore said these positions are not part of budget reduction efforts. She stated that the terminated staff were operating under alternative licenses and did not meet specific requirements before those licenses expired. She says this happens in many districts every year, and staff who meet licensure requirements after June 30 may be eligible for rehire.

The district is continuing to work with the IRS on federal withholding issues. Moore says all payments were submitted, although some may have been late, which could have resulted in late fees. Additionally, some reports corresponding to payments were not submitted. Moore says the district is in contact with an IRS revenue agent. Currently, it’s unclear whether or how much this could contribute to the deficit.

The district is also working with the State Auditor’s Office, which is conducting an investigative audit and creating a final report. Moore said it’s not known when this report will be done, but anticipates it will detail the following:

"I don't think it'll be a flattering report,” Moore said.

"It will be important for us to look at it from the lens of, ‘How did we get here? How do we never come here again?" she said.

The board adopted an interim budget resolution, which will enable it to operate even though the state legislature has not yet finalized its budget.

Board members also approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a search firm to help the district begin its search for a permanent superintendent.

The board will meet next during a special meeting in early July.

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Lottery player wins $10K in NC — then wins $10M a week later. ‘Hard to fathom’

A lottery player coming off a recent big win had a “gut feeling” and bought another ticket in North Carolina.He won $10 million.Christopher Sink of Winston-Salem hit the jackpot on a $50 scratch-off ticket in the $10 Million Spectacular game, the North Carolina Education Lottery announced June 27.“I was really nervous at first,” he to...

A lottery player coming off a recent big win had a “gut feeling” and bought another ticket in North Carolina.

He won $10 million.

Christopher Sink of Winston-Salem hit the jackpot on a $50 scratch-off ticket in the $10 Million Spectacular game, the North Carolina Education Lottery announced June 27.

“I was really nervous at first,” he told lottery officials. “It was kind of a crazy feeling.”

The new multimillionaire recounted he was at a convenience store when he felt compelled to buy a lottery ticket. Then he beat the 1-in-3,255,582 odds to win one of five top prizes in the scratch-off game.

“It just happened to be my lucky day,” he told lottery officials.

But it wasn’t his only lucky day recently. Sink told the N.C. Education Lottery that he won $10,000 a week earlier on another ticket.

“It’s kind of hard to fathom,” he said. “I’m tickled to death about this.”

He collected his winnings as a lump sum of $6 million and walked away with $4,305,014 after taxes, according to the N.C. Education Lottery.

The construction business owner told lottery officials he plans to use his life-changing prize to buy equipment for work, invest and pay bills.

One top prize of $10 million remains in the game, which debuted in December 2023.

Winston-Salem in Forsyth County is about an 80-mile drive northeast from Charlotte.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Winston-Salem man “tickled to death” with $10 million top prize win

Christopher Sink of Winston-Salem felt an urge to buy a $50 scratch-off on Thursday, and his instinct paid off with a $10 million win.“Sometimes you have a gut feeling,” he said. “It just happened to be my lucky day.”Sink, an owner of a construction business, bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from KP Food Mart on Old Thomasville Road in Winston-Salem.“I was really nervous at first,” he said. “It was kind of a crazy feeling.”After staring at his ticket f...

Christopher Sink of Winston-Salem felt an urge to buy a $50 scratch-off on Thursday, and his instinct paid off with a $10 million win.

“Sometimes you have a gut feeling,” he said. “It just happened to be my lucky day.”

Sink, an owner of a construction business, bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from KP Food Mart on Old Thomasville Road in Winston-Salem.

“I was really nervous at first,” he said. “It was kind of a crazy feeling.”

After staring at his ticket for a long time, Sink said he started to worry he might lose it.

“I didn’t want the wind to blow it away,” he laughed.

Sink’s big win marks only the second $10 million win in North Carolina so far this year. This win was not his first stroke of good luck though.

“I actually won $10,000 last week on a different ticket,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to fathom.”

When Sink arrived Thursday to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $6 million. He chose the lump sum of $6 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $4,305,014.

“I’m tickled to death about this,” he said.

Sink plans to use his winnings to pay bills, invest, and buy equipment to help his construction business.

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted in December 2023 with five top prizes of $10 million, 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. One $10 million prize, two $1 million prizes and four $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

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