BRINGING
BrighterDays
By Lisa Johnson, Director of Development, MorningStar Children & Family Services
B
ehind the iconic gates of what was once knows as Boys’ Estate, sits an agency quietly serving some of our community’s most vulnerable children. MorningStar Children & Family Services was established in 1996 to serve children with developmental disabilities who are in the Georgia foster care system. This 300-acre property bordered by the Altamaha River was once Santo Domingo State Park. The footprint of the campus itself is nestled on 25 acres, and is surrounded by the natural beauty of coastal Georgia. The history of this property includes a working sugar mill, with ruins of the old mill still standing. The agency operates with strong support from churches across the state, a number of foundations, and generous individuals. MorningStar is a significant employer in our community, with over 100 team members working in the residential
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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING
and counseling programs, as well as administration of the agency. “Working with the children we serve is a calling, and we have some incredible team members.” said Nick Doster, Chairman of the Board of Directors for MorningStar. Beth VanDerbeck came to MorningStar as CEO in late 2017, after she was offered a tour by Doster. At the time, Beth had no plans to make a career change, but like many who visit the program, the mission of the agency was too important to ignore. Bringing new ideas and innovation to how MorningStar serves children is a hallmark of Beth’s leadership style. Like all agencies, MorningStar had to pivot quickly during the global pandemic. “With 52 children on campus when school closed, we just had to figure it out,” said VanDerbeck. Staffing and additional meals, normally served at school, presented an
