4 minute read
Bringing Brighter Days
BRINGING
Brighter Days
By Lisa Johnson, Director of Development, MorningStar Children & Family Services
Behind 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 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
immediate challenge in March, 2020. The community stepped forward to make sure the residents had what they needed. One day, just before Easter, we received a call from a local church. First Baptist Brunswick had to cancel their annual Easter egg hunt, and wanted to share the candy and eggs they wouldn’t be able to use. Another great partnership was born when the Morrison family, owners of several local McDonald’s restaurants, heard about our need. The team at the Canal Road location fed our children three mornings a week for months. They were later joined by two other locations and the partnership continues today.
We are thankful for our extraordinary team members. One of these is Devan Carter, who joined MorningStar in January. As part of our cottage supervision team, she works directly with the boys in Macon Cottage. Whatever activity our boys are engaged in, Devan can be seen enthusiastically participating along with the group. Her work exemplifies the mission of MorningStar as we strive to be a healing sanctuary for the children in our care.
The real story at MorningStar is one of healing and hope. It’s the story of individual lives restored, of children recovering from trauma, and of changing the picture to a brighter future for Georgia’s children. The most important stories we have to tell at MorningStar are the stories of individual lives impacted by our services. There was a young lady who came through our program, then went back home. Unfortunately, however, her family wasn’t ready to care for her, and she had to return to foster care. When she was sitting in her DFCS caseworker’s office, she said “MorningStar is home,” and she wanted to come back to us. She did return, and we worked with DFCS to help her transition to a long-term foster home where she lives with her siblings. Being with her siblings is a fantastic outcome for her, as they were separated for years.
LET US CATER YOUR GA/FL GAME PARTY! Last year, a young man who had been with us for three years returned home. A few weeks after he left us, we noticed a five-star Google review he posted. Five simple words brought home the importance of the work we do here: “Y’all changed my whole life.” When the team needs encouragement, we can always pull up that review and draw strength from the knowledge that we made a difference in this young man’s life.
One of the ways you can support MorningStar is by attending our annual fundraiser, Dinner Under the Stars, on Saturday, October 16, here on our beautiful campus. Catered by Halyards Restaurant Group, working with local farmers and fisherman, this year promises to offer the best sustainable cuisine available. Live music will be provided by Suzy & the Bird Dogs. For the second year, Georgia Peach World is the presenting sponsor. I personally feel like there is nowhere like the Golden Isles for bringing the bounty of the sea and the land together in one epic dinner. This four-course dinner with wine pairings is a local favorite! Best of all, the proceeds benefit these exceptional children.
Whether you have been our partner for the past three years, or you are joining us for the first time, the 4th Annual Dinner Under the Stars promises to be an unforgettable evening. To join us as a sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit MorningStarcfs.org. For any additional information, email mmaddox@MorningStarcfs.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us in connecting kids with brighter days.
