GED Program Successes - Taylor at College - Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers
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Winter/Spring 2019 GED Program Successes Services Support Taylor at College Foster Care FAQs Give While You Shop
Table of Contents
1 Our Misson 6 Taylor at College
Board of Directors Strategic Planning
2 A Letter From Scott 7 Foster Care FAQs
What’s New
Board Member Spotlight 8 Give While You Shop
Kid’s Corner
3-4 GED Program
9-10 Alumni Story
Our 4 Planned Giving Advocacy Events
Mission 5 Christmas Recap 10 Nutcracker Tickets
Employee Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight 11 Miles of Hope
Provide a safe
and nurturing
environment where
severely abused and
Contact Us
neglected children Advancement Office: Murphy Campus (foster care office):
and teenagers can 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1620 130 Grady Road
thrive and heal Atlanta, GA 30303 Cedartown, GA 30125
toward a goal of Harpst Campus (main office): Questions about this newsletter?
re-engaging with 740 Fletcher Street Contact the Advancement Team:
society and leading Cedartown, GA 30125 advancement@murphyharpst.org
productive lives.
Murphy-Harpst is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
MurphyHarpst.org MurphyHarpst @MurphyHarpst 770.748.1500
2018-2019 Board of Directors
Lou Cataland, Chair Scott Campbell John C. Ethridge, Jr. Malloy Peterson
Greenville, South Carolina Cumming, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia
Rep. Trey Kelley, Vice-Chair Martha Carroll Rev. Dr. Coy Hinton Steve Powell
Cedartown, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Woodstock, Georgia Milton, Georgia
Morris Henderson, Treasurer Rev. Larry Caywood Mike Maloney Richard Stoll
Atlanta, Georgia Rome, Georgia Roswell, Georgia Kennesaw, Georgia
Scott Brown Kim Collins Tripp McKenney Rev. Lawrence Young
Atlanta, Georgia Villa Rica, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia
Barbara Brown-Cooper David Dorton Scott Merritt
Rome, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Cedartown, Georgia
Bruce Elder Myron Newman
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia
Ex-Officio Board Members
Margie DeShon Linda Leachman Rev. Derek Porter Tryphenia Speed
Trion, Georgia Kingston, Georgia Smyrna, Georgia Decatur, Georgia
Rev. Dr. David Naglee Sue Raymond
Rome, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia
A Letter from Scott What’s New
The past 12 months have seen noteworthy Recreation Field
achievement and change at Murphy-Harpst. We
can take pride in our accomplishments and look
forward to 2019! We introduced Trust-Based
Relational Intervention (TBRI) to our campus.
We wrote a Strategic Plan to guide us as we
move forward. Representatives from Georgia
State University and Georgia Division of Family &
Children Services (DFCS) provided training for us to
become a Certified Trauma Informed Provider. Our
Specialized Foster Care placed a record-breaking 47 children. We started a GED
program with Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
These accomplishments, made possible by our hardworking staff and dedicated
supporters, set the foundation for our 2019 goals. We will continue implementing
TBRI throughout our organization. In keeping with our Strategic Plan, we will
develop a Master Facility Plan, establish staff feedback opportunities, review With the support of generous
our Board By-Laws, and strengthen our brand. We will follow the implementation donors, we started construction on
of the Family First Prevention Services Act, looking for opportunities to diversify a new multipurpose field to provide
our services. We will get a Recreation Field as well as an upgraded Ropes Course. residents with the essential space
to participate in safe outdoor
I am confident that we will complete these and other goals by working together. Recreation Therapy activities.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to support us and the The new field will dramatically
children in our care. enhance our Recreation Therapy
offerings including team sports,
exercise, and other physical
M. Scott Merritt | President & CEO
Recreation
Therapy is a results-
proven component
Board Member Spotlight of comprehensive
Martha Carroll mental health
Martha Carroll joined the Murphy-Harpst board treatment
in 2016 after serving in education and school
administration for 40 years. A longtime Atlanta
activities and games. Recreation
resident, Martha knew Murphy-Harpst through
Therapy is a results-proven
her church, Peachtree Road United Methodist. On
component of comprehensive
a campus tour, she realized she was being called
mental health treatment and has
to serve our children in a greater capacity. “When I
been particularly successful in
visited the classrooms and saw dedicated teachers,
helping to heal the children treated
counselors, and others who monitor the day-to-day
at Murphy-Harpst. Our Recreation
activities of the young people who no longer can be cared for by their parents, my
Therapists deliver programming
heart was touched. I felt a calling to get involved.”
promoting healthy living, skill
A native of Eastman, GA and a lifelong United Methodist, Martha and her husband development, and physical activity
Ken are active at Peachtree Road, especially in the Blazers Sunday School Class. as part of overall health and as
Even with her busy social and travel schedule, she makes time to advocate for important underlying factors of
Murphy-Harpst. “My goal is to spread the news to as many people as I can about strong self-esteem, appropriate
the wonderful work that the leaders and employees give to the young people who social interaction, and positive
reside and attend school there.” body image.
3 | GED
GED A typical day in
the program begins at Murphy-Harpst,
Program with a morning spent in the Carey Carter Library and
Computer Lab completing assignments. These online
Many of the kids who come to Murphy-Harpst arrive several assignments include subjects like reading, math, language
grade levels behind their peers. This is due to many factors, arts, social studies, and science. In the afternoons, students
ranging from severe abuse and neglect, to sporadic school go to GNTC to study their subject of choice. A favorite with
attendance, to unaddressed needs. Our on-campus school, some of our kids is welding! We have two young men who
Glenn T. York Academy, employs Individualized Education have already completed the welding program and plan to
Plans for each child in our care to provide the remedial pursue careers in metalworking and other skilled trades.
education they deserve. Frequently we are able to re-integrate Our partners at Georgia Northwestern Technical College have
these young learners in school in the community! We have been tremendously helpful in helping educate our children. In
several kids who attend public addition to providing our students
school locally. But often students Each student is with the opportunity to participate
arrive disliking school, with poor in this program, they also provide
educational experiences, or at an different, and each student textbooks and special online
age where re-entering a traditional is a blessing learning tools, assessments, and
school is not feasible. As the kids accommodations in accordance
we care for at Murphy-Harpst trend older, we saw a need with the ADA to ensure the best chances of success. By
to provide a GED program for those who may not desire a accommodating every individual’s needs, GNTC is ensuring
traditional academic experience. they receive the training and skills necessary to put them on
In April of 2018, Murphy-Harpst partnered with Georgia an even playing field with their peers.
Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to provide a GED This partnership is beneficial for Georgia Northwestern
program through their Adult Learning Program. This exciting Technical College as well. In addition to growing their
offering allows our kids to make an important choice Adult Learning program, they are providing an invaluable
towards training for their future. To participate in the GED community service by welcoming Murphy-Harpst residents.
Program, our education and care teams identify students “The students are a joy to teach and it is a pleasure to have
who need or want a GED and are also willing to commit to them in the GED program at GNTC.” Says Anne Clay, Lead
completing the program. These students attend classes at Teacher and Site Manager at GNTC Polk County Campus.
GNTC four days a week for two hours per day. With our staff “I look forward to their arrival each day and having the
providing supervision and transportation, these students are opportunity to teach them the skills they need to work toward
empowered to choose an educational experience that fits their GED goals. Each student is different, and each student
their needs and desires for their future! is a blessing.”
4
Between April and December
of 2018, we had thirteen total participants in Planned
Giving
the program, with three students completing their GEDs!
The five current students are making significant progress
towards completing the tests, and two are working towards
early permission testing. The program is growing steadily, and For generations, friends of Murphy-Harpst Children’s
more and more students from our Residential and Transitional Centers have selflessly and passionately given their time,
Living Programs are showing interest. The success of several talents, and treasure in support of providing life and hope
of their peers, as well as the autonomy the program provides, to children. For many individuals, making a “legacy” or
is appealing to many of our kids. The GED program has grown planned gift to Murphy-Harpst through their will or estate
enough that we have hired two additional full-time staff to plan has allowed them to literally leave a legacy and impact
supervise and advise our GED participants! the children of Murphy-Harpst beyond their lifetime.
Did you know that making a planned gift and joining the
Murphy-Harpst Legacy Society might allow you to make
a larger gift than would otherwise be possible and allows
some donors to increase their retirement income and
receive tax advantages?
Have you made Murphy-Harpst part of your will or estate
plans? Are you planning on leaving a legacy gift to ensure
hope and healing for generations of children to come?
Types of Planned Gifts
Bequests through a will or living trust
Insurance policies
Retirement plan assets
Charitable gift annuities
Please join the Murphy-Harpst Legacy Society and
contact Brian Scales at bscales@murphyharpst.org or
404.309.7928 for more information.
5 | Spotlights
Christmas Recap
Thank you to the over 50 churches, UMW groups, organizations,
and corporations who provided our kids with a Christmas
they will never forget! Thanks to generous individuals and
volunteers like you, we provided gifts for every child in our
Foster Care, Residential, and Transitional Living Programs.
This year we were able to include for our Community Services
clients, and we gave gifts to a record-breaking 129 children!
We had 22 new children enter our care between Halloween
and Christmas, and each one received gifts they wanted.
It is all about the smiles and memories our children have on
Christmas morning. One child said, “I got more presents than
I ever got before in my whole life.” Another resident asked that
we share her gratitude: “Thanks for making my Christmas
so loving.” We are so grateful for your spirits of giving and
generosity. We could not do what we do without you!
Employee Spotlight Volunteer Spotlight
Erica Washington Kim Kulp of Hope UMC
Erica Washington is the Lead Kim Kulp is a dedicated
Paraprofessional at York Murphy-Harpst volunteer who
Academy, the on-campus works tirelessly advocating
school at Murphy-Harpst. for our kids! A Member at
Mrs. Washington began Hope United Methodist
her career with us in 2002 Church in Dallas, Georgia,
as summer staff, before Kim has become a beloved
joining the school faculty member of the Murphy-
in 2006. Since then, she Harpst community. Thanks
has earned her degree in to her relentless generosity
Human Services and begins and talents, we can provide
a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling this our kids with an amazing Prom year after year. Kim and
spring. York Academy Headmaster Mr. Marvin Williams says friends from Hope UMC coordinate, fundraise, and decorate
“She is an inspirer, empower and engager for and to students. our campus to ensure our kids have the experience of
It is an honor to work with her!” Our students know that Mrs. a lifetime!
Washington is a trustworthy and reliable adult who cares The Point Store on campus is popular with our residents,
about their education and future. and Kim keeps the doors open! She is constantly dropping
When asked what she loves most about her job, Mrs. off treats and encouraging friends to donate items. She gives
Washington says, “my job allows me to be who God created her time, her ideas, and her personal resources throughout
me to be: a servant to the people I am most passionate the year. Not only is Kim a wonderful daughter, wife, mother,
about—youth!” Erica and her husband of 18 years, Zachary, and aunt, she is also a friend of Murphy-Harpst!
have one son, Jerrick, who serves in the U.S. Navy. In her free Interested in volunteering with Murphy-Harpst? Contact
time, she enjoys spending time with family, photography, and Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, Pam
serving in ministry at Sonoraville Tabernacle Baptist Church, Kramer: 404.376.2723 pkramer@murphyharpst.org
where Zachary is a pastor.
6
Taylor at College Strategic Planning
Beginning in late 2017, at the direction of the Murphy-Harpst
Children’s Centers board and management, a rigorous and
comprehensive strategic planning process was initiated to
guide program development and operations for the period
2019–2021. Individuals and focus groups were selected from
a large cadre of stakeholders, including a Strategic Planning
Steering Committee, past and current board members, past
and current donors, payers and referral sources, staff, youth,
families and volunteers.
A traditional SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats) was conducted with both
board and staff members, in addition to more targeted
Fall 2018 was a milestone for our Transitional Living and open-ended interviews, focus groups and surveys of a
Program! Taylor became the first young adult in TLP to enroll broader stakeholder group. Participation was excellent, and
and live on campus at a college. Thanks to her good grades informative data were obtained identifying clear trends,
and hard work, Taylor received scholarships and is attending opportunities, and developmental needs of the organization.
Jacksonville State University. Members of the Murphy- The data supports an ongoing critical need for the services
Harpst staff and their families spent the summer helping her of Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers in light of a growing
shop for her dorm room. She even got her driver’s license in state and national mental health and child welfare crisis. The
anticipation of her fresh start! resulting Strategic Plan is organized around four strategic
When August rolled around, dozens of Murphy-Harpst staff priorities: Board Governance, Fiscal Integrity, Operational
and family helped move Taylor into her dormitory. Hundreds Improvement, and Brand Presence.
of friends and supporters offered her congratulations and Interested in learning more about our Strategic Plan? Contact
best wishes on the Murphy-Harpst Facebook page. She was Senior Associate Director of Development, James Waddey:
a little nervous at first but made the transition well and is 404.512.7462 jwaddey@murphyharpst.org
currently enrolled in her second semester. We are so proud of
Taylor and can’t wait to see what her future holds!
Foster Care FAQs
Murphy-Harpst offers Foster Care services to the Northwest Georgia community, including specialized foster care to children
who have special needs. Since 2003, our dedicated staff has provided safe and stable homes to Georgia’s most vulnerable
children. We offer wraparound services for our foster families and the children in our care so that each placement can be a
success.
How big is the foster care crisis?
There are over 14,000 children in Georgia that are in custody of the Division of Family & Children’s Services (DFCS). We
currently have 24 foster families caring for 45 children. Unfortunately, we have to turn away 27 children every week since we
do not have enough families to care for the children who come to us.
Why is foster care so important?
Foster Care provides loving, stable homes to children, allowing them to thrive and heal. Entering foster care can be scary,
especially after experiencing neglect, abuse, and other difficult circumstances. Our foster care team provides extensive
training, support, and resources to each foster family to help their foster child feel safe.
Why is fostering with Murphy-Harpst different?
At Murphy-Harpst we have a foster care staff of nine highly-trained individuals dedicated to supporting our foster families.
We offer specialized trainings to help parents navigate the foster care experience, as well as innovative ways to help
our families through crisis and adjustment periods. Our team is on call 24/7 in order to provide our families with quick
responses, crisis intervention, and any help in times of need. At Murphy-Harpst, our foster care staff becomes an extension
of our foster families!
Support MH Foster Care
There are many ways you can get involved with our foster
care program even if you can’t foster a child right now.
Refer a potential foster family
Invite us to speak to your church or organization
Volunteer with our monthly trainings
Help foster care staff at recruiting events
After working with
Murphy-Harpst, I see foster care
in a whole new light. The team is
so amazing and supportive of the Pictured is the Hyatt Family. Todd and Megan adopted their three children
children and foster parents. out of Murphy-Harpst foster care!
Learn More murphyharpst.org/foster Agnetta Delancy adelancy@murphyharpst.org
Director of Specialized Foster Care 678.704.9291
Give While You Shop 8
6
Did you know that there are ways to support Murphy-Harpst
with your everyday purchases? Murphy-Harpst participates
in three “Give While You Shop” initiatives offered through
popular national retailers—Amazon Smile, Kroger Community
Rewards, and Publix Partners. These charitable initiatives
provide a portion of each purchase you make directly to
Murphy-Harpst—at no added cost to you! All you need to do
is register for these programs online, and then follow specific
steps while shopping online or in store. Each process only
takes a few minutes but provides big benefits to the kids at
Murphy-Harpst!
AMAZON SMILE
You can contribute directly to Murphy-Harpst just by doing
your normal shopping on Amazon. Simply start by going
to www.smile.amazon.com. When prompted to “Select a
Charity” search for “Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers” and
follow the instructions. When you make purchases through
AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5
percent of each eligible purchase to Murphy-Harpst! Just
remember—every time you shop on Amazon be sure to go
through www.smile.amazon.com to receive the benefits for
the children in our care!
PUBLIX PARTNERS
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
The Publix Partners program has changed, and in order to
It’s easy when you enroll in Kroger Community Rewards! To support Murphy-Harpst at checkout you must create an online
enroll, go to www.Kroger.com and navigate to the Community account and select Murphy-Harpst as your school of choice!
Rewards Page. You will sign up with your Plus Card and Go to www.publix.com and select “Log In” or “Sign Up.” Once
select a local organization you wish to support. Once you’re you create an account or fill in your personal information, it
enrolled, you’ll earn rewards for your chosen organization will take you to account settings. Then, follow the prompts
every time you shop and use your Plus Card! Remember to to select Murphy-Harpst as your school of choice. When
swipe your card or enter your alternate ID at checkout to checking out, remember to key in your phone number to
quickly and easily support our kids. benefit the kids at Murphy-Harpst!
Intramural
Basketball Team
Murphy-Harpst has a new intramural basketball team! The
boys are currently practicing three times each week and
doing an amazing job learning skills, patience, and teamwork.
They are preparing for their first off-site practice game with
a neighboring team in February. Jerseys are on the way in
anticipation of their first game! We are so proud of these
young men and how hard they are working to make this team
a success! GO SOLDIERS!
9 | Alumni
Alumni Story
Vance Roden
Murphy-Harpst has a long history of serving Georgia’s most
vulnerable children. Since 1924 we have cared for thousands
of children, youth, and families! While our services and
facilities have changed over the decades, our mission has
stayed the same: to provide a safe and nurturing environment
where children can thrive and heal. Unfortunately it is difficult
to keep in touch with many of our former residents for a variety
of reasons. But with new technology and social media, it is
becoming easier and easier to stay in touch with our former
residents.
Advocacy Events
This winter the Murphy-Harpst Advancement Team is Special thanks to hosts: Cindy and John Ethridge, Shannon
launching the first round of what we hope will be many and Scott Campbell, Whitney and Greg Watts, Martha and
in-home awareness events. Many of our Board Members Ken Carroll, Belle and Wilds Pierce, Lisa and Harold Wyatt,
have graciously offered to host events in their communities Andrea and Lou Cataland, and Heather and Bruce Elder!
with a goal of raising awareness about Murphy-Harpst The Advancement Team is seeking volunteers to host similar
among their friends and family. In partnership with the events through the Summer and the Fall. If you are interested
Advancement Team, each event is driven by the host, with in hosting an Awareness Event in your community, please
their connections and community in mind. Most of our contact Claire Wood, Senior Marketing & Communications
supporters are hosting events in their homes, some at Manager, at cwood@murphyharpst.org or 404.783.1176.
their churches, and others at their clubs and businesses.
Each event is a unique reflection of the hosts, with the
Advancement Team supporting the programming and
information at each event.10
8
Last fall, former resident Vance Roden and his wife Cathy Vance said Murphy-Harpst was his family, and he had so
visited our campus. Vance lived here from 1969 to 1978. many fond memories of the children he grew up with here.
Vance and Cathy toured the campus with Pam Kramer, It was amazing to hear his stories and memories. Several
Director of Corporate and Community Engagement. They current residents came to introduce themselves and Mr.
walked around as he reminisced and visited his first Vance shared words of wisdom and friendship with them.
bedroom on campus—currently Susan Stroup’s office in They loved talking to Vance and sharing their stories together.
Noble Hall! When Vance was a resident, he planted the Watching our current and former residents connect and share
ginkgo tree in front of James Hall, which has now grown into was a wonderful reminder of why we do the work that we do
a beautiful fixture on campus. Vance even found the spot at Murphy-Harpst.
where he carved his name into the Pavilion—hopefully our Are you or someone you know a former resident of Murphy-
kids don’t get the same idea! After their tour, the Rodens Harpst? We would love to stay in touch! Please contact Claire
looked in the old scrapbooks Susan maintains, and they Wood, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, at
saw pictures of Vance getting tutored, catching his first fish, cwood@murphyharpst.org or 404.783.1176.
playing ball and more.
Nutcracker Tickets
Several of our foster children and families attended the
Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker in December! It was the
kids’ first visit to the fabulous Fox Theatre, and they were
absolutely mesmerized by the beautiful show. The children
were so excited—they dressed in their prettiest outfits,
munched on popcorn, and smiled the night away in the best
seats in the house!
We are so grateful to our generous friends at the Atlanta Ballet
and Chris Carlos for providing this magical, unforgettable
experience for our families.
If you or your organization are interested in providing the
children in our care with tickets, passes, or other experiences,
contact Pam Kramer at pkramer@murphyharpst.org or
404.376.2723Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers 740 Fletcher Street Cedartown, GA 30125 6th Annual Miles of Hope Saturday, March 16 This year’s 6th Annual Miles of Hope will be held on Saturday, March 16th on the Silver Comet Trail in Cedartown! The 2018 Miles of Hope ride raised over $3,800 for the kids at Murphy- Harpst, with over 50 community participants and a dozen of our kids joining in for the fun. The University of Georgia Wesley Foundation will be back to support our kids and staff in this exciting annual event. Individuals, teams, churches, and corporate sponsors interested in the Miles of Hope Ride or Walk can visit www.murphyharpst.org/ Miles2019 or contact Scott Fuller at sfuller@murphyharpst.org for more information.
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