Who We Are
A History of Hope
Since its founding in 1924, Murphy-Harpst has provided hope and healing for Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Sarah Murphy and Ethel Harpst, two Christian women with similar passions to provide a safe and loving environment to hurting and disadvantaged children, led separate homes in Georgia throughout the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Our Founders
Ethel Harpst
Ethel Harpst arrived in Cedartown, Georgia, in 1914, appointed by the Methodist Women’s Home Missionary Society to do missionary work. During Harpst’s early years in the settlement house, she taught children and adults to read and write, coordinated church services, and cared for the many children in need after one or both of their parents succumbed to typhoid fever, tuberculosis, or influenza. As the number of children needing care continued to grow, Harpst traveled to raise funds to build a larger children’s home. As a result of her fundraising efforts, the Harpst Home was established in 1924 and was able to expand throughout the Great Depression.
Sarah Murphy
While attending Spelman College, Sarah Murphy had a divine vision to help people from poor, rural hometowns like her own. In the early 1920s she started an independent school in Grady, Georgia, where impoverished Black residents paid 50 cents per month for their children’s education. After Sarah and her husband took in an orphaned newborn and five siblings, another baby was left in a basket, and more children showed up needing a home. The Murphys soon had 18 children to care for with $25 per month. Eventually, they were providing food, clothing, and shelter for approximately 50 children.
100 Years of Care
Over the last 100 years we’ve provided hope and healing to thousands of Georgia’s children. Today we live out the legacy of faith and care established by Ethel Harpst and Sarah Murphy, making room for the most vulnerable children across the state. Learn all about our history of hope and healing.
Affiliations
Murphy-Harpst is recognized by some of the most respected and capable organizations in the country for providing advanced, evidence-based care for vulnerable children.
Partners
Murphy-Harpst partners with organizations across the state who come alongside us financially, in advocacy, and by providing volunteer support. We could not impact children as well as we do without wonderful partners who support us in so many ways everyday.
Meet Our Team
Our Board
Ex-Officio Members
Protecting Children Across Georgia
Murphy-Harpst provides a variety of services across the state of Georgia to protect our most vulnerable children. Find out about all of the different programs that make up the Murphy-Harpst continuum of care.