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Linda and Stanley Walker became foster parents for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers Specialized Foster Care Program beginning in 2016. The couple was extremely active during pre-service training and expressed a deep love for children who have been exposed to traumatic backgrounds and situations. The couple was determined to make a difference in the lives of each child placed in their home and care. They were committed to helping kids return back home to their parents and/or families well-rounded and more stable than ever before. The couple soon realized that GOD had a different plan, as children placed in their homes at times were not able to return home and would later become available for adoption.  With the deep love and bond they developed for each child, Linda and Stanley Walker committed to adopting every child in their home that was not able to return to their family of origin. As the years went on, Linda and Stanley Walker began accepting large sibling groups into their home in an attempt to ensure siblings remained together while in care. The family has adopted a total of 10 children derived from 3 sets of sibling groups and 1 individual child. In addition, Linda and Stanley Walker are in the process of adopting an 8-year-old foster child whom their adult daughter is fostering. This child refers to Linda and Stanley as her grandparents. Unfortunately, she was not able to return back home to her birth family and the Walkers stood up, stating “We will adopt her, she is our granddaughter.” The Walkers have purchased a 4600 square-foot home and a large van to comfortably accommodate their family. The children are all loved, doing well in school and involved in extracurricular activities. Linda and Stanley Walker, we salute you for making a difference in the lives of Georgia’s most vulnerable children!!

Before Dillon came to us at Murphy-Harpst, he was one of the dozens of vulnerable children across the state of Georgia who spent time at a hotel because of a lack of available foster beds. While he was at the hotel, he asked employees if he could help out to stay busy. Dillon finally received a placement at Murphy-Harpst's main campus in Cedartown and then became part of our Transitional Living Program (TLP). He just began his studies at Columbus State University, add while he's there he'll be working at the hotel where he was once placed! Hear more of Dillon's story in our recent video on Foster Care: https://vimeo.com/919265176 Additionally, Dillon was recently included in a local news story by ANF Atlanta on our equine therapy program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt7_og65fIU We couldn't be prouder of Dillon and all that he's accomplished, and we wish him the best of luck in his studies at CSU! [caption id="attachment_1494" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Dillon and Murphy-Harpst staff member Nyoka Rogers[/caption]

Murphy-Harpst received local news coverage recently in the Augusta area. WJBF, the local ABC affiliate, highlighted the Evolve Homes in the area. Richmond County houses our first Evolve Homes, which house 4-5 children within their local communities. The feature gave an overview of the Evolve Initiative and its impact on the local community. [video width="640" height="480" mp4="https://murphyharpst.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WJBF_Jul-26_11PM-EDT.mp4"][/video]   WRDW, the local NBC affiliate, also produced a story on the Evolve Initiative, this time highlighting the need for school supplies as the new year approaches. Cindy Simpson, Murphy-Harpst's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, spoke about the unique challenges that children in foster care face at the beginning of a new school year: “They think they’re in one-grade level when in reality, their credits only show a different grade level. So, they’re coming to a new, new school, meeting new people, and they don’t have the clothes that everybody else has." To help meet this urgent need, visit https://murphyharpst.org/give/.  

Murphy-Harpst is grateful to Bishop Robin Dease and the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for their celebration of our Centennial year. In addition to designating July 21 as a day for the 2024 Murphy-Harpst Special Offering, the Bishop named Murphy-Harpst as the beneficiary of the Conference worship offering. During the service, Rev. Dr. Gary MacDonald, Murphy-Harpst’s Stewardship and Advancement manager, gave the prayer over the gifts,  which by the close of Conference totaled near $30,000! During the Conference, Rev. MacDonald also updated the gathered on the expanding work of Murphy-Harpst, and Rev. Scott Fuller, vice president of Advancement, addressed the laity during their annual luncheon. Murphy-Harpst representatives were also guests of the United Women of Faith at their annual breakfast, where our own Deaconess Susan Stroup is among the leaders. Many conference goers came by the Murphy-Harpst display table to pick up materials and hear about the work being accomplished with Georgia’s at-risk youth. The Wesleyan roots of Murphy-Harpst are deep, having first been established through the work of a Methodist Women’s Home Missioner. Today as an independent non-profit, Murphy-Harpst continues to receive critical support from United Methodist and other Methodist churches, as well as from sister denominations who engage the care Murphy-Harpst provides.

Bhavini Solanki has been with Amerigroup for over 10 years, leading the Georgia Families 360 team for the past 3. The Georgia Family 360 team at Amerigroup coordinates healthcare, wellness visits, vision and dental care, prescriptions, specialty doctor services, hospital stays and behavioral health services for children in Georgia’s Foster Care system, children receiving Adoption Assistance and select youth in the Juvenile Justice system. Bhavini was gracious enough to spend some time with us and explain Amerigroup’s involvement in and impressions of our Evolve Initiative Homes.

Bhavini, tell us a little about yourself and how you came to work in this field.

I have always worked with underserved populations, starting with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. When I moved to Georgia in 2005 I began working with families in child welfare doing in-home therapy, assessments, etc.  I love being able to help families by introducing them to resources that can bring stability, whatever that might look like.  There are so many environmental influences that we cannot control, but we can learn how to love our children, learn how to parent them effectively, how to manage our money, and how to leverage resources.  I love seeing children thrive and seeing families grow together.  As a Licensed Professional Counselor myself, I love the relationship Amerigroup has with providers.  I appreciate the ability to share ideas and grow ideas together, like the Evolve Initiative. 

Describe for us the impact of MHCC's Evolve Initiative in Augusta and why it is so important to children, families, and communities.

Being able to bring this level of care back to the state is a critical step in the right direction for our state and our system of care. Having a place that is structured and yet feels like home is a much-needed option for so many of our kids.  I am so very grateful for the opening of the transgendered home, as I hold a special place in my heart for any person that society feels does not “fit.”  Clinical treatment is not gendered and unnecessary focus on that area takes away from the true mission of therapeutic treatment, so I have high hopes for the youth placed in all of these Evolve Homes. The number of kids that have been able to reunite with families, move into adoption, etc, has been great.  That meets the whole purpose of this program: moving young people to permanency. 

Do you think there is a need for more Evolve homes in Georgia?

YES!  My dream is for homes in each region of the state as the need is there. 

What has your experience been like working with the leadership and staff at Murphy-Harpst?

Murphy Harpst has always been a great partner to Amerigroup. As a Behavioral Health Utilization Manager, I worked with staff at Murphy-Harpst on authorizations and documentation.  Those conversations always led to positive change. In my role as the Georgia Families 360 lead, I have had great discussions with Murphy-Harpst leadership on how we can partner together and meet the gaps in the system of care. The creation of the Evolve Homes has been a great collaborative partnership.

Aside from meeting the everyday needs of the children in our care, Murphy-Harpst does all we can to ensure our residents experience all of the major milestones and events that many of us take for granted. Alongside events like birthday parties and outings, each Spring our staff and volunteers throw a prom for our high schoolers. This year's prom was hosted and sponsored by Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, who helped plan and fund the event, providing catering and a photographer. [caption id="attachment_1288" align="alignleft" width="300"] Volunteers do nails for prom attendees[/caption] In the weeks prior to the event, residents were able to choose from donated formalwear to see if there was something that fit. If not, boys and girls were taken to rent or purchase dresses and tuxedos to make sure they looked their best. Boys were taken to the barber shop for a fresh haircut in the days leading up to the event, and the girls spent the day leading up to the dance getting their hair, nails and makeup done by our staff and volunteers from the community. Boutonnieres and corsages were provided by a staff member. Once everyone was ready, residents took pictures in the circle with their dates and as a group before heading inside. This year’s prom theme was “Galaxy,” and volunteers from Cascade United Methodist Church wowed the residents with decorations. Our chapel was transformed into an event space with tablecloths, seat covers, table settings and a balloon arch with a sequin backdrop for pictures. The party was catered by TNT Creations, and the children had a blast dancing to their favorite songs from DJ G Flyy. A prom queen and king were elected by students and staff. [caption id="attachment_1286" align="alignright" width="300"] Prom decorations by Cascade UMC[/caption] We want to thank our volunteers, especially the Recreation staff, for organizing this event. Special thanks to Cascade UMC for their help planning, funding and decorating, and Lost Mountain Kiwanis for donating formalwear to be used in future proms. If you or your organization would like to help with next year’s prom or would like to find out more about other events hosted on campus, please contact our Director of Recreation Jessica Morgan.