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.
Meet Our Team
Scott Merritt
President & Chief Executive Officer
Diana Baber
Chief Operating Officer
Kitty Longshore
Chief Financial Officer
Tammy Meeks
Vice President of Human Resources
Scott Fuller
Vice President of Advancement
Cindy Simpson
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Tonia Little
Principal, Murphy-Harpst Academy
Jennifer Eubanks
Director of Nursing Standards
Agnetta Delancy
Director of Residential Services
Dr. Edward Valentin
Director of Clinical Services
Dr. Tony Simmons
Director of Spiritual Life
Melodnie Walker
Director of Transitional Living
Jessica Morgan
Director of Recreation Therapy
Arlene “Pat” Matthew
Director of Specialized Foster Care
JoAnn Wright
Dietary Services Manager
Jason Murphy
Admissions Manager
Glenn Freels
Facilities Manager
Gary MacDonald
Stewardship & Advancement Manager
Ashley Browder- Simmons
Training & Compliance Specialist
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.