MorningStar campus
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.
Brighter Days Ahead sign
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.
Devan Carter
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.
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.
Dinner Under the Stars
One of the ways you can support MorningStar is by participating in our annual fundraiser, Dinner Under the Stars.
**UPDATED INFORMATION** Last year our signature event, Dinner Under the Stars, looked quite different. Determined to carry on, we staged a unique concept of pick-up, delivery, and small dinner parties. The Halyards team created an excellent menu for us, and with the support of many of our sponsors and supporters, we were able to have a safe event amid a global pandemic. Thank you to all who supported this concept and helped us pivot for success.
While we had hoped to return to our beloved event at the Morningstar campus for 2021, we must be sensitive to the situation in our community. We must also make decisions reflecting best practices in ensuring the safety and health of the children in our care. For these reasons, we will be pivot and use last year’s road map for a COVID-friendly event.
Our pick-up and delivery dinners prepared by the talented team at Halyards, will continue a great tradition of supporting our children through partnership with local farmers and businesses. The show will go on, but we will all be seeing the stars from the comfort of our homes on October 16. Best of all, the proceeds benefit a group of exceptional children. Order your dinner today! Our silent auction will continue on our online platform. Exciting auction items will be announced soon!
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 is a great way to create brighter days for the children served by Morningstar.
Please consider a sponsorship of ticket purchase to support the mission. Dinner Under the Stars – Purchase Tickets – Morningstar (morningstarcfs.org)
For any additional information, email mmaddox@MorningStarcfs.org. Don't miss this opportunity to join us in connecting kids with brighter days.
