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Mission

Morningstar is a sanctuary where transformative teaching and healing affirms our children through real relationships.

ABOUT US

Providing home and healing since 1996

Morningstar Family and Children’s Services Inc., located in Brunswick, GA, was founded in 1996 with a desire to connect Georgia’s children with brighter days. Since then, we have grown into a multi-faceted organization that achieves our mission of providing home and healing for children through our Residential Care Program and Community Counseling Clinic.

Additionally, we provide a tailored special education program in conjunction with Glynn County Schools in order to assist residents in meeting academic milestones. The Morningstar Campus is situated on 25 acres of historical, lush property displaying all the beauty that Coastal Georgia has to offer.

CORE VALUES

What guides everything we do

We look

toward the stars…believing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

We shine

like the stars…reflecting the goodness and light that is in all of us.

We reach

for the stars…knowing our best effort makes a difference, every day.

We guide

like the stars…mentoring those in our care through positive words and actions.

We connect

like the stars…linking together to create a community of hope and encouragement for all.
1946
Boy’s Estate of Georgia

The founding vision

Following the events of World War II, Brunswick local J. Ardell Nation had a vision to create “Boy’s Estate Georgia,” modeled after the famous “Boy’s Town” of Nebraska. This Estate was to be an orphanage for homeless boys across Georgia. In 1946 Mr. Nation obtained the title to a large swath of beautiful Coastal Georgia acreage and Boy’s Estate of Georgia was established.

Youth Estate

Expanding the mission

After many years of operation, the decision was made to include young women as well as boys and the name was changed to “Youth Estate.” The historic James V. Carmichael Chapel — where chaplain David Thrower once spoke to the boys — remains on our campus today, and residential children still have the option to attend weekly church services there.

1996

A new chapter

Since 1996 the Estate has been operated by Morningstar Children and Family Services, Inc., which continues to support Mr. Nation’s original vision of caring
for Georgia’s vulnerable youth. With the support of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and many churches all over Georgia, the campus was approved to serve up to 52 youth with developmental disabilities and intensive mental health needs.

The organization has since expanded its impact on Georgia’s adolescents, adding a community counseling center serving families in Brunswick and the six surrounding counties.

2017

New leadership

In December 2017, the Board of Directors appointed Beth VanDerbeck as CEO. Mrs. VanDerbeck brought many years of management and non-profit leadership experience to the organization as well as a passion for providing the best possible care for youths in need.

Since early 2018, leadership staff and the Board of Directors — with the generous support of community and foundation partners — have been engaged in renovating and restoring the aged buildings on campus. The goal is to provide the best homelike environment and counseling care: a sanctuary for the children who make their way here.

Today
Morningstar today

Looking ahead

Once the current campus renovation is complete, the goal is to grow forward — remaining a strong provider of home and healing for the growing number of Georgia’s children who need us. Mr. Nation’s vision, planted in 1946, continues nearly 80 years later.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Your gift changes lives.

Every dollar given directly supports the daily care, therapy, education, and healing of the children in our program.