By Jamie Johnson, Building Kentucky
Maryhurst, Kentucky’s oldest child welfare nonprofit, is celebrating 180 years of fulfilling its mission – to strengthen and empower children and families in greatest need. On Tuesday, February 6th, the organization brought together community leaders, volunteers, supporters and staff to celebrate the significant achievement of 180 years.
“Celebrating 180 years of service is a huge accomplishment for our organization. We serve children and families from Louisville and throughout Kentucky providing compassionate care,” said Paula Garner, Maryhurst chief executive officer. “It is so exciting looking back at the great work of the last 180 years and looking to the future of what we will do to serve our community and empower those in greatest need.”
Sadly, there is a significant need for Maryhurst’s services. Kentucky has one of the largest child abuse rates in the country with 15 out of every 1,000 children suffering from abuse annually. Maryhurst is a vital resource for Kentucky families and children in need of counseling and behavioral health services through its residential and community-based programs.
In 1835, St. Mary Euphrasia established the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Angers, France. Just 8-years later in 1843, five sisters were sent by the order to Louisville to open the first Maryhurst home on the corner of 8th and Madison streets. The opening of Maryhurst provided a place of healing and hope for women and girls in need.
Today, Maryhurst serves children and families through a variety of programs. Most known for its residential services, Maryhurst provides the right environment for children to learn, build resilience and work on independence or family unification. Maryhurst provides these young people with a safe place to heal and work through these experiences. Maryhurst also provides community-based transitional living services and aftercare for those leaving the program.
“Maryhust is a place like no other,” said Madeline Abramson, Maryhust board member. “I have volunteered here for over 30 years, and I have seen the impact the organization has on families in our community. Maryhurst changes lives.”
Additionally, Maryhurst Renewal services work throughout the community partnering with children and families providing therapy and support services. Maryhurst Renewal exists to expand access to quality behavioral health services before crisis, ultimately preserving families and creating a pathway to success for youth and adults in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Maryhurst’s goal is to reach additional local families earlier through the Renewal program to provide the right combination of support.
“I’m really excited about our future vision, which is about reaching more families in the community while the kids are still in their homes, helping those families through counseling and behavioral health and also linking them with resources that they need to thrive,” said Garner.
Celebrating 180 years of serving children and families, the open house event featured campus tours, a collaborative art activity with kids on campus, historical stories and photos, and an opportunity to hear from speakers about Maryhurst’s impact through residential and community-based programs.
Maryhurst looks forward to future growth and expansion of its programs and services. For more information about Maryhurst, please visit maryhurst.org.
