PHFC SUMMER BEGINNINGS 2026

STAFF UPDATES

Vicki Clayton joins the Presbyterian Home for Children as Office Manager and Executive Assistant, bringing more than 15 years of experience providing executive-level administrative support, managing office operations, and fostering organizational excellence. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication, Clayton is committed to helping the Home operate efficiently and effectively. Clayton has been married for 40 years and has three adult children and four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking out, and making lasting memories with her children and grandchildren.

Paul Galvan joined the Caminos® program as a PRS Case Manager. Galvan is originally from south Texas and now lives in Alabama. He served for 15 years as an HR manager and 15 years as a case manager where he grew a strong expertise in leadership, employee relations, client advocacy, and organizational support while maintaining a deep commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service to others. Outside of work, Galvan values spending quality time with his family, which remains one of the most important aspects of his life.

Alison Kearley has been named PRS clinician with Caminos®. Kearley is from McCalla, Alabama, and has 10 years of experience working as an art therapist and mental health counselor with children, youth, and families across Florida and Alabama. She worked in the schools and community in Jacksonville, Florida, with students from over 20 different countries. Additionally, she lived in India for a year and a half, teaching students and leading workshops for local counselors on how to integrate art into their trauma-informed counseling. Kearley holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education from The University of Alabama, a Master of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Art in Spanish from Oglethorpe University. She loves to travel and enjoys learning about languages and cultures. She also enjoys nature, gardening, and music, and her favorite animal is a camel.

Elivia Santana, Transition to Adult Living Coordinator, received her Licensed Master Social Worker designation in Alabama after passing the National Association of Social Work Boards. A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license is essential because it serves as the foundational, required credential to legally practice social work, providing clinical therapy under supervision and accessing diverse roles in hospitals, schools, and government. Elivia also received her Master’s in Social Work from Jacksonville State University in 2025. She has been with the Home for nine years.

BOARD MEMBER UPDATES

PHFC added a new board member and advisory board member to grow its leadership. The Board of Trustees in May voted to accept Sonja Truesdell as a board member, replacing Rev. Tom Lewis, who retired from the Board in May. The Board also appointed Rebecca Baker as an advisory board member.

Sonja Truesdell is a first-grade teacher in Athens, Alabama, where her husband Jim is pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Truesdell was a member of First Presbyterian in Talladega during high school and worked at PHFC during summers home from attending Auburn University, where she got her bachelor’s in education. She earned her master’s at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her education specialist degree at Mississippi State. Her father, Billy Mills, was a member of the Home's Board and a strong advocate for the Home. Sonja has 34 years of education experience, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and is trained in trauma informed teaching practices. She has worked as a teacher, reading expert at the Mississippi Department of education and an adjunct education professor at William Carey University in Hattiesburg.

Rebecca Baker is a resident of Mobile and an educator with 36 years of experience. Baker got her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in history and a master’s from the University of West Alabama, along with a master’s level certificate in administration from the University of South Alabama. She taught grades first through eighth and has served as an elementary school principal, choosing to work in schools with high poverty and with at-risk students. Baker is a member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Mobile and has served on the session as mission elder for many years.

Both Truesdell and Baker will serve on the Programs Committee.

ON THE COVER

Children who attend Ascension Leadership Academy build friendships that last a lifetime. The private school mission of the Presbyterian Home for Children has grown significantly thanks to the state’s CHOOSE Act. Read more about ALA on Pages 4-5.

PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN 2026 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ms. Lisa deShazo Mobile, Moderator

Rev. Brandon Miles Mobile, Immediate Past Moderator

Rev. David Jamison Dothan, Vice Moderator

Mr. David Perry Birmingham, Treasurer

Ms. Carol Copeland Athens, Secretary

Mr. John W. Haley, Esq. Birmingham, Legal Counsel

Ms. Joyce Pettis Huntsville, Member At Large

Rev. Christie Ashton Huntsville

Ms. Diann Berry Huntsville

Rev. John Brock Tupelo, Miss.

Ms. Cathy DeLozier Vestavia

Dr. Brittany Dennis-Hancock Auburn

Ms. Amy Dickerson Homewood

Mr. Avery Embry Talladega

Mr. Mark Feagin Birmingham

Mr. Jeff Hicks Montrose

Rev. Robin Palmer Madison

Rev. Bob Phelps Albertville

Mr. Uhland Redd Florence

Mr. Scott Weldon

ADVI SORY BOARD MEMBERS

Ms. Rebecca Baker, Mobile

Ms. Kelly Elmore, Decatur

Ms. Mary Otulana, Homewood

Ms. Christi Robinson, Huntsville

Mr. Chuck Williams, Hiram, GA

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro, Wetumpka

Mr. Hopson Nance, Auburn, Chair

Mr. Johnny Cupp, Vestavia, Vice Chair

Mr. Avery Embry, Talladega Ms. Krista Langston, Vestavia

Mr. Joe Rives, Hoover

The Presbyterian Home for Children is a Christian caring community for children and families in need, serving children and families regardless of race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or disability. The ministry is governed by a Board of Trustees elected in part by the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, North Alabama Presbytery, and Presbytery of South Alabama.

Caminos® is a registered trademark of Everstand. All rights reserved. Elivia Santana photo courtesy of Alyssa Cash/Jax State Digital Media Services.

Beginnings is published for the friends and supporters of the Presbyterian Home for Children. Children's identities may be disguised to protect the privacy of the individual.

Beginnings Editorial Staff: Cindy Fisher, Brad Fisher,

Devon Gray

P.O. Box 577

Talladega, AL 35161

Telephone: 256.362.2114

E-mail: info@phfc.org

Website: www.phfc.org

Volume 126 • Number 2

SUMMER 2026

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NRSV)

Dear Friends,

Recently we had the privilege of standing alongside residents, alumni, staff, and supporters as we dedicated a new playground in memory of Felicia Ayers Storey, our beloved Senior Vice President of Program Operations and Services. Watching everyone gather together was a joyful reminder of why the Presbyterian Home for Children exists. It is a place where children can experience the simple gift of being a child while their families work toward a brighter future.

That moment also reflected something larger taking place across our campus. Through the generosity of faithful supporters, The Journey Capital Campaign has allowed us to reimagine spaces that serve children and families every day. One of the most significant milestones has been the opening of Robinson Cottage and the Family Unity Center, where mothers working to reunify with their children can find safe housing and hope. Today, families are already coming back together, and lives are being changed because a community who believes in the Home’s mission chose to invest in the future.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, the Board of Trustees and leadership team have continued asking an important question: What is God calling the Home to become in the years ahead? For more than 158 years, the Presbyterian Home for Children has responded to changing needs while remaining a faith-based beacon of hope transforming the lives of children, young adults, and families. Through reflection and strategic planning, we are prayerfully seeking ways to build upon that legacy so future generations of children, young adults, and families can experience the same care and support that have defined this ministry since 1868.

We believe faithful stewardship requires us not only to care for what has been entrusted to us today, but to thoughtfully prepare for tomorrow. As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for all God has accomplished, confidence in His continued guidance, and appreciation for friends like you who make this work possible. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue building a future where children find hope, families find stability, and lives are transformed.

With gratitude,

Doug Marshall

Lisa deShazo President & CEO Board Moderator

A YEAR OF GROWTH, ACHIEVEMENT AND OPPORTUNITY AT ALA

At Ascension Leadership Academy, every school year tells a story of transformation. From academic accomplishments and inspiring educators to memorable field trips and special visitors, the 2025-2026 school year was filled with milestones that reflect the mission of Presbyterian Home for Children and the opportunities made possible through the support of its faithful donors.

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2026

The school year culminated with a proud moment on May 20 as Ascension Leadership Academy honored four graduating seniors during commencement exercises at First Presbyterian Church of Talladega.

Members of the Class of 2026 included Damian Brown, Maddie Parker, Akina Curry and Emma Lackey. Brown was recognized as valedictorian, while Parker earned the distinction of salutatorian.

Together, these four graduates achieved a remarkable milestone, earning a record-setting $240,000 in scholarships to help pursue their higher education goals. Their success reflects years of hard work, perseverance, and support from the Ascension community.

The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker Alabama State Rep. Ben Robbins, who represents Talladega and Coosa counties. A Talladega native and graduate of Talladega High School, Robbins encouraged students to move confidently into adulthood, emphasizing the importance of courage, perseverance, and strong character as they pursue their dreams.

OUTSIDE EXPERIENCES

Students in grades 6 through 12 recently traveled to American Village in Montevallo, where history came alive through immersive experiences and interactive reenactments focused on the founding of the United States.

In April the younger students met Birmingham children’s author Gwen René, who shared her book Fuzzy Dragon Wonders with students, reading the story aloud and bringing its lovable main character to life. Students were delighted when Fuzzy Dragon himself made a surprise appearance, answering questions and interacting with the audience.

HONORING EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM

Assistant Director Charles Ponder was named Private School Teacher of the Year by the Chamber of Talladega, Lincoln, and Munford during a May 12 awards ceremony.

Education Director Linda Harris said the recognition reflects both Ponder’s commitment to excellence and the strong relationships he builds with students.

“Charles Ponder represents what makes Ascension Leadership Academy special,” Harris said. “He builds relationships with students, encourages them to believe in themselves, and goes above and beyond every day to help them succeed. We are proud to see him recognized with this award because it reflects the impact he has on our students and school community.”

The school also bid a fond farewell to longtime high school language arts instructor Donna Shivers, who retired at the end of the school year. While students and staff will miss her dedication and service, they are excited to welcome Debra Williams, who will serve as the upper grades language arts teacher in the coming year.

“Every educator who knows Mrs. Williams has said we are fortunate to have her,” Harris said. “We were sad to see Mrs. Shivers retire, but we are blessed to have Mrs. Williams join our family. We believe she will be a perfect addition to our educational program.”

SHOWING THE NUMBERS

As a part of our continuous improvement and documentation of our on-going progress, Ascension’s achievement scores for students enrolled in grades K-12, for the fall to spring NWEA MAP assessment, indicate that our students continue to have high percentages meeting or exceeding the national norm. MAP national norms are based on scores of the 41st percentile to the 60th percentile as average, 61st percentile to the 80th percentile as high average, and greater than the 80th percentile as high.

The percentage of ALA students achieving at or above the mean in reading, language usage, and mathematics

64% READING

70% LANGUAGE 62% MATHEMATICS

of students performed at or above the national mean of students performed at or above the national mean of students performed at or above the national mean

BEING RECOGNIZED

Ascension Leadership Academy’s elementary school has been recognized as an Imagine Nation Schools of Excellence award recipient, a distinction awarded to fewer than 300 schools nationwide for outstanding implementation of educational technology and student learning programs.

ALA received the Schools of Excellence Award from Imagine Learning, the nation’s leading provider of PreK-12 curriculum solutions, for its exceptional use of the Imagine MyPath program during the 2025-2026 school year. The high school received the honor in 2024.

This year, only 293 schools across the country received the recognition out of more than 42,000 eligible schools. The award honors schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting student growth through effective implementation of Imagine Learning programs.

BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER AGAIN

The judge was deciding whether Faith's children could return home.

Everything depended on that moment.

Across the courtroom sat representatives from the Presbyterian Home for Children, including Robinson Family Unity Center staff member Shandra Thomas, who had walked alongside Faith throughout her journey. They knew how much was at stake—not only for a mother eager to reunite with her children, but for a family hoping for a second chance.

When the judge approved the reunification, it marked more than a legal decision. It represented the very mission behind one of the Presbyterian Home for Children,s newest initiatives: the Robinson Family Unity Center.

Created to help mothers regain custody of children who have entered foster care due to housing instability and other barriers, the Robinson Family Unity Center provides safe housing, support services, and individualized guidance for mothers in crisis. And it gives those mothers a path toward getting their children back.

Faith became one of the program,s early success stories.

After losing custody of her children because of unsuitable housing, Faith entered the Robinson Family Unity Center determined to rebuild her life. Through the program, she secured employment, worked closely with staff, met court requirements, and established the stability necessary to provide a safe home for her children.

Today, Faith and her three children are together again.

“This is exactly why we created the Robinson Family Unity Center,” said PHFC President and CEO Doug Marshall. “Many parents lose custody not because they don’t love their children, but because they lack safe housing and support. We wanted to create a place where families could overcome those barriers and have the opportunity to be reunited.”

When the mothers regain custody, they can move into the Home’s Secure Dwellings program that has helped moms with children find stability and independence for the last 11 years.

For Shandra Thomas, the program,s mission is deeply personal. Years ago, she arrived at the Presbyterian Home for Children seeking stability for herself and her seven children. Through PHFC’s Secure Dwellings program, she found housing, support, and encouragement that helped her rebuild her life and create a brighter future for her family.

Today, she serves as a Case Manager on staff helping other mothers like Faith achieve similar success.

When Faith’s case came before the court, Shandra shared her own experience with the judge as an example of what can happen when families receive the support they need.

“The Home gave me the chance to rebuild my life and provide stability for my children,” said Shandra. “I wanted the judge to know that Faith deserved that same opportunity.”

The need for a program like Robinson Family Unity Center is significant. Across Alabama, many children enter foster care because their families face challenges related to housing, poverty, transportation, or other circumstances that can be overcome with the right support. This program bridges that gap and gives families a pathway to reunification.

The cottage was named for Rev. E.B. Robinson, D.D., who was president from 1916-1948, and his grandson, John Robinson, said the family is thrilled its mission today is to reunify families.

“We are happy it is keeping families together,” said Robinson, member of South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham whose family has continued to support the Home for a century.

For Faith, that pathway led back to her children. For her children, it meant returning home.

PLAYGROUND BUILT ON LOVE: HOME HONORS LEGACY OF FELICIA AYERS STOREY

The Presbyterian Home for Children gathered in May to dedicate the new Felicia Ayers Storey Playground in the center of campus to serve as a place designed not only for fun, but also as a living reminder of a woman whose compassion shaped generations.

The new playground and pavilion stand as a tribute to the late Felicia Ayers Storey, a beloved leader whose spirit of kindness, encouragement, and unwavering belief in people left a permanent mark on the Home and everyone who passed through its doors.

For many, Felicia was more than an administrator or supporter of the Presbyterian Home for Children. She was the heart of it.

She remembered birthdays. She baked cookies. She spent quiet moments over coffee with mothers in Secure Dwellings simply because she wanted to know them better. She stayed connected to alumni long after they left campus, making sure they always knew they still had a family at the Home.

Her influence often arrived in the smallest moments — moments that changed lives.

One of those lives belongs to alumnus Motell Foster, who traveled from New York City where he is an accomplished actor to attend the dedication ceremony. Standing before friends, staff, and supporters, Foster shared a deeply personal memory from one of the darkest moments of his life.

He arrived at the Home carrying uncertainty, disappointment, and exhaustion from starting over too many times. His head hung low as he walked through the door.

Then he met Felicia Storey.

“When I looked up to meet Mrs. Storey,” Foster said, “I never stopped looking up. She forced me to look above to see what was calling me to reach for more.”

Those words captured what so many others experienced in Felicia’s presence. She had a rare ability to see poten-

tial in people long before they recognized it in themselves. Through encouragement, patience, and genuine care, she inspired children and families to believe their futures could be brighter than their pasts.

The dedication ceremony became more than the unveiling of a playground. It became a celebration of the countless lives Felicia helped shape.

Former coworkers, board members, alumni, and community leaders shared stories of her generosity and the steady, quiet way she made people feel valued. Many remembered her infectious warmth and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Her husband, James Storey, was also recognized fondly throughout the ceremony. He frequently joined celebrations at the Home and happily supported the activities Felicia loved most. Among the memories that brought smiles to the crowd was James faithfully setting up the “needle in a haystack” game that had become a favorite tradition.

The new playground reflects that spirit perfectly. Bright, welcoming, and filled with opportunities for laughter and imagination, it represents a safe place where children can heal, grow, and simply enjoy being children.

Many in attendance reflected on a quote Felicia once shared: “My spirit will live forever in the Home.”

The project became possible through generous gifts and grants from the City of Talladega, the Newton Family Foundation, Jane Newton, Clark and Kelly Hammond, First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, and several anonymous donors.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: PRESERVING A PLACE OF HOPE

For 158 years, the Presbyterian Home for Children campus has been a place where lives are transformed. Its cottages have provided safety, healing, and hope to children, mothers, and young women seeking a fresh start.

Today, PHFC is investing in that legacy through the $1,664,092 Journey Capital Campaign, ensuring these historic buildings continue serving future generations.

“We often talk about changing lives, but the places where that happens matter,” said PHFC President and CEO Doug Marshall. “This campaign allows us to provide safe, welcoming spaces that reflect the dignity and hope every resident deserves.”

Generous support has reduced the remaining campaign need to $423,600. Major gifts include $611,100 from Providence Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, whose name will grace the restored campus chapel; $100,000 recently received from the Calhoun Presbyterian Apartments Foundation; and $108,000 from alumna Patsy Hollingsworth Deverse and her husband, Frank. Other gifts include $200,000 of proceeds from the sale of a cell tower, a $25,000 Honda grant, the sale of donated property, and the Mother’s Day Appeal.

Campaign projects include renovating historic Johnson Hall for young women in the Transition to Adult Living program, restoring the campus chapel as a place for worship and counseling, and continuing improvements to residential cottages, including Jordan Cottage and Westminster Memorial Cottage.

The recently completed Felicia Ayers Storey Playground and Pavilion already provide a joyful gathering place for families in the Secure Dwellings program, reflecting PHFC’s commitment to healing both inside and outside its buildings.

Every improvement strengthens more than a campus—it ensures the Presbyterian Home for Children remains a place where hope, faith, and new beginnings flourish for generations to come.

COMING HOME

Alumni Day reunites generations whose lives were shaped by the Home

For many who gathered on campus for Alumni Day 2026 on June 13, returning to Talladega wasn't simply attending an event. It was coming home.

“This is my home,” said alumna Teresa Williams. “This is my family, my brothers, my sisters, my moms, my dads, my uncles, my aunts.”

Former residents shared stories of childhood adventures, influential staff members, and lifelong friendships. A large group of alumni from the 1980s and early 1990s reunited, many seeing one another for the first time in years. Yet despite the time apart, the bonds remained strong.

“They're not my friends,” Williams said. “They're my sisters and brothers.”

For President and CEO Doug Marshall, those reunions reveal something important about the Home's mission.

“One of the greatest measures of our success is when former residents want to come back,” Marshall said. “These men and women return because this place

mattered to them. They formed lifelong relationships here, and they know this campus played an important role in shaping who they became.”

More Than a Place to Live

Williams arrived at the Home when she was 5 years old after her mother and grandmother couldn’t care for her. She repeatedly returned to the encouragement she received from staff members who believed in her potential.

“One thing I can say about this place is that they never, ever said no,” she said. “They always said, ‘You can do it.’”

That encouragement translated into practical life skills that prepared her for adulthood.

“They taught me how to tie my shoe. They taught me how to write. They taught me how to read. They taught me how to drive,” she said. “They taught us how to keep a job, save money, take care of your family. They taught us about credit. Some parents don't teach you that at all.”

‘ Making Me Feel Like Somebody’

Mike Strickland arrived at the Home at age 13 carrying little more than a bicycle

and a box of clothes. And the transition wasn't easy.

“I didn't have any social skills at all. I was bashful, scared. Coming here was a whole different world.”

But over the next six years, Strickland says the Home transformed his life. “I was able to learn people, which has helped me a lot living here because I started learning people, and I learned about rules and responsibility.”

The confidence he gained became the foundation for everything that followed. The impact can be summed up in one simple statement: “Making me feel like somebody, that I can be something.”

A Lasting Legacy

One of the most touching moments of Alumni Day came when Williams reunited with Sharon Moore, the longtime leader who helped guide countless children during her years of service.

“Sharon was the most loving person I ever met,” Williams said. “She was more like a mom.”

Stories like those are why Alumni Day remains one of the most meaningful events on the calendar. Alumni Day 2027 will be on Saturday, June 12, 2027.

The Presbyterian Home for Children’s remarkable 158-year story has been captured in a new book, The Journey, which chronicles the Home’s history from 1964 through today.

The Journey serves as a sequel to the Home’s cherished “Blue Book,” which documented the first century of ministry from the Home’s founding in 1864 through 1964 by Dr. Allen Jacobs, its eighth president. Together, the two volumes tell the complete story of one of Alabama’s oldest child-serving ministries and the countless lives touched along the way.

Written by award-winning author Tom Ward and PHFC President and CEO Doug Marshall, The Journey explores how the Home has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of children and families while remaining steadfast in its mission.

“What moved me most while working on this project was seeing the thread of hope that runs through every generation,” Marshall said. “The circumstances facing children may change, but the mission remains the same: helping children and families find safety, stability, and a brighter future.”

The book traces the Home’s evolution over the past six decades. Readers will discover how the organization transformed from a traditional orphanage into a comprehensive ministry serving at-risk children, young adults, and families.

“Learning and writing about the Home’s rich history and its many impactful ministries has been a joy,” Ward said. “The stories within these pages demonstrate what can happen when faith, compassion, and community come together to serve others.”

The book also honors the generations of Presbyterian Women, church partners, volunteers, donors, and com-

Q UESTIONS?

Allison Teague | (256) 362-2114, ext. 8285 allisonteague@phfc.org

Thank you for helping us continue our mission of caring for children and families.

munity advocates whose support helped shape the Home’s legacy. From the institution’s earliest days follow ing the Civil War to the innovative programs serving families today, the story is ultimately one of peo ple answering God’s call to care for those in need.

“The miracles brought about by the Home in the lives of children have been countless,” Marshall said. “When people support this ministry, they become part of those stories. They help plant seeds of hope that grow into futures filled with possibility.”

The Journey is available for purchase for $32.95 each (including shipping) through the website at https://phfc. org/history-of-phfc/purchase-phfcs-new-history-book-thejourney/ or by completing the below form and sending with payment to the provided address.

SHARON MOORE HONORED IN 50 OVER 50 AWARDS

Sharon Moore, Vice President of Transitional Housing & Family Services and Director of Family Bridges, has been named a recipient of the Top 50 Over 50® recognition in central Alabama presented by Positive Maturity.

Top 50 Over 50® celebrates outstanding individuals over the age of 50 who continue making meaningful contributions to their communities through leadership, service, and civic engagement.

She will be honored in a ceremony on July 23 at The Club in Birmingham.

For more than 40 years, Moore has dedicated her life and career to serving vulnerable children, young adults, and families across Alabama through her work at PHFC. Beginning her career as a young social worker, she has grown

alongside the organization and helped guide it through significant transformation over four decades of service.

Under Moore’s leadership, PHFC evolved from traditional residential group care for children into a place of support focused on helping families remain together and build long-term stability. Today, she oversees programs including Secure Dwellings, Transition to Adult Living, Family Bridges, and the recently launched Robinson Family Unity Center.

These programs provide safe housing, case management, life skills support, and trauma-informed services for mothers, children, and young adults facing crisis situations from across the Southeast.

“Sharon is one of the most genuine and caring individuals I have ever worked with in my career,” said Doug Marshall, President and CEO of Presbyterian Home for Children. “Her heart, wisdom, and dedication have shaped this ministry and the lives of countless children and families. This recognition reflects not only her years of service, but the lasting impact she continues to make every single day.”

Moore’s expertise has been instrumental in working to expand support for

homeless mothers and children seeking stability and reunification. Moore has also played a key role in strengthening PHFC’s Family Bridges program, which provides intensive in-home support services designed to preserve and reunify families and prevent unnecessary separation whenever possible.

Moore has mentored and supervised generations of emerging social workers as a licensed clinical social worker and respected leader within the field.

Many individuals and families served through PHFC continue to return years later to share how Moore’s guidance helped shape their lives and futures.

“Sharon’s legacy is written in the lives of the children and families she has served,” Marshall said. “She represents the very best of what compassionate leadership looks like.”

The Presbyterian Home for Children has a treasured history with the Top 50 over 50 recognition by Positive Maturity with its President and CEO, Doug Marshall honored in 2017 and its former and deceased Senior Vice President of Program Operations and Services, Felicia Ayers Storey honored in 2021.

BUILDING SAFER PATHS TO INDEPENDENCE AT UNION VILLAGE

For most people, a sidewalk is simply a way to get from one place to another. At Union Village, it can mean something much more: safety, confidence, and the freedom to live independently.

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from Honda, residents of Union Village will soon have safer and more accessible pathways throughout the community they call home.

Located on the campus of Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, Union Village is unlike any other housing community in Alabama. Designed specifically for adults who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, or have multiple disabilities, the neighborhood provides affordable, permanent supportive housing where residents can live independently while

remaining connected to essential services. While affordable, the program fees to live at Union Village provide additional and needed cash flow for the Home’s core mission of caring for at-risk children and families.

The Honda grant will fund critical sidewalk improvements throughout both phases of Union Village. The project includes repairing existing sidewalks and constructing new pathways that will shorten walking distances, improve navigation, and create safer routes for residents traveling throughout the community.

For residents who are Blind or DeafBlind, even small infrastructure improvements can make a significant difference in daily life.

“This generous investment from Honda is about more than sidewalks – it’s about safety, dignity, and peace of mind for the residents living at Union Village,” said PHFC Chief Executive Officer Doug Marshall. “By improving the infrastructure of Union Village, Honda is helping us create a stronger foundation where residents can feel secure, supported,

and free to focus on building brighter futures.”

Union Village is a collaboration with the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), that provides residents access to employment opportunities, transportation, case management, assistive technology, Braille services, social programs, and a wide range of other supports.

For resident Jim Bob Rutlin, who is Blind and has called Union Village home since 2019, the impact is deeply personal.

“I’d rather live here than anywhere else,” Rutlin said. “It’s the next best thing to heaven.”

The $25,000 contribution was awarded through Honda’s corporate giving efforts, which support nonprofit organizations and community-based initiatives across the country. Honda is committed to inspiring and empowering its associates to get involved in the communities where they live and work. Through its Community pillar, the company supports programs that uphold the cultures, heritages, and traditions of local communities and help foster strength and resilience.

GIVING BACK TO THE PLACE THAT HELPED SHAPE HER LIFE

For Patsy Hollingsworth Deverse, the Presbyterian Home for Children was more than a place to live. It was the place that helped shape the woman she would become.

Before her passing in April at age 88, Patsy made one final gift to the Home that had given her so much. Through a $108,000 donation to the Presbyterian Home for Children’s The Journey Capital Campaign, she ensured that future generations of children and families will benefit from the same nurturing environment that helped her build a successful life.

“It wasn’t all perfect, but she had a better life because of the Home,” said her husband of nearly 70 years, Frank Deverse. “She always said she owed a lot to the Home.”

Patsy’s story began on the PHFC campus in 1942 when she arrived as a 5-year-old girl alongside her sister, Barbara Ann. The sisters had recently lost both of their parents. Patsy was the youngest of 11 children in a respected Talladega family, but the challenges of the post-Depression era left relatives unable to care for the two young girls. Several of her brothers were serving in World War II, while her older sisters were raising families of their own.

For the next decade, the Home became Patsy’s foundation. She lived on campus until 1952, leaving at age 15 after her sister graduated from high school. Patsy then moved to Pennsylvania to live with an older sister. There, as a ninth grader, she met the young man who would become her lifelong partner.

“When she had to make a decision, she always made the right decision,” Frank said. “She was driven by the morality that she learned at the Home.”

As a child, Patsy played the violin and frequently traveled with former PHFC President Rev. Allen Jacobs to churches across Alabama, helping raise awareness and support for the ministry. Years later, she proudly brought Frank and her children back to campus several times to visit her childhood home and reconnect with the people who had influenced her life.

“She was proud to show Dr. Jacobs her family and the progress she had made,” Frank recalled.

As Patsy’s health declined, she received information about the Home’s The Journey Capital Campaign and the 1868 Society. The campaign focuses on improving and preserving facilities across PHFC’s historic campus so that children and families can continue receiving care in safe, welcoming spaces.

The mission resonated deeply with her.

She wanted future children to experience the same sense of stability, guidance, and opportunity that she had found decades earlier.

To make her gift, Patsy used a charitable distribution from her Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a giving option that allows individuals age 70½ and older to transfer funds directly from their IRA to a qualified nonprofit organization. Because the funds go directly to the charity, the distribution is generally not counted as taxable income, making it a very tax-efficient way to support causes that matter most.

“I'm happy she picked me,” Frank said with a smile. Together, the couple built an extraordinary life. Frank designed and manufactured computer chips while Patsy managed bookkeeping, sales, and business operations. Their partnership helped grow a successful company that provided financial security and opportunities they could scarcely have imagined as young newlyweds.

The Deverses raised four children and eventually welcomed six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Their business success also allowed them to travel extensively. Patsy visited every continent except two.

Yet no matter where life took her, she never forgot the place where her journey began.

Frank recalls how often Patsy spoke about the lessons she learned at the Home. She credited the Home with teaching her faith, manners, responsibility, and what she called “the right way to live.”

Her $108,000 gift will help improve facilities throughout the campus, ensuring that future generations have access to quality housing, educational spaces, and supportive environments where lives can be transformed.

Patsy's generosity reflects a growing number of alumni and friends who choose to support PHFC through planned and legacy gifts. Many of them share a common motivation: gratitude for the role the Home played in their lives and a desire to help future children build strong foundations of their own.

For Patsy, the gift was more than a donation. It was a thankyou.

Ten years at the Presbyterian Home for Children helped shape a little girl who had experienced profound loss into a woman known for her faith, resilience, generosity, and strong moral character. Through her final act of giving, she ensured that the Home's mission will continue for generations to come.

Her life stands as a powerful reminder that when we invest in children, the impact can last a lifetime.

To learn more about making a legacy gift, contact Director of Development Suzanne Cornett at (256) 362-8284 or scornett@phfc.org.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

RECEIVED JANUARY 2026 THROUGH APRIL 2026

AVIRGINIA AND GEORGE ALLEN

Horace Allen

BETTYE CECILE LUSK ARNOLD

David Arnold

DR. HERBERT L. AND NELL S. ARNOLD

Martha Arnold Schoonmaker

Jim Schoonmaker

HERMAN GROCE AND MADGE

WALDRIP ARNOLD

David Arnold

REV. ERNEST J. AND FRANCES

PUTNAM ARNOLD

David Arnold

REV. VAN MONROE AND LADYE MARGARET ARNOLD

David Arnold

BPAULA BALDREE

Phyllis Jean Lawrence

JACQUELINE ROBERTSON BARKER

Kermit and Gerry Moore

ADALENE KELLY HAY BLEDSOE

Susan and Hall Bryant

MR. ADD BOYD

Louise and Pierce Boyd

MRS. ELOISE BOYD

Louise and Pierce Boyd

OZZIE AND ALICE COOPER BRYANT

David and Betsy Middlebrooks

C

JOYCE CARLTON

Linda Cantrell

Sharon Hyatt

Bill Scott

ELLEN EVANS CHORBA

Susan and Hall Bryant

ROBERT CLOYD

David and Janice Plasterer

VALERIE AND C. N. CRICHTON

Valery Minges

DREV. WILLIAM DANFORD

Carol Miller

SARAH DANFORTH

Lawrence Danforth

IDA JO DAUGHTRY

Fred Winters

LINDA DAVID

Leland and Marty Keller

REGINA ROTH DEMBO

Susan and Hall Bryant

MARY NELLE DILL

Koven (K. L.) Brown

David and Katrina Dennis

Judson Gaines

Caroline Knapp

Betty Noble

Julia Pitard

Rush and Christa Smith

Nancy Whitley

GENE DOWDY

Sharron Abernethy

VIRGINIA S. DUKES

Gilbert Dukes

EREV. CHRISY ENNEN

Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church

HAROLD ESKEW

Susan and Hall Bryant

ANN MCALISTER FEE

Marlene Aspinwall

Blossomwood Garden Club

Andrew Brown

Carol Cotney

Marsha and Larry Daniell

Janet Elledge-Nauman

John and Carol Fee

Sandra and Robert Haile

Joanne Horn

Charlotte Hudson and Family

Larry and Lisa Matice

Kermit and Gerry Moore

David and Janice Plasterer

Joanne Sanders

Tony Taylor

Patricia Welker

Janice Wright

JOE M. FINKEL

Leland and Marty Keller

JANICE FOWLER

Susan and Hall Bryant

ANDY FRITH

John and Sue Shaver

GJACKIE GENTRY

Doug and Randi Harbin

PHYLLIS GILES

Susan and Hall Bryant

Cindy Jouret

ASA GREEN

Louis Smith H

DR. AND MRS. ALEX HENRY

Lawrence Danforth

HELON HICKS

Frances Gray

BOBBY HOLLIS

Hayne and Cindy Hollis

JEFF HOPPING

Cindy Jouret

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER WITH THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOLLOWED BY THE DONORS’ NAMES.

IJEAN IVEY

Timothy Ball

MARJORIE IVEY

The Dixon Foundation Dixon Foundation

JDR. ALLEN C. JACOBS

Merilyn Anderson

WESLEY "DIXON" JANES

Adele and George Garner

Brenda and Daniel Garner

Margaret Garner

Phillip and Rhonda Hadley

Philip and Mary Flo Williams

JACQUELIN JOHNSON

Philip Hutcheson

MARY JEAN TUBBS JOHNSON

Jim Johnson

VINCE JORDAN

Clint Stroupe

KANNA KEYSER

Joan Last

PETE KIEP

Jean Moore

LDAVID LANE

Donna Wiltsie

ANN KEENER LANIER

John and Ann Lanier

JENNIE LAST

Joan Last

ANNA LAWRENCE

Jane and Jere Martin

FRANCES LOKEY

Tammy and Patrick Brown

EDWIN RUTHVEN AND MARGARET

FAIRER LUSK

David Arnold

CHARLES MADDOX

Quentin and Tammy McClaran

JOYCE G. MARTIN

Tallatron Tallatron

MR. WILL MASON

Louise and Pierce Boyd

MRS. IDA MASON

Louise and Pierce Boyd

MCALPINE AND TOOLE FAMILIES

Art and Judy Toole

NANCY MCCAIN

Carol Clanton

Madelene Hollingsworth

Harvey and Dottie Kline

Wm Brown

Patricia Driver

Dale Low

FLORENCE MCKINNEY

Tommy McKinney

THOMAS ARCHIE MCMILLAN

Susan and Hall Bryant

PAIGE OLMO

Kermit and Gerry Moore

WINNIE O'NEAL

Tallatron

MONROE OWENS

Barbara Howard

KATHLEEN PERRY

Marian Bevel

ZANE M. PHILLIPS

Rebecca Jones

JIM PONDER

Mary Tartt

LIL PRITCHETT

Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church

THOMAS M PRUITT

Susan and Hall Bryant R

AUDREY RAY

Josie Tucker

ANN COVEY REESE

Leland and Marty Keller

MR. FRANK R. REYNOLDS

Bob and Rebecca Reynolds

KENNETH GORDON ROBERTS

Marsha Alexander

Jennifer Arsenian

Philip and Anne Atkinson

Brooks and Jan Cavell

Jacey Cox

Ruby Jean Fikes

Carl and Donna Martray

Matthew Parrish

Steve Tillery

SDONALD VERNON SCHEINERT

Zellene and Clinton Ingle

MARTHA ARNOLD SCHOONMAKER

Susan Haynes

Michelle Maurice

Tom and Dell Reed

Jim Schoonmaker

Harriet Walker

Ryan Woolley

GAIL SHARMAN

Sonny Sharman

MEMORIAL GIFTS

DOMMIE SHARPE

Drew and Deb Barnett

DR. DAVID SMITH

Becky Baker

Lee Smith Smith

ARNOLD RANKIN SNEED

Susan and Hall Bryant

EDGAR G. SOWELL

Randall and Kathy Chancey

JANET P. SPEARS

John Spears

MRS. FELICIA STOREY

Peggy Garner

NANCY SUTHERLIN

Kermit and Gerry Moore

DR. SARAH EDDIE RAY SWINDALL

Nina and John Crotts

Amy Kitchell

May J. Patterson Patterson

JOE B. TAYLOR

Christina Tidwell

JOHN M. THOMAS SR

Lyndon Thomas Flegel

REV. WILLIAM SAMFORD TURNER

Lori and David Bryant

Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church

Bev Davies

HONOR GIFTS

CDELORES COLE

Robert and Lee Haubein F

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Lana and Jerry Boozer

DEBBIE FEAGIN

Geoff Feagin H

MRS. BOB HURT

Tom and Jane Frith

L

REV. DR. KIP AND TAMI LAXSON

Tom and Jane Frith M

SHARON MOORE

John and Sandy Haley

MARGARET NORTHEN

Lana and Jerry Boozer S

MR. AND MRS. JOHN SHAVER

Tom and Jane Frith

DR. JOYCE PETTIS TEMPLE

Barbara Anthony

REV. DR. AND MRS. TAYLOR TODD

Neil Frick

Lt. Col. and Mrs. Burt Hinson Hinson

Hayne and Cindy Hollis

Rev. David and Dee Jamison

Pam Johnson

Allan Little

Nikki McLain

Susan Moore

Dewey and Blanche Parsons

Bo and Mary Elizabeth Perry

Bert and Bev Tuggle

MYRON UPTAIN

Tammy and Patrick Brown

PATRICIA "PATTY" WEBB

Kermit and Gerry Moore

PAULA WELDON

Scott Weldon

DURWOOD WHITE

Susan and Hall Bryant

ELIZABETH WOODSON

Bill Woodson

LINDA LAWRENCE WORLEY

Phyllis Jean Lawrence

DON B. YOUNG

Lori and Mark Martin

HONORARIUM CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER WITH THE NAME OF THE HONOREE IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOLLOWED BY THE DONORS’ NAMES AND, IF STATED, THE OCCASION.

Tom and Jane Frith W

ANNE WHITFIELD

Marian Bevel

NEWELL AND MARY WITHERSPOON

Rebecca Jones

NEWELL WITHERSPOON

Roland and Peggy Walker

SPECIAL HONORS

In Celebration 0f the Birthday of LIZ K. GOLDMAN

Anne Jones

In Celebration 0f the Birthday of JEAN MOORE

Chuck and Sharon Moore

In Celebration 0f the Wedding of ELIZA & CALEB

Newell and Mary Witherspoon PHFC

Please write clearly and supply the following information when making memorial or honorarium gifts.

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A Legacy of Faithful Service Honored

The Presbyterian Home for Children with Doug Marshall, President and Sam Allison, Controller, recently dedicated the board room in the Bell Administration Building as the Witherspoon Board Room, honoring longtime supporters and leaders Newell and Mary Witherspoon for their decades of faithful service to the Home.

The Witherspoon Board Room serves as an important gathering place where decisions are made that shape the future of the ministry. Throughout the year, it hosts meetings of the Home’s Board of Trustees, leadership team gatherings, and community events. During the Christmas season, it also becomes a place of joy and generosity as volunteers organize and wrap gifts for children and families served by the Home.

The naming recognizes a remarkable legacy of leadership. Over the past three decades, Newell and Mary have devoted countless hours to advancing the mission of the Home through their service on the Board of Trustees. During his tenure, Newell served as board treasurer and chaired the Finance Committee, helping provide wise stewardship and financial guidance during important seasons of growth and transition.

Mary also served on the board and worked alongside four Home presidents during her years of leadership as moderator. Together, the couple became passionate ambassadors for the

ministry, sharing its story with churches, friends, and supporters throughout the North Alabama Presbytery and beyond.

“We have always been impressed by the dedication of the staff and their commitment to the children and families entrusted to their care,” Mary said. “There has never been a time that the Home hasn’t focused on anything besides the children in their care. The Home has done an outstanding job of meeting the needs of very needy children.”

Their connection to the Presbyterian Church has been a lifelong one. The Witherspoons have faithfully served congregations throughout the Presbytery, most recently at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. Their own journey together began many years ago when they met as students at Maryville College in Tennessee.

Today, Newell and Mary, both in their 90s, reside at Kirkwood By the River and attend First Presbyterian Church, both in Birmingham. While their roles have evolved over the years, their love for the Home and its mission remains as strong as ever.

The dedication of the Witherspoon Board Room serves as a lasting tribute to two individuals whose leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have helped ensure that generations of children and families have found hope, healing, and opportunity through the Presbyterian Home for Children.