Thornwell

FPC is proud to be a host church site for Thornwell, a Presbyterian-founded ministry dating back to 1875 committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, building and reuniting families, and supporting healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Today, Thornwell is more committed than ever to empowering communities like ours here in Myrtle Beach, in which ALL people can experience both life and love in abundance. You can learn more about Thornwell by visiting https://Thornwell.org

The Thornwell connection to FPC began through our associate pastor and former Thornwell staff member, Charles Elliott. Charles currently serves on Thornwell’s board and once served as interim president. Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott envisioned bringing Thornwell programs like Building Families (family counseling) and Foster Care to our community. He spearheaded the meetings that eventually led to the church finance committee voting to allocate funds to start the Building Families and Foster Care programs housed at FPCMB.

Welcoming Thornwell has been a labor of love supported by the entire congregation. For instance, when Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. John Brearley, put the word out that furniture was needed for the office, a family contacted him to tell him they wanted to furnish the entire office in honor of their parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary.

The Thornwell office at FPC has two employees serving the Myrtle Beach community.

843.591.2381
EMAIL

Happy and healthy family relationships aren’t always easy – especially juggling the demands of everyday life with kids. Want to develop deeper family bonds and build skills? Better is possible. Thornwell’s Building Families Program helps stabilize family relationships, build on family strengths, assist with reducing stress, and promote family harmony. As a Building Families Family Specialist, I provide in-home or telehealth services to families that need support navigating difficult behaviors, building healthy relationships, improve family functioning, and overall, a safe space to express emotions. Building Families Program also offers virtual parenting classes and numerous workshops. Parenting is hard and children do not come with instructions! For more information, or to make a referral, please feel free to contact me.

843.591.8642
EMAIL

Today there are more children in the South Carolina foster care system than there are licensed foster homes to welcome them in. Thornwell’s mission is to change that single fact. The Thornwell foster care program works to license, recruit, and provide support for foster parents. As a Foster Care Family Specialist,  my role is to license and offer support for foster families in Horry County.  I not only assist families in becoming licensed foster homes but offer support along the way once they become licensed and have children placed in their homes. It is important to remember that as foster parents share their homes, hearts, and lives, they need community to gather around them and support them through the foster care journey. I am so appreciative of our partnership with First Presbyterian Church as we offer resources to help foster parents succeed and hopefully lighten their load. If you have any questions about Thornwell or our foster care program, please feel free to contact me.