How are children referred to our program?

Our residents come to us through either Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice. Our children and families served by our community clinic are referred to us through local doctors and pediatricians, school counselors, church pastors, and parents. To refer a child to our program, email hello@vashti.org or contact us on our Get In Touch Form.

What does it mean that Vashti is CARF Certified?

CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is an internationally respected nonprofit accreditor of health and human service programs such as behavioral health, child and youth services, and community care. 

Earning CARF certification means that Vashti:

• Has undergone a rigorous, peer-reviewed accreditation process

• Meets high-quality service standards focused on safety, transparency, and person-centered care

• Commits to continuous improvement, accountability, and best practices in service delivery 

This accreditation reassures families, funders, and partners that Vashti operates at a recognized level of excellence and reliability. It’s a mark of trust we’re proud to uphold. You may learn more about CARF International here.

Does Vashti take private insurance?

Vashti currently does not accept private insurance.

Our Residential Program (RBWO) accepts Amerigroup, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Georgia Department of Children and Family Services referrals.

Our Commnity Services Clinical Program accepts Georgia Medicaid, Amerigroup, Cenpatico (Peachstate), Wellcare, and CareSource.

Does Vashti have a school?

No. Vashti began as an orphanage for girls, evolved into a school for girls, and now offers a co-ed foster care residential program, community children’s clinic in Thomas County, in-school therapy in six SW GA counties, an afterschool clubhouse in Thomas County, and is home of our Trauma-Informed Training & Outreach Program, Resilient Communities of SW GA Coalition. Youth in our residential program attend schools in Thomasville-Thomas County, unless they are homebound. In that case, they are enrolled in virtual school.

How are expenses paid for a child/youth/family?

We are able to bill for certain services provided through insurance, and our fundraising efforts cover the remaining expenses. Vashti Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We welcome your donations.

Do you involve the child’s family in the treatment plan?

Yes, whenever possible. Studies show that 75% of our children fare much better when the family consistently participates in their treatment plan for a minimum of 12 months. Our goal is to build and preserve stronger families.

What age range of children do you serve?

We are licensed to serve children ages 5-21 depending on the service.

How many counties do you serve?

Residential Program:

All 159 counties in the state of Georgia.

In-School & Home-Based Community Counseling: Six (6) Counties

1. Brooks: Delta Innovative School; Brooks County High School; Brooks County Middle School; Quitman Elementary School; North Brooks Elementary School; Brooks County Early Learning Center
2. Colquitt: Doerun Elementary; Okapilco Elementary; Funston Elementary; Hamilton Elementary; Sunset Elementary; Rb Wright Elementary; Odom Elementary; Norman Park Elementary
3. Decatur: Bainbridge High; Bainbridge Middle; Hutto Elementary; Jones Wheat Primary; West Bainbridge Primary; New Beginnings Learning Center; Spring Creek Charter
4. Grady: Southside Elementary; Eastside Elementary; Shiver Elementary; Whigham School; Washington Middle; Cairo High; Grady Educational Center
5. Mitchell
6. Thomas: Community and Clubhouse: MacIntyre Park Middle; Thomasville High; Harper Elementary; Jerger Elementary; Scott Elementary

Thomas County for the Afterschool Clubhouse: Cross Creek Elementary; Garrison-Pilcher Elementary; Hand-in-Hand; Thomas County Middle

Community Outreach & Trauma-Informed Professional Training: Nine (9) Counties

1. Brooks
2. Colquitt
3. Decatur
4. Early
5. Grady
6. Miller
7. Mitchell
8. Seminole
9. Thomas

How do you prepare children to leave the residential care program?

All of our residents are involved in learning life and social skills while in our care. We aim to instill resiliency in them by providing behavioral health therapy, helping them establish healthy routines, introducing them to enriching activities, modeling positive relationships, and showing them God’s grace. Resiliency can empower our youth to make positive life choices once they leave our program.

How does Vashti track progress of children once they leave Vashti?

It’s the children and families’ choice to stay in touch. We love hearing from them as they move forward and succeed in life.

What oversight agencies regulate Vashti?

We are proud to be in a covenant relationship with the United Women of Faith (UWF), as well as a member of Together Georgia.

Oversight bodies include the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), The Georgia Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

We have accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Do you have a Wish List?

Yes, there are three ways to give and we graciously ask for your support.

What is the Heart and Soul Fund?

Ms. Bridgette Blackshear came to Vashti in 2001 to be our Food Services Director, and in many ways truly became the Heart and Soul of this agency. She had a precious gift and always made everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen became a place of encouragement, unconditional love, laughter, generosity, teaching, faith, and delicious collard greens. It was not unusual to find out that a youth who had aged out of the program had appeared on the kitchen doorstep discouraged and hungry. Bridgette would make sure they had food in their belly and a healthy dose of love, faith, re-energizing them on their journey towards healing.

After Bridgette passed away in 2014, a special fund was created in her honor. The “Heart & Soul Fund” serves to meet the needs of our youth that are ineligible for reimbursement by the state. For example, replacement glasses when broken, braces, hair styling and maintenance, healthcare not covered by insurance, fees to participate in school activities, and field trips. As a fitting tribute to Ms. Blackshear’s legacy, many of our own staff contribute monthly to this fund in honor of her generous and guiding spirit.