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 vashtireferral@vashti.org.
Does Vashti take private insurance?
Vashti currently does not accept private insurance.
Our Residential Program accepts Amerigroup, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Georgia Department of Children and Family Services referrals
Our 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 is solely a co-ed residential program and community clinic. Youth in our residential program attend schools in Thomasville-Thomas County, unless they are homebound. In that case, they are enrolled in online 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.
Do you involve the child’s family in the treatment plan?
Yes, whenever possible. Studies show that children fare much better when the family participates in the treatment plan. 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 counties in the state of Georgia.
In-School & Home-Based Community Counseling: Six (6) Counties
- Brooks
- Colquitt
- Decatur
- Grady
- Mitchell
- Thomas
Community Outreach & Trauma-Informed Professional Training: Nine (9) Counties
- Brooks
- Colquitt
- Decatur
- Early
- Grady
- Miller
- Mitchell
- Seminole
- 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, skills they may be lacking. We aim to instill resiliency in them by providing mental health therapy, helping them establish healthy routines, introducing them to enriching activities, modeling positive relationships, and showing them God’s love. 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 different for every child. The majority of the time, they call us! We love hearing from them as they move on 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) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
We have accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Do you have Wish List?
Yes. We have several campaigns available that 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.