The children living on our Brunswick campus come from all over Georgia. They are a special group. Their I.Q.'s fall between 40 and 70. 75% of our children have been victims of abuse, and a majority have attempted to harm themselves. As a specialized treatment center, we address the educational, physical-psychological, spiritual, and social needs of the children.

We are the only treatment program in Georgia, currently and historically, that exclusively serves mentally retarded and severely, emotionally disturbed children. Our mission is to return these children to their communities - believing that with proper love, care, and treatment they can lead happy lives.

This campus, located on Highway 99 in north Glynn County, originally opened in 1946 as "Boys' Estate."

"Boys' Estate" was the vision of a group of local men, led by J. Ardell Nation, Richard W. Peters, Jr., Clarence Dubs, J.M. Rozier and T.G. Myers. It was used for many years as a home and school for underpriviledged boys. After the passing of Mr. Nation, in the 1980's the facility was operated by a group from Savannah. Then in 1996, this organization contacted our CEO, Barry Kerr, and asked if he would assume the leadership and responsibilities of the facility and program.

A board of directors was elected and on September 13, 1996, Morningstar took over the Youth Estate Campus. The facility was renamed, changing it from Parent and Child to Morningstar Baptist Treatment Services, Inc. In order to broaden our relationships, we have changed our name to Morningstar Treatment Services and created a second supporting organization called the Morningstar Baptist Foundation, Inc. Both organizations are private, non-profit. Our staff and support base are ecumenical in nature.

Our 350-acre campus in north Glynn County, across the river from Darien, is an oasis of hope for the children we serve.