Sponsorship for the Garrison girls :).

This is from the heart of a father who is doing his best to help his girls on their journey.

These two beautiful young ladies have been through a lot and have overcome some insurmountable odds. They both have made amazing impacts in their community and in the lives of many others, even at such young ages.

Here is their story, where they are now, and the current need. Thank you for being here with us.

The Garrison girls are Megan Garrison & Rachel Garrison. Megan is now 23 and Rachel is 18, and both have had a heart of gold their entire lives. And they still shine bright :).

The girls lost their mom tragically in 2017. She lost her battle to illness and was a beautiful woman who was tenacious and full of love. Those of you who knew Mary will remember her as fun-loving, sweet, smart, and a mother who adored her children.

It's been a tough road since then, as you can imagine losing a parent during your teen years is heartbreaking. Since Megan was older she had a little more involvement in her mom’s illness and passing. Afterward, Megan did go through bouts of substance abuse and depression and spent weeks in mental health and rebab facilities. And with counseling, prayer, and support, today all 3 Garrison kids are holistically healthy. Thank God! This leads me to talk about Megan first and her current need.

It’s wild how in our darkest times we can receive our calling in life. When Megan was a patient in Peachford Hospital in Atlanta (mental/behavioral health inpatient facility), she felt she found her calling. She knew, as she was getting care, that her life goal was now to help others with mental health, issues with trauma, depression, and abuse. Amazing how God works.

Fast forward to today, she moved a few months ago to West Palm, FL. to begin her career as a mental health worker working with Banyan Mental Health. Which is such a solid testimony. Her responsibilities are assessing new patients, leading group therapy & art therapy classes, tending to patient needs, etc. She took a leap of faith with her best friend Blake and they both began a new life and career. Like most 23-year-olds, they ventured off with a plan, a dream, energy, and little income. Then something unexpected happened. Her roommate, Blake, was diagnosed with Covid shortly after and ended up on a ventilator. Sadly, he grew sick fast and ended up needing a double lung transplant. Piedmont hospital found a match and he had that procedure performed, which is a miracle itself. Crazy, I know. He appeared on CNN to share his story on July 28. He also has gofundme page, Blake Bargatze. We continue to pray for Blake’s healing and full recovery.

That said, Megan is needing to ensure all monthly expenses are taking care of after August. We have paid up through August (Blake’s family has been so gracious as well- God bless them) and are seeking sponsorship so she can stay working at the mental/behavioral health facility she has grown to love. She is making an awesome impact there, loves the staff and patients. I have posted a picture or two of the notes that her patients have given her. Megan’s goal is to bring awareness to mental health, assist those struggling with it, become a patient advocate, write books, and open her own practice. One step at a time!

After reviewing with her the monthly budget, she is in need of $1,200 per month for 3 months. With that, it should give her the boost she needs to establish other arrangements. Our goal is to have the financial pressure lifted so she can focus on the calling, the gift she was given, and strengthening those patients.

And the other Garrison girl, Rachel. Rachel is such a bright, lovely, passionate, caring, intelligent (academically & emotionally) young lady. She too has had to travel down a difficult path. We all can process differently, so for her, she kept pouring into her grades, her activities, and giving back. She has been in all advanced classes her whole life (never made a B or less), played on the girl's lacrosse team all 4 years, was a varsity cheerleader for 3 years, coached middles school girls as a mentor, and served various community efforts. She graduated with many honors, and I put up a pic of the honors she was awarded! I could go on for a while, proud papa, but please check out the amazing photos of Rachel and you can see who she is and that amazing spirit that comes through.

Here is a great thing and the thing that leads me into the sponsorship for her. She was awarded the Zell Miller scholarship for GA, which is a great testament to her work ethic and character. And she was accepted into UGA, the first round of admissions! Her best friend from Lanier High School is rooming with her and they will move into Brumby Hall on August 12th. After meeting with financial aid from UGA we received our final bill. It’s not terrible, but we still need $4,550 before October 15th.

The total we are seeking sponsorship for is $4,550 for Rachel & $3,600 for Megan = $8,150.

If I had the extra I certainly would just take care of it. As a single parent, it has been a struggle, and I am sure many of you know! Also, like many, 2018-9 went well with my health, fitness, and corporate wellness consulting, and then here comes 2020. I lost nearly 70% of my income. My industry has still not fully recovered, but opportunities are slowly inching forward.

Again, this is just a father's heart putting a need out there for his girls. If you or someone you know would be able to support that would be great. The Lord sees us, knows our hearts, orders our steps, and brings His people to journey together. Both the Garrison girls have such great promise and gifts to give our future.

Thank you so much for your ear, time, consideration, and sponsorship. Reach out anytime!