Working GIrl
in every issue
Laura McBryde Photography
JEAN KEEFE
In 1979, Jean Keefe discovered her passion for working with children
and families. At the Florence County Department of Social Services,
Jean collaborated with the Program Director to write a grant for a
pilot program in Independent Living Skills for kids aging out of foster
care. “I could actually see that I was making a difference!”
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Having been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthri-
with a nice gift for our foster children at Christmas,
we are taught to set boundaries to avoid conflicts
tis in her late 30s, Jean knew she wouldn’t be
while Christ the Servant Lutheran Church allows us
of interest; but, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t have
able to continue front-line work as long as she
the use of their facilities for trainings and meetings
become a foster parent. I feel that my calling is
had planned. This inspired her to return to school
in the Myrtle Beach area.”
where I am, through letting others know about the
to finish her undergraduate degree and to earn
In addition to managing her staff and educat-
children we serve.” She loves seeing the trans-
the MSW from the University of South Carolina.
ing groups and individuals as to how they can
formation and has, indeed, witnessed miracles.
In 2005, she accepted a job with Lutheran Services
help, Jean processes referrals from various state
“There was a medically fragile baby (who we knew
Carolinas.
agencies.
was not going to make it) placed with a loving
“I loved their mission and that they
“Depending on the need, I match
were faith-based.” Jean and her staff are particu-
the
licensed
family to go through the dying process at
larly grateful for local churches. “The women at St.
therapeutic family. Many of the youth suffer from
home rather than in a hospital. That amazing
Luke Lutheran have knitted scarves and toboggans
physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, and
foster family welcomed the biological family into
for our youth at Christmas, and the men’s group
pretty severe health issues.
I think some fami-
their home, allowing them time with their child
is always chipping in to help in any way they can.
lies think about fostering then get afraid of the
before her death and taking them to buy a beautiful
The church provides us with a meeting space, and
unknown. But, we at Lutheran Services will walk
little dress for her to be buried in. How amazing
they host our Christmas and back-to-school parties
them through the process step-by-step, giving
is that? I have also seen children be adopted and
for our foster youth every year. Cross and Crown
them the opportunity to make a difference in the
stay with