Auburn University, Children’s Harbor committed to changing lives

Auburn University and Children’s Harbor are joining forces to enhance and influence the lives of seriously ill children for years to come.

Representatives from the land-grant institution and the children’s nonprofit came together for a special announcement and celebration at Children’s Harbor’s Lake Martin facility in Eclectic, Alabama, on April 25, where the multifaceted partnership was outlined in detail. Nearly all 12 of the university’s colleges and various other units will collaborate with Children’s Harbor on numerous initiatives and projects designed to benefit Alabama children in need.

The partnership, outlined in a signed memorandum of agreement, will allow Auburn students to complete supervised internships and clinical placements at Children’s Harbor. In return, the organization will provide access to real-world learning experiences that align with the shared missions of education, service and community impact.

The university’s efforts will be organized and implemented through Auburn University Outreach.

“Our students benefit from real-world experience, and families facing medical hardship receive increased support,” said Royrickers Cook, vice president for University Outreach and associate provost. “This collaboration puts our shared mission into action.”

Founded in 1989, Children’s Harbor provides refuge, respite and resources to families with children who have experienced a life-altering medical diagnosis. Its programs will benefit from the partnership with Auburn via students’ hands-on training and mentorship opportunities while supporting the programs, as well as through shared resources from Auburn Outreach that include grant-writing support, university expert consultation and collaboration opportunities.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when higher education and mission-driven nonprofits come together,” said Cat Outzen, chief executive officer of Children’s Harbor. “We are not only creating pathways for Auburn students to serve and grow but also reinforcing our commitment to families who need a safe harbor during difficult times.”

Even though the partnership has recently been formalized, Children’s Harbor and Auburn have collaborated previously on several initiatives. Children’s Harbor has hosted dietic interns and nursing students at camps, Apparel Merchandising and Design Association students designed adaptable Halloween costumes to make trick-or-treating more accessible for children and landscape architecture’s Frank Hu is leading a design studio based on master facility planning later this year.

Linda Gibson-Young, outreach coordinator in the College of Nursing, shared the significance of this academic-community organization partnership. Gibson-Young and her colleagues organize an asthma camp for elementary school-aged populations at Children’s Harbor with students and faculty from various Auburn colleges.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what we can do together,” she said. “From a faculty perspective and someone who utilizes the camps with children and families, thank you for your partnership, for your engagement and for working with us. Thank you for supporting the children and families in the communities we serve.”

Children’s Harbor serve children and families who seek a safe refuge when faced with unexpected life circumstances. The organization’s comprehensive services complement medical treatment through thoughtful efforts which anticipate needs, focus on mental and social well-being and offer a built-in support system familiar with each family’s situation.

These no-cost services are offered at The Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama, and at the Lake Martin retreat facility in Alexander City, Alabama.  

“We’ve been trying to find ways to reach out to others in the community and find partners who align with our mission to serve the children and families with chronic medical illnesses, and what we’re doing with Auburn is a perfect example of that,” said Auburn alumnus Jeff Stone, who serves as chair of the Children’s Harbor Board of Directors.

“When you think about Auburn’s new strategic plan and our mission, the alignment is almost perfect, especially when you think of opportunities for outreach and enhancing the experience of Auburn students. On behalf of our board of directors, we’re excited about this. This is just the beginning.”