Maplewood resident Susie McGaughey receives national honors

Susie McGaughey, art therapist at Great Circle, was honored recently for her work to support children in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. McGaughey received the Spirit of the Alliance Honorable Mention from Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.

Following violence and chaos that rocked the Ferguson community last year, McGaughey felt compelled to reassure and support the children of the community. She spearheaded a campaign, “Hearts for Ferguson,” enlisting volunteers to create paper hearts which she delivered to students in Ferguson-Florissant School District. As her efforts were shared on social media, batches of paper hearts began arriving from schools, churches and individuals across the country, some from as far away as Australia. All held handwritten messages of encouragement, intended as a gesture of love and support for the children in the Ferguson community.

The Spirit of the Alliance Award recognizes an individual’s dedicated service to children, families, and communities.

McGaughey is a registered art therapist and a licensed professional counselor. She and her family live in Maplewood.

The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities is a national organization dedicated to achieving a vision of a healthy society and strong communities for all children, adults, and families. Visit http://www.alliance1.org for information.

Great Circle was formed in 2009 by the merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children’s Center. The goal was to create something new in the communities we serve, to help those struggling with difficult circumstances, and to be a partner in our communities to provide that resource. With campuses, counseling centers, home and community based services statewide, Great Circle’s footprint reaches across Missouri, the Midwest and beyond. In 2015 Great Circle is on track to impact the lives of more than 26,000 children, individuals and family members. Visit www.greatcircle.org for more information.