Thornwell Staff Members Acknowledged Statewide for Excellent Service to Children and Families

Palmetto Association for Children and Families recognizes Lindy Scott and Kari Fuhrman

Thornwell, a nonprofit organization committed to the most innovative and effective solutions to help children and families in need across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, is honored to announce the recognition of two employees by the Palmetto Association for Children and Families, a statewide leadership and advocacy group. Lindy Scott, Executive Vice President, received the Distinguished Service Award for her multi-decade career as a leader serving children and families. Kari Fuhrman, Residential Program Supervisor, received the Lois Vanderstelt scholarship for her exemplary service and dedication to furthering her education.

Lindy Scott was nominated for the Distinguished Service Award by Thornwell colleagues Katie Brophy and Steven Laird. Scott started working at Thornwell as a recent college graduate in 1977 and has served in many positions, including Interim President in 2021-2022. She was previously awarded the Outstanding Achievement and Advancement in Human Services award by the Teaching Family Association in 2019.

“As Executive Vice President of Thornwell, Lindy has consistently and effectively advocated for children not only at Thornwell but in the state of South Carolina. With her natural gifts for making key connections, collaborating, and problem-solving, she has developed relationships and forged collaborative partnerships with leaders of other child caring agencies in South Carolina, as well as officials in the state government,” said Brophy. 

Kari Fuhrman was nominated for the Lois Vanderstelt scholarship by her peers in celebration and recognition of her outstanding dedication to service and her superior work ethic.

“Kari has a strong skillset for working with children and families but also has the intangibles employers look for when hiring – commitment, compassion, insight, and intuition. She is a strong leader in our program,” wrote Lindy Scott, Executive Vice President, in Furman’s nomination. 

Thornwell was founded in 1875 by a young Presbyterian minister, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, as a home for children orphaned by the Civil War. Over its nearly 150 years in existence, Thornwell has expanded from its campus in Clinton, South Carolina, to support children and families across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina through 10+ programs in three service areas – Family Services, Care Services, and Academic Services. 

“Both Lindy and Kari embody the continuing mission of Thornwell to prevent child abuse and neglect, build and reunite families, and support healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. As a ministry, Thornwell recognizes every child or family’s story is unique and seeks to come alongside them as an empowering partner in their care,” said Rev. Myron Wilkins, Thornwell President and CEO. “Dedicated employees like Lindy and Kari help Thornwell lead the way in service to these children and families. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”