The Beginning

Founders Christian and Alisa-Karen Vigé created the Magnolia Children’s Group to address the foster care crisis in Louisiana. Christian’s work on several state children’s boards brought to his and his wife’s attention the great need for an improved system.

Then, during a quaint stay at a bed-and-breakfast in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the couple realized how to put their calling into action. Inspiration struck after a conversation with the business owners, who had bought and renovated the previously state-owned building into an inn.

“It really just hit us,” Christian says. They immediately saw the potential in the idea for the reprioritization of children and family services in Louisiana.

The Goal

By creating a community of home-like residences, the group aims to develop an environment that helps children in the foster care system feel a sense of stability while also revitalizing properties that need it. The result is a more beautiful community and a landing place for children in foster care, so they can decompress and receive the care they need while they wait for a more permanent placement.

“The number one thing that [foster youth] all point to and explain to us is that if they would have had consistent care, then the trajectory of their life would have been changed,” Christian notes.

The organization supports all foster care and adoption processes. From crisis intervention services, therapeutic, academic, and vocational programs, and family support, the Magnolia Children’s Group assists in every aspect, from personal well-being to connecting with a broader network. As a result, the organization provides a pause in the placement system, benefiting all parties. The Vigés emphasize that Magnolia is a safe space for children with no time restraints on their stay.

“It helps the whole system be able to take a second and breathe,” Alisa-Karen says.

The Reality

Sadly, emergency placements cause some children to face more foster home moves than months they have been alive, Alisa-Karen notes. Magnolia will combat compounding stress and trauma with attention and personalization that the children may have never had.

“Whenever a child shows up, it’s not just a stranger’s house; it’s somewhere built for a child,” she says. “They have their own room. They have their own bed. They have a suitcase now, and they have a new stuffed animal.”

Determined to remedy the system, the group aims to return dignity to the process.

How to Help

Faith and community have moved Magnolia forward every step of the way, the founders note.The organization continues to raise funds to renovate its first property. Raised by children for the children, a summer vacation Bible school group made the first significant monetary donation to the cause.

“That’s the reality of the work of redemption,” Christian says. “These children who have broken stories, … they have a chance to live a thriving life because someone said yes.”

Magnolia Children’s Group’s first fundraising gala will be held on September 24 at 6 p.m. at Church of the King. To learn more about the event and other ways to support the cause, visit magnoliachildrensgroup.org.