Childhelp was founded by Hollywood A-listers Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson providing hope and healing to abused and neglected children.
“We met on the 'Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' show. We were actresses who were later chosen to go on a worldwide entertainment tour. It’s funny how that worked out, being together on that mission and then on our life’s mission as well,” says Yvonne.
When the duo founded Childhelp in 1959, the Murray Method was also in development. Created by psychotherapist and author Marilyn Murray, the method morphed into a popular approach helping people heal from trauma. It was that time, a few decades ago, that the marriage between Childhelp and the Murray family was born.
“I was one of the first people to speak publicly about my personal story of childhood trauma,” recounts Marilyn Murray.
The two influential forces formed a special union; in fact, Marilyn remembers delivering a speech at Childhelp, bravely stepping into the public eye.
“You can help many people out of abundance, not out of starvation. Take care of yourself first and stay healthy so you have something to give," she says.
Marilyn, a trailblazer, offered pro bono expertise to Childhelp. And when the organization moved its HQ to Arizona, she was eager to get her daughters involved.
“I always saw my parents give back. It was a powerful example,” says Jinger Richardson, Marilyn's daughter.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jinger and her sister Missy Anderson became key members in the organization.
“Children don’t have the power to fight back,” explains Jinger. “That’s what keeps us going.”
Fast forward to now, and the Murray family has four generations vested in Childhelp.
“I am proud that my daughters and granddaughter are a big part of Childhelp,” says Marilyn. “My great-grandson Cole is innately caring. They call him ‘The Governor.'”
childhelp.org