University of Georgia Athletics Director Vince Dooley lauded the efforts of the staff and administration at Polk County’s Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center during his recent visit to the facility on Tuesday afternoon.

The Murphy-Harpst Center cares for children - mostly from the Atlanta and Northwest Georgia area - who have severe emotional and behavioral problems.

Dooley was on hand Tuesday receiving honors for his part in promoting and increasing the awareness of the Center’s top-of-the-line treatment facilities.

“Part of my learning experience with the Center is taking the campus tour,” said Dooley. “This is a great program here for kids that are in need. The staff does a wonderful job and this is a beautiful facility.”

The Murphy-Harpst Center has recently taken hefty cuts in their operational budget. Administrators there have been forced to cut funding to several programs like arts and crafts activities and spiritual awareness meetings. Keeping these programs alive presently is made possible only by support from volunteers.

Murphy-Harpst officials are hoping that Dooley, who has served as head coach for the Georgia Bulldogs and athletics director for UGA for a combined total of 40 years, can help lobby for greater awareness of the Center’s valuable programs and help their fundraising campaign.

The Center’s campaign chairman position is currently filled by Harold Wyatt, III, son of Harold and Jane Wyatt of Cedartown.

Funds gathered from this campaign will be placed towards the future expansion of the Center.

Murphy-Harpst has several unique therapy programs, most notably Equine therapy. Several months ago, the Equine therapy program was threatened by the cuts in funding, however, officials state that the program remains in operation today due to generous donations from members of the community.

Dooley expressed his interest in the Equine therapy program, and had plans to tour the facility late Tuesday afternoon.