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MSW Alumna Named ‘Top 50 Over 50’ by Positive Maturity

By Brad Fisher

June 28, 2021

Felicia Ayers Storey, Vice President of Program Operations and Services for the Presbyterian Home for Children, has been recognized as one of central Alabama’s Top 50 Over 50 by Positive Maturity.

Since 2014, Positive Maturity in Birmingham has recognized individuals 50 and older in central Alabama for their success and/or lifetime achievements in business, personal and civic engagements. The exclusive list celebrates members of the community who know how to dream, laugh, contribute and achieve on many levels, which are all key elements of staying young while growing up.

Storey, who received her Master’s of Social Work from The University of Alabama, has accomplished much professionally and personally as she shapes the lives of some of the most vulnerable citizens of the state – at risk children and families. She has spent her entire professional career of 36 years at the Home, starting as a social worker and working up to vice president of program operations and services and even interim president.

“Recently I was asked why I do what I do. It’s because I love the Home, the residents/clients and the ministry,” Storey said. “One of my adult ‘kids’ just recently dropped in. He keeps coming Home because of the love he feels here. I’m his Mom who will nurture and love him always. That’s who we are. It’s what we do and what I know best professionally.”

Doug Marshall, president and CEO of the Home, said, “We are incredibly blessed to have Ms. Storey help lead our ministry which has touched so many lives. Her wisdom and professionalism daily continue to be wrapped in unconditional love for the at-risk children and families entrusted to our care at the Home.”

The Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, Alabama is one of few organizations in the state caring for Alabama’s homeless boys and girls, along with their female caregivers in its Secure Dwellings Program. In its Moderate Residential Care Therapeutic Program, the Home also serves teenage girls who may have experienced extreme trauma and or neglect in their lives. The Home also works with and helps support young female adults in crisis through its Transition to Adult Living Program and families in crisis over a seven-county area through its In-Home Intensive Services, Family Bridges.

The Presbyterian Home for Children achieved an essential national accreditation from the Council on Accreditation in 2020, the culmination of almost two years of work under Storey’s leadership.

“I completely trust her and know that Ms. Storey is a precious gift from our Lord to our entire staff and to each child, youth and family coming to the Home seeking healing and hope,” Marshall said.

Storey is well known and highly respected in the state as a leader in social services over her distinguished career. She graduated with a Master of Social Work, Children, Youth & Families from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a Minor in English from The University of Montevallo. Storey has served as a field instructor for The University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University in addition to being Adjunct Faculty for Talladega College. She is a Licensed Master Level Alabama Social Worker (LMSW) along with being a Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard On Site Official and Trainer.

Her professional volunteer activities include being current secretary and past treasurer for the Alabama Residential Child Care Association, past president and vice-president of the Alabama South-Eastern Child Care Association, and she has held multiple leadership positions with The University of Alabama Social Work Society.

In addition to serving in the ministry of the Presbyterian Home for Children, she is a member of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church of Talladega, where she, along with her husband James, serve in several leadership roles. They reside in Sylacauga.

Storey was recognized as one of the Women Who Shape the State for 2020. The award program, sponsored by Alabama Media Group, highlights women that are impacting their cities, regions or the entire state of Alabama in the areas of philanthropy, commerce, public service, nonprofit, small business and advocacy.

More information about the Presbyterian Home for Children and Positive Maturity can be found at www.phfc.org.com and https://www.top50over50.com/home.html.

Positive Maturity has been a proud partner of United Way of Central Alabama and sponsor for the Corporation for National and Community Service serving adults 50 and older in the Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.