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Local foster‑care nonprofit Live Like Meagan outlines plan for 'Meg’s Place' respite home
Summary
Amber Vess, executive founder of the Live Like Meagan Foundation, described 'Meg’s Place' — a McDowell‑based home that provides short‑term shelter, resources and reunification supports for children awaiting DSS placement — and told commissioners the group is interested in establishing similar services in Burke County.
Amber Vess, executive founder of the Live Like Meagan Foundation, told Burke County commissioners Tuesday that the nonprofit’s home, Meg’s Place (branded Next Place), provides short‑term housing, clothing and casework supports for children who otherwise sleep in Department of Social Services offices while awaiting placement.
Vess said Next Place operates in McDowell County and the group is working with Burke County DSS leadership to determine local needs and tailoring. "Meg’s Place gives this home idea for children that they have a bed to sleep in," Vess said. The foundation also maintains a resource center with clothing, car seats, cribs and other items that foster or kinship caregivers may need at the moment of placement.
Why it matters: Vess and county staff cited county DSS data showing 160 nights children spent at DSS from June 2024 through June 2025, including 109 nights in the most recent January‑to‑June period. The foundation said a local facility could reduce trauma associated with children sleeping at agency offices, provide immediate material support for foster families, and offer reunification supports (for example providing a crib or furniture for parents meeting case plan requirements).
Vess said the foundation supports foster‑family groups, provides childcare and meals during training sessions that count toward annual relicensing, and runs a kinship fund to assist relatives who take custody of children. She said funding comes from church partnerships, grants and donations and that the foundation already operates in McDowell and Yancey counties.
Board response and next steps: Commissioners thanked Vess and said the county will explore ways to support foster recruitment and placement resources. No formal action or funding was requested during the presentation.
Ending: Vess said the foundation will work with Burke County DSS program supervisor Chaslyn Thomas and county staff to refine a plan tailored to Burke County’s demonstrated needs.
