There’s a new face at the helm of Meredith’s Miracles – Emily Yehling.

Yehling is no stranger to the local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who have to leave the area to receive sub-specialty health care for their children with non-medical related expenses. For years, she’s worked to put together Valentine’s Day sundaes, sell Easter goodies, and worked with Cookies with Characters.

Now, she gets to take her dedication one step further – by lending a sympathetic ear and by easing the financial burden for clients’ families.

Janna McGlamory said the naming of an executive director is a big step for the non-profit that she, along with her mother June Simpson and other family members, established in 2005 in memory of her late daughter.

“For us to be at this point is thrilling,” McGlamory said. “We’re only able to do this because of the generosity of our community. No matter what we ask of them, they’re willing to step up and help Meredith’s Miracles. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough.”

Yehling said her first and foremost goal is ministering to clients.

“I want people to know that yes, when your child is sick and you need help, you can look to Meredith’s Miracles,” she said. “Most importantly, I want people to know they’re not just a check. We truly care about them, and I’m here with a sympathetic ear.

“Sometimes they need that more than money sometimes – just someone to talk to and to listen,” she said.

Yehling said she hopes to expand the non-profit’s coverage area by educating communities on fundraising.

Eventually, she hopes Meredith’s Miracles is name recognized statewide as a charitable foundation.

“Right now, we help families within a 50-mile radius of Andalusia,” she said. “It would be wonderful to organize fundraisers in other communities to branch out. We don’t need an office in that county, but if we can raise money there, it can be spent there.”

Yehling, whose office is located in the MM Boutique, across from St. Mary’s, said there is a change to the way people can access assistance from Meredith’s Miracles. She said families should call the office directly at 334-222-2286. Families must have a referral from a doctor’s office or a social worker to receive assistance. Generally, those are faxed to the office at 334-222-2287.

“This office is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.,” she said. “On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I will check messages on the machine at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. If it’s an emergency, don’t worry. Someone will call you.”