Owensboro native Bryson Morrow has stepped into a new role as the executive director of the St. Joseph Peace Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth. For Morrow, the opportunity feels like a homecoming.
“It feels great,” Morrow said. “I have some experience working here in the past, so it’s nice to walk into something with a bit of familiarity. Now, I’m catching up on what’s changed over the years and seeing where we’re headed. It’s an adventure, and I’m all about adventures.”
Morrow’s background in nonprofits spans several years. He has worked with youth through organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA in Bowling Green and Owensboro. He also served as a development director at St. Joseph, overseeing grants, fundraising, and special events.
“When you work with nonprofits, it’s about learning the business model and understanding the services you offer,” Morrow said. “Here, we’re focused on human services and taking care of underprivileged children. That’s our mission, and it’s something I’m passionate about.”
The St. Joseph Peace Mission was founded after a tragic incident involving a young boy named Philip Strain, who died in an unsafe family environment. At the time, Morrow said, there were no shelters available for children in crisis, which led to the creation of the organization. Today, it provides both emergency and long-term residential care for children up to 18 years old.
“We take kids any time – day or night, whether it’s 3 a.m. or the middle of the afternoon,” Morrow said. “We’re here to provide a safe place for them.”
The organization operates two long-term residential facilities: the Yewell Home for Boys and the Hayden Home for Girls. These facilities, named after local philanthropists David Yewell and the late Nicky Hayden, provide housing for children with higher levels of need, including those who may have been involved with the juvenile justice system.
“For many of these kids, it’s just about getting them out of tough home environments and giving them a chance at a better future,” Morrow said.
The St. Joseph Peace Mission works with children to prepare them for adulthood, helping them complete their high school education or GED and teaching life skills for independent living.
For Morrow, the work is deeply meaningful.
“We’re here to make a difference in these kids’ lives,” he said. “I’m honored to be part of that.”
