Harper's Home of Tazewell County

01/22/2026

We are so blessed to have received beautiful handmade quilts, teddy bears, and pillow cases from Claypool Hill Church of Christ Sewing for the Savior group! It was nice meeting these sweet ladies. They are doing wonderful work. God Bless you!

12/14/2025

Parents often struggle with the decision to allow sleepovers because they want their children to feel included while also staying safe. Research highlighting that a significant portion of childhood abuse occurs in these settings can feel overwhelming, but understanding the underlying reasons brings clarity rather than fear. Sleepovers remove normal supervision patterns, shift boundaries, and place children in environments where adults may assume safety simply because the host family is familiar.

Children rely on predictable routines and clear signals to understand what is safe. When nighttime supervision is reduced, doors are closed, and adults are occupied or asleep, opportunities for risk increase. Most concerning situations do not involve strangers. They involve people who appear trustworthy or who already have access to the home. This reality does not mean every sleepover is dangerous. It means the environment changes in ways parents cannot control.

Child development experts emphasize that emotional safety should always come before social pressure. Offering alternatives such as evening playdates, late pick ups, or supervised activities can give children the social experience they want without compromising safety. These choices communicate protection, not restriction.

Talking openly with children about boundaries, body safety, and trusted adults also strengthens their ability to recognize and respond to uncomfortable situations. When families make decisions based on informed reasoning rather than guilt or outside opinions, children learn that their well being is a priority.

Safety is not fear based. It is clarity based. Understanding risks empowers parents to choose what supports long term security and emotional health.

08/19/2025

Harper’s Home is looking for a dependable and motivated individual to volunteer their time to cut the grass once per week through the end of summer.

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community!

08/18/2025

We are pleased to acknowledge the Plum Creek Quilters of Thompson Valley for providing us with stunning homemade quilts to be given to the children visiting Harper’s Home. These quilts are especially important for children as they symbolize care and support, providing physical and emotional reassurance. We appreciate the community support for this children’s initiative. 🩷

Robyn Blankenship, Libby Ballengee, and Lois Gillespie Whitt.

07/07/2025

We’re so excited to announce that Harper's Home is almost ready to open its doors! 🏡✨

As we prepare to welcome children into a safe, loving, and nurturing environment, we’d love your support! We’ve created an Amazon wishlist with items that will help us provide a warm and welcoming space for every child no matter the age.

If you're able, please consider taking a look and contributing! Every little bit truly helps.

🛒 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3P23G5P94ZKWX?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_GY8YC29ETTYJD8FCNCNC_5

Thank you for being part of this journey with us! 💛
— The Harper's Home Team

01/16/2025

Most people would agree it’s hard to imagine heinous crimes such as this happen to anyone, much less children. The Care Center is proud of the partners who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served.

We are thankful for Chris Plaster’s leadership of the multidisciplinary team, and for his staff’s relentless pursuit of justice in child abuse cases.

In the days ahead, please pray endlessly for this child to be able to overcome the trauma and anguish caused by the victimization.


MAN TO SERVE LIFE IN PRISON FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

J. Christopher Plaster, Tazewell County Commonwealth's Attorney announced today that JACKIE LEE MCGLOTHLIN, age 47, of Raven, Virginia was sentenced on November 7, 2024 in the Tazewell County Circuit Court by Judge Richard Patterson on one (1) count of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of thirteen and one (1) count of r**e of a child under thirteen years of age and three (3) counts of forcible so**my of a child under thirteen and one (1) count of object sexual pe*******on of a child under thirteen. MCGLOTHLIN received FIVE LIFE terms plus an additional 20 years to serve in the Virginia Department of Corrections with no option for parole.

“I am grateful for the outcome and am proud of the courage and the bravery the victim in this case showed. I am also thankful to all of the agencies that helped bring this case to a close,” said Kati Asbury, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office investigated the case with Det. Michelle Conklin leading the investigation. The Tazewell County Victim/Witness Assistance Program provided crucial support throughout the process. April Morefield and the Care Center of Southwest Virginia and Ultra Health were instrumental in this conviction. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Kati Asbury, with the assistance of Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Gabrielle de Courcy, prosecuted this case.

03/08/2024

https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2024/03/08/trial-date-set-for-mother-of-two-year-old-harper-mitchell/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wsls10&fbclid=IwAR0s-jwhCXZPLklwGpma9YuCb0OyAePJsNYEMDUz2zx05Z3jOEw5GnAW19A_aem_AWyVlggy0-K8mmebOGNpfUxbQ2h7Jl3MkbZfJva7ES1pKZhaDBq634DtmG_NoAVathA

A trial date has been set for the mother of Harper Mitchell, a two-year-old girl who died in 2020 from blunt force head trauma, according to the medical examiner.

08/30/2023

Thank you! We are so excited to be a part of this! Go Bulldogs!

We’re excited to announce that we have partnered with The Dudley Law Firm this season for Touchdowns For Charity! Mr. Dudley will donate $25 for each Bulldog touchdown scored this season to varying local charities. This week’s charity will be Harper's Home of Tazewell County!

06/22/2023

Tazewell County Public Library has partnered with Feeding Southwest Virginia to provide meals to children 18 years old and under. See the times below for each library.

06/13/2023

Harper’s mother:

Amanda Brittani Mitchell is accused of causing the 2020 death of her 2-year-old daughter.

06/08/2023

👶💜CARE Center of Southwest Virginia is hiring!

🌸 Please see job description below. Send all resumes to [email protected].