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For Amy Purkey Register, it is about coming home to make a difference.

Register, a Morristown native, was recently named executive director of Girls Inc. She understands the power of a strong community in more ways than one. She is a dedicated wife and mother to two girls, ages 21 and 16, and an advocate for children and families.

A 14-year veteran of social services in foster care and in residential children’s homes, Register has always believed in work that makes a difference in to many lives. She believes in creating opportunities for girls to grow, thrive and feel empowered.

“It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in our wonderful community,” Register said. “I grew up in Morristown and I count it a privilege to serve the community.”

Register earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from East Tennessee State University and received her master’s degree in human services counseling from Liberty University.

“My desire is to continue to grow this organization so we can be available to serve more girls in the community who need us,” Register said. “Working in social work for many years, developing positive relationships in our community, I want to continue to build community partnerships and support for our programs.”

Girls Inc. has its after school programs and summer camp programs, as well as the recently instituted Makerspace programs to help girls in obtaining training for certain jobs.

“When you have families who work, working families in our community need safe, supportive, enriching programs for their girls so they can learn, grow and thrive in those safe environments while their parents are working to provide for their families,” Register said. “Our staff is well-trained. Working in social work, I’ve seen first-hand that safe places like Girls Inc. are needed for families.”

Register said that Girls Inc is not just a place girls come to play, but Girls Inc provides educational and literacy programs, including the STEM programs (science, technology, engineering and math).

“We’re investing in these girls,” Register said. “It’s important for children, especially girls, to have those strong, supportive mentors and adults in their lives. Girls Inc. is a wonderful place that serves our amazing community that we have in Hamblen County.

Register wants to be able to further build and expand the Girls Inc. programs to the surrounding area.

“We want to serve more girls,” she said. “That means continuing to build community partnerships, connecting to community resources, so that along with our community, we can continue to be that safe place to provide enriching programs that we do for more girls. We serve a lot of girls in the Hamblen County community, but the goal is to grow. The goal is to serve more, we can reach into the surrounding counties. We’re serving Hamblen County, there are more to be served here, but there are more girls that can be served in our surrounding communities.

One of the events that Girls Inc. hosts is the “Taste of Morristown.” This year’s event will be held April 10 at Walters State Community College.

“It’s a great event that involves our community,” Register said. “It involves our community restaurants. It gets everyone involved to be able not only to support and advertise those restaurants, but to support Girls Inc. You’re helping local businesses while supporting Girls Iinc. We’re excited, we’re working on preparations for it right now.”

Register could not stress enough her excitement to returning to her home as Girls Inc.’s executive director.

“This has been my home and I love this community,” she said. “I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to serve the community and give back.”

Girls Inc. is located at 301 Sulphur Springs Road in Morristown. For more information, call 423-581-4430 or go to www.girlsinchamblen.org. Girls Inc. is a participating organization of United Way of Hamblen County.