Safe Harbor began in 1991 as a mission Bob and Susan Hamer felt called to embark upon. They raised money by accepting donations at street corners and intersections in Brunswick. What began very modestly has now become an organization of caring people who work tirelessly to protect, feed, educate and nurture children at risk from infancy through their teenage years.
This group, headed by Executive Director, Leslie Hartman, provides a service that is invaluable. They offer hope and comfort to the children housed under the roof of the Hamer House owned by the organization on Gloucester Street in Brunswick. The main house sleeps twelve children at a time. Donations from all over the area provide food and clothing, while education professionals see that the children are tutored and taught what they need in order to build successful lives.
girls upstairs family room
Safe Harbor has developed an ongoing relationship with Job Corp and The Salvation Army. Teenagers housed at Safe Harbor are guided by the staff of Job Corp to help them define what their strengths are and how they can use their talents in forming a successful career. Safe Place is part of a National Program that helps runaway and homeless children. Eighty-one different businesses in the Glynn County area are involved in supporting and participating in this program.
boys bedroom
A street outreach program enables homeless youth to be identified so that they can then be helped. Hygiene and nutrition kits are distributed so these young people can be educated and directed toward a healthier lifestyle. The haven itself only houses infant through age 17, but the outreach program works with youths up to the age of 21. All of the services are provided at no cost and on a confidential basis. Over its 21 years of service Safe Harbor has housed 4,000 children and helped save 215 families. For more information on the work being done please visit: www.safeharborcenterinc.org.
Beginning in 2012, Safe Harbor held its first ever “Rites of Spring” fundraiser. All proceeds go to fund the work done at Safe Harbor. What a worthy cause to make a donation to. Helping the youth of Glynn County insures growth and prosperity for all. There is no dollar amount that can be placed on the hope and prospects for a future this organization provides, not only to youth, but to families in crisis who are at risk. Safe Harbor provides a Family Preservation program that intercedes in such situations and works to bring families back together in a healthy way. The success rate for this program in preventing children of these families being placed in foster care stands at 90%. Weekly meetings for support are available to parents so they can learn necessary skills to keep their children together and therefore thrive as a family.
This year’s event will be held at the Retreat Clubhouse on Saturday, April 27th. Tickets are $100.00 each and may be purchased at the Safe Harbor Hamer House or at either of the Pat’s Hallmark card stores in the mall or on St. Simons. Raffle tickets come with the purchase of a ticket and enter attendees in a $10,000 reverse raffle. The cocktail hour begins at 7:00 pm with dinner following at 8:00. Entertainment for the evening is provided by the Coastal Symphony.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help support Safe Harbor. I can’t think of a more worthy cause. Delicious food and wonderful music….a winning combination!
Safe Harbor Chidren’s Center, Inc. – 2215 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31521 – 912-267-6000
5 Responses
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Lucy Loehle Says:
Thanks, Melissa, for helping us spread the word on this great organization!!!
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Melissa Says:
It is my pleasure to do anything I can for such a wonderful group! Thanks for all of your help and support, Lucy.
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Claire Kempton Says:
Thank you, Melissa. The “Rites of Spring” event on April 27 at Retreat, will be a great evening. Last year’s fundraiser was so much fun. The lucky winner can win $10,000 and the best thing is the children will benefit so much! Hope everyone gets their tickets soon – at Safe Harbor, Pat’s Hallmark locations or call 912-230-2316.
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Melissa Says:
Thank you Claire!
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