(SAVANNAH, GA) Park Place Outreach, formerly known as the Savannah Runaway Home, has received a gift of $19,000 from the Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation administered by Wachovia Nonprofit & Philanthropic Services. The money will be put toward the cost of Park Places’ new building, set for completion in mid-February.
This trust was created under the will of Charles I. Branan, who died in 1929, “and is so named in memory of my beloved mother (born 1830-died 1915), who was left a widow with seven children.” In Mr. Branan’s will, he makes no geographic restrictions on distributions. However, it has been the practice of the Trustee to make grants within the State of Georgia.
To date, Park Place has raised more than 85% of its $1.7 million goal, thanks to a number of different organizations. Park Place Outreach has received funds from the City of Savannah, the Chatham County Commission and several important gifts came from philanthropic individuals in the community. In addition, many local companies have donated in-kind services and materials for the construction of the facility totaling more than $80,000.
The building is considered “green,” as it is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a national standard for developing high performance sustainable buildings and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification means the new building will have met the standards set by the USGBC, which consist of sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, and indoor environmental quality.
The new building has been a long time coming. The current Park Place home is in a historic building 100+ years old. Although aesthetically pleasing, it just isn’t big enough to accommodate the organization’s growing needs. The new shelter will provide separate bedrooms and bathrooms for males and females. In addition there are common areas for study, recreation and meals. The counseling services of the programs will be conduc ted in private offices and a separate Outreach Center will be completed in the basement for drop-in visits by teens seeking a safe haven.
In an effort to meet Park Place’s $1.7 million goal for the building budget, the community is invited to participate in the success of the first capital campaign by making a tax-deductible gift to: Park Place Outreach. Your check may be mailed to Park Place Outreach 11 W. Park Place, Savannah, GA 34101, Please write capital campaign on the “memo” line. In addition, community members are invited to help finish the new shelter by participating in one of the House Warming Showers.
Park Place Outreach provides emergency shelter and street outreach for adolescents ages 11 through 17 and their families. It is the only agency located within Chatham County that serves youth at no charge who are accepted without a referral to receive help. Park Place Outreach opened in 1984. There are approximately 15-30 youth residents served each month and about 200 each year. For more information on Park Place, call (912) 234-4048.