Wednesday, March 21, 2018
The National Park Service has recommended that Savannah's National Historic Landmark District be placed on the “Threatened (Priority 1 List),” meaning the city’s Landmark District — first declared in 1966 — has suffered, or is in imminent danger of, a severe loss of integrity.
The Integrity and Condition Assessment of the Savannah National Historic Landmark District was conducted at the request of Historic Savannah Foundation.
The two main reasons for the alarming reclassification: The loss of James Oglethorpe's original town plan dating back to the colony's founding in 1733; and large-scale development (primarily but not limited to hotels).
“The scope of work involved using the National Park Service's seven aspects of integrity – location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association – as a rubric to examine the district's current health," says Rebecca Fenwick, Director of Preservation for Lominack Kolman Smith Architects and a partner in the assessment.
"Rooted in on-the-ground fieldwork and an analysis of changes to the district since the district's listing in 1966, two major threats were identified – the loss of Oglethorpe's Savannah Town Plan and large-scale development," says Fenwick.
The increasing speed and scale of text amendments to building guidelines in the district, along with an increase in variance requests to the Zoning Board of Appeals, have significantly hampered efforts to more responsibly regulate new and infill development in the Landmark District — especially in the wake of recent economic recovery and continued expansion of tourism.
Ellen Harris, Director of Preservation for the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, says, "In many ways, Savannah is a victim of its own success."
Since the District was recognized in 1966 and a corresponding preservation ordinance was formally adopted by the City in 1973, "I really don't think that anyone could have foreseen getting 14 million visitors a year," Harris says.
"Last year the board and staff reviewed 372 Certificates of Appropriateness — that's more than double what it was ten years ago," Harris says.
“The loss of National Historic Landmark status would be analogous to a major league sport team being demoted to the minor league," says Dr. Robin Williams, Savannah College of Art and Design Architectural History Chair. "To see Savannah’s historical significance thus diminished would be very unfortunate.”
Historic Savannah Foundation Director Daniel Carey says, "This assessment is — in part — the result of going too long without a check-up... It’s not too late, but we need to start dieting and exercising. That diet, it appears, is what the National Park Service is prescribing: go lighter on big infill and take care of Oglethorpe’s Plan."
Since Savannah earned its National Historic Landmark Designation status in 1966, about 28 buildings within the district have been demolished, and the Savannah Civic Center, Chatham County Courthouse and Jail, and the Cultural Arts Center have interrupted the Savannah Town Plan.
Over the last 50 years, 15 hotels have been built within or bordering Savannah's Landmark District. Today, there are 15 additional hotels that are either under construction or proposed to be built.
The Integrity and Condition Assessment of the Savannah National Historic Landmark District was conducted at the request of Historic Savannah Foundation.
The two main reasons for the alarming reclassification: The loss of James Oglethorpe's original town plan dating back to the colony's founding in 1733; and large-scale development (primarily but not limited to hotels).
“The scope of work involved using the National Park Service's seven aspects of integrity – location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association – as a rubric to examine the district's current health," says Rebecca Fenwick, Director of Preservation for Lominack Kolman Smith Architects and a partner in the assessment.
"Rooted in on-the-ground fieldwork and an analysis of changes to the district since the district's listing in 1966, two major threats were identified – the loss of Oglethorpe's Savannah Town Plan and large-scale development," says Fenwick.
The increasing speed and scale of text amendments to building guidelines in the district, along with an increase in variance requests to the Zoning Board of Appeals, have significantly hampered efforts to more responsibly regulate new and infill development in the Landmark District — especially in the wake of recent economic recovery and continued expansion of tourism.
Ellen Harris, Director of Preservation for the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, says, "In many ways, Savannah is a victim of its own success."
Since the District was recognized in 1966 and a corresponding preservation ordinance was formally adopted by the City in 1973, "I really don't think that anyone could have foreseen getting 14 million visitors a year," Harris says.
"Last year the board and staff reviewed 372 Certificates of Appropriateness — that's more than double what it was ten years ago," Harris says.
“The loss of National Historic Landmark status would be analogous to a major league sport team being demoted to the minor league," says Dr. Robin Williams, Savannah College of Art and Design Architectural History Chair. "To see Savannah’s historical significance thus diminished would be very unfortunate.”
Historic Savannah Foundation Director Daniel Carey says, "This assessment is — in part — the result of going too long without a check-up... It’s not too late, but we need to start dieting and exercising. That diet, it appears, is what the National Park Service is prescribing: go lighter on big infill and take care of Oglethorpe’s Plan."
Since Savannah earned its National Historic Landmark Designation status in 1966, about 28 buildings within the district have been demolished, and the Savannah Civic Center, Chatham County Courthouse and Jail, and the Cultural Arts Center have interrupted the Savannah Town Plan.
Over the last 50 years, 15 hotels have been built within or bordering Savannah's Landmark District. Today, there are 15 additional hotels that are either under construction or proposed to be built.
Monday, March 19, 2018
"City of Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach hosted Vice President Mike Pence at City Hall for Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The City spent approximately $4,512.85 to prepare for the Vice President’s visit," a City spokesperson says this afternoon.
The breakdown is:
· $1,000 for a structural assessment of the second floor balcony at City Hall
· $2,900 purchase and installation of new red carpeting for the Mayor’s conference room and balcony.
· $362.85 for green and white exterior bunting
· Approximately $150 for miscellaneous carpentry supplies
· Approximately $100 for two flower pots and flowers to hold the front doors open at City Hall.
"The City plans to keep the red carpeting on the balcony and in the Mayor’s conference room and reuse the green bunting to decorate City Hall during future St. Patrick’s Day celebrations," says the spokesperson.
"The City did not pay for any additional police officers or security enhancements during the VP’s visit. Secret Service staffing and other resources utilized by the Secret Service were paid for by the federal government," the City says.
The breakdown is:
· $1,000 for a structural assessment of the second floor balcony at City Hall
· $2,900 purchase and installation of new red carpeting for the Mayor’s conference room and balcony.
· $362.85 for green and white exterior bunting
· Approximately $150 for miscellaneous carpentry supplies
· Approximately $100 for two flower pots and flowers to hold the front doors open at City Hall.
"The City plans to keep the red carpeting on the balcony and in the Mayor’s conference room and reuse the green bunting to decorate City Hall during future St. Patrick’s Day celebrations," says the spokesperson.
"The City did not pay for any additional police officers or security enhancements during the VP’s visit. Secret Service staffing and other resources utilized by the Secret Service were paid for by the federal government," the City says.
"Information provided by first responders indicates overcrowding does not appear to have been a factor" in Saturday's deck collapse at Rogue Water Tap House which hospitalized 14 people during the St. Patrick's Day celebration, the City of Savannah said today.
"City of Savannah’s Department of Development Services issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for 38 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in 2002 when the deck was initially constructed," a City spokesperson says. "Upon issuance of the CO, the City does not have any ongoing responsibility to inspect the building. The responsibility to inspect and maintain the building falls on the property owner."
The latest Savannah Fire fire marshal inspection occurred on February 28 of this year. However, Savannah Fire does not inspect buildings for structural soundness, just to set building capacity for fire safety purposes. The set maximum occupancy load for the building is 165.
"On Saturday, Savannah Fire required the property owner to close off access to the deck and exterior courtyard immediately following the incident. The deck area is isolated from the rest of the establishment," the City says.
"City of Savannah’s Department of Development Services issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for 38 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in 2002 when the deck was initially constructed," a City spokesperson says. "Upon issuance of the CO, the City does not have any ongoing responsibility to inspect the building. The responsibility to inspect and maintain the building falls on the property owner."
The latest Savannah Fire fire marshal inspection occurred on February 28 of this year. However, Savannah Fire does not inspect buildings for structural soundness, just to set building capacity for fire safety purposes. The set maximum occupancy load for the building is 165.
"On Saturday, Savannah Fire required the property owner to close off access to the deck and exterior courtyard immediately following the incident. The deck area is isolated from the rest of the establishment," the City says.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Today the City of Savannah announced extensive security measures for the St. Patrick's Day visit by Vice President Mike Pence.
The security protocol will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Saturday until about 1 p.m. Saturday.
Here are the key points:
An "Enhanced Security Zone" administered by the Secret Service will be bounded by Bay Street to the north, Oglethorpe Avenue to the south, Whitaker Street to the west, and Drayton Street to the east.
Beginning 12:01 a.m. Saturday (i.e. late Friday night), no vehicles may be parked within this zone, including those of residents.
From 4 a.m.-7 a.m. Saturday, no one will be allowed to enter the zone at all while the Secret Service conducts a full security sweep.
Current residents who are already in the zone may stay, and they may go outside to walk dogs etc but MUST have proof of residence.
No employees allowed in that secure zone until sweep is done about 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
ALL people then entering the Enhance Security Zone will have to pass through security checkpoints at
·Bay Lane
Saint Julian Street
· Congress Street
· Broughton Street
Magnetometer checkpoints will also be located at the following roads intersecting Drayton Street:
· Bay Lane
· Broughton Street
· President Street
Police say restrictions on what you can bring in are similar to TSA protocol. No coolers, no food or drink other than sealed water bottles.
Wheelchairs are allowed, as are blankets, infant needs, cameras, phones, service dogs, strollers, and a small wallet.
No backpacks, no food or drink from outside, no umbrellas.
No drones, no tools, nothing glass.
No weapons of any type.
Pedestrians have until 10 a.m. to enter that Enhanced Security Zone, and you MUST go through security checkpoints to enter.
After 10 a.m. you cannot enter the Zone.
Due to the number of restrictions in the enhanced security zone, the City is providing bleacher seating.
All parade goers will be able to purchase items from stores that are open inside the enhanced security zone.
You CAN have alcohol within the Zone, you just can't bring it in. Must be purchased within the Zone.
Normal to-go cup usage is allowed within the Zone.
In addition, the City will allow four food trucks into the enhanced security zone; two will be located in Johnson Square, two will be located in Wright Square.
No pedestrians can cross Bull Street (the parade route) from either side while within that Zone.
There will be no tents, no tables, no chairs, and no coolers allowed on Johnson and Wright Squares.
There will be no signs or anything else on sticks or posts allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone.
Flags and blankets will be allowed, just not on sticks/posts.
No signs of any type are allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone.
Again, the checkpoints only apply if you want to be in the Enhanced Security Zone. Police say no special or unusual protocol will be used outside of that zone.
The security protocol will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Saturday until about 1 p.m. Saturday.
Here are the key points:
An "Enhanced Security Zone" administered by the Secret Service will be bounded by Bay Street to the north, Oglethorpe Avenue to the south, Whitaker Street to the west, and Drayton Street to the east.
Beginning 12:01 a.m. Saturday (i.e. late Friday night), no vehicles may be parked within this zone, including those of residents.
From 4 a.m.-7 a.m. Saturday, no one will be allowed to enter the zone at all while the Secret Service conducts a full security sweep.
Current residents who are already in the zone may stay, and they may go outside to walk dogs etc but MUST have proof of residence.
No employees allowed in that secure zone until sweep is done about 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
ALL people then entering the Enhance Security Zone will have to pass through security checkpoints at
·Bay Lane
Saint Julian Street
· Congress Street
· Broughton Street
Magnetometer checkpoints will also be located at the following roads intersecting Drayton Street:
· Bay Lane
· Broughton Street
· President Street
Police say restrictions on what you can bring in are similar to TSA protocol. No coolers, no food or drink other than sealed water bottles.
Wheelchairs are allowed, as are blankets, infant needs, cameras, phones, service dogs, strollers, and a small wallet.
No backpacks, no food or drink from outside, no umbrellas.
No drones, no tools, nothing glass.
No weapons of any type.
Pedestrians have until 10 a.m. to enter that Enhanced Security Zone, and you MUST go through security checkpoints to enter.
After 10 a.m. you cannot enter the Zone.
Due to the number of restrictions in the enhanced security zone, the City is providing bleacher seating.
All parade goers will be able to purchase items from stores that are open inside the enhanced security zone.
You CAN have alcohol within the Zone, you just can't bring it in. Must be purchased within the Zone.
Normal to-go cup usage is allowed within the Zone.
In addition, the City will allow four food trucks into the enhanced security zone; two will be located in Johnson Square, two will be located in Wright Square.
No pedestrians can cross Bull Street (the parade route) from either side while within that Zone.
There will be no tents, no tables, no chairs, and no coolers allowed on Johnson and Wright Squares.
There will be no signs or anything else on sticks or posts allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone.
Flags and blankets will be allowed, just not on sticks/posts.
No signs of any type are allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone.
Again, the checkpoints only apply if you want to be in the Enhanced Security Zone. Police say no special or unusual protocol will be used outside of that zone.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
In a press conference devoid of most details, the City of Savannah has confirmed that Vice President Mike Pence will be in Savannah this Saturday to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade.
There have been no other specific details released.
"The Vice President will join Mayor Eddie DeLoach in welcoming participants and parade-goers this day," said City spokesperson Michelle Gavin. "The Mayor is honored to welcome the Vice President and members of his family to our city and to what we believe is the world's greatest St. Patrick's Day celebration."
Gavin said the City has been working with White House staff, the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and law enforcement agencies to plan the visit.
"For national security reasons I am not able to release any other details at this time," she said, promising additional news conferences as the day gets closer, including "dos and don'ts for parade goers."
When questioned whether paradewatchers would be able to go to the usual squares to enjoy the parade, Gavin said can't comment as to what security measures will be in place in what areas.
"Today we're focusing on the excitement of the Vice President's visit," she said, promising more information perhaps as soon as possible.
There have been no other specific details released.
"The Vice President will join Mayor Eddie DeLoach in welcoming participants and parade-goers this day," said City spokesperson Michelle Gavin. "The Mayor is honored to welcome the Vice President and members of his family to our city and to what we believe is the world's greatest St. Patrick's Day celebration."
Gavin said the City has been working with White House staff, the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and law enforcement agencies to plan the visit.
"For national security reasons I am not able to release any other details at this time," she said, promising additional news conferences as the day gets closer, including "dos and don'ts for parade goers."
When questioned whether paradewatchers would be able to go to the usual squares to enjoy the parade, Gavin said can't comment as to what security measures will be in place in what areas.
"Today we're focusing on the excitement of the Vice President's visit," she said, promising more information perhaps as soon as possible.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Some reports indicate that Vice President Mike Pence is planning to attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah on Saturday.
However, there is no official confirmation as of this writing.
Local reports cite unnamed sources with the City and with the Parade committee that Pence's office is expected to announce it officially soon.
The reports indicate that Pence would only march and/or ride in the parade for a few blocks.
However, there is no official confirmation as of this writing.
Local reports cite unnamed sources with the City and with the Parade committee that Pence's office is expected to announce it officially soon.
The reports indicate that Pence would only march and/or ride in the parade for a few blocks.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
After nearly a month of infection by malware, the City of Savannah says it is continuing to rid the City’s network of the infection that was discovered February 9; likely caused by an e-mail phishing scheme.
But many problems still remain, including a large court backlog.
The City’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has removed the malware from more than 80 percent of the City’s more than 2,000 computers, says City Public Information Director Michelle Gavin.
"The computers that have not been wiped remain shut down and off the City’s network," Gavin says.
To date, Gavin says there is no evidence that the malware attack has compromised any City data and it has not impacted the City’s core services, public safety or the 911 Center’s ability to receive and dispatch 911 calls.
"DoIT staff and contractors from Layer 3 Communications are wiping each individual computer and installing new anti-virus and intrusion protection software to help guard against any potential future attacks," she says.
However, the nearly month-long issue with emails remains about as problematic as it has been.
The City is still restricting outside sources from sending email attachments, specifically pdf files, to City staff.
"Recently the City has seen an elevated number of phishing e-mails from outside sources," says Gavin. "Restricting email attachments is helping the City prevent additional viruses from infecting the City’s network until the new anti-virus and intrusion protection software is installed."
While Traffic Court has been cancelled through Friday, March 9 — one of several weeks of court business delayed or otherwise impacted by the malware infection — the City hopes to have all the Recorder’s Court computers up and running by Wednesday.
Perhaps the most embarrassing issue, with the City Purchasing Department, is also slow to resolve. "Due to technical difficulties with the City’s supplier portal, bidding opportunities are currently being posted to the City’s main Purchasing Department webpage," Gavin says.
'Vendors can come to the Purchasing Division’s office (1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405) to obtain documents related to bidding opportunities. The Purchasing Division’s website will be updated as changes to each event occur, so vendors are encouraged to check this site often to ensure they receive all issued documents.
For events closing on March 13 and March 20, only manual submissions will be accepted. Electronic responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received at 1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405, in the office of the Purchasing Division by 1:30pm (EST) on the stated due date. Addenda addressing all changes to these events will be issued and posted to the Purchasing Division’s main webpage.
"The City’s ability to receive 311 call has not been effected," Gavin says. "However, due to limited computer availability for City staff, there are delays in responding to the 311 requests."
But many problems still remain, including a large court backlog.
The City’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has removed the malware from more than 80 percent of the City’s more than 2,000 computers, says City Public Information Director Michelle Gavin.
"The computers that have not been wiped remain shut down and off the City’s network," Gavin says.
To date, Gavin says there is no evidence that the malware attack has compromised any City data and it has not impacted the City’s core services, public safety or the 911 Center’s ability to receive and dispatch 911 calls.
"DoIT staff and contractors from Layer 3 Communications are wiping each individual computer and installing new anti-virus and intrusion protection software to help guard against any potential future attacks," she says.
However, the nearly month-long issue with emails remains about as problematic as it has been.
The City is still restricting outside sources from sending email attachments, specifically pdf files, to City staff.
"Recently the City has seen an elevated number of phishing e-mails from outside sources," says Gavin. "Restricting email attachments is helping the City prevent additional viruses from infecting the City’s network until the new anti-virus and intrusion protection software is installed."
While Traffic Court has been cancelled through Friday, March 9 — one of several weeks of court business delayed or otherwise impacted by the malware infection — the City hopes to have all the Recorder’s Court computers up and running by Wednesday.
Perhaps the most embarrassing issue, with the City Purchasing Department, is also slow to resolve. "Due to technical difficulties with the City’s supplier portal, bidding opportunities are currently being posted to the City’s main Purchasing Department webpage," Gavin says.
'Vendors can come to the Purchasing Division’s office (1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405) to obtain documents related to bidding opportunities. The Purchasing Division’s website will be updated as changes to each event occur, so vendors are encouraged to check this site often to ensure they receive all issued documents.
For events closing on March 13 and March 20, only manual submissions will be accepted. Electronic responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received at 1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405, in the office of the Purchasing Division by 1:30pm (EST) on the stated due date. Addenda addressing all changes to these events will be issued and posted to the Purchasing Division’s main webpage.
"The City’s ability to receive 311 call has not been effected," Gavin says. "However, due to limited computer availability for City staff, there are delays in responding to the 311 requests."
A controversial pilot program on Whitaker Street — which judging by social media response has been overwhelmingly unpopular — gets another tweak this week with the addition of a "pedestrian buffer."
The City of Savannah has revised the Whitaker Street pilot program and restored the roadway from Bay Street to Broughton Street to two traffic lanes, instead of the effort to make the street a single lane.
"The two lanes are now narrower in order to expand the area next to the sidewalks for pedestrians. The on-street parking spaces have been removed," says a City spokesperson.
The City has been receiving feedback on the Whitaker Street pilot for the past month and made the changes on Monday.
“We are listening and we appreciate everyone who is giving us feedback,” said Heath Lloyd, the City’s Chief Infrastructure and Development Officer. “The goal of this pilot program is to enhance the experience along Whitaker Street for our pedestrians. This shift should allow for more efficient vehicular traffic flow, while effectively slowing the traffic down and making the area safer and more enjoyable for our walking citizens and visitors.”
The City reduced Whitaker Street to a single auto lane between Bay and Broughton streets Feb. 5-March 5 "in an effort to visually enhance the corridor and provide additional on-street parking," the City says.
"After receiving feedback from the trial, it was determined that a revised approach to the corridor was necessary. The revised approach incorporates two traffic lanes and a pedestrian buffer."
The 90-day pilot program will run until the May 6. The City has a feedback form here.
The City of Savannah has revised the Whitaker Street pilot program and restored the roadway from Bay Street to Broughton Street to two traffic lanes, instead of the effort to make the street a single lane.
"The two lanes are now narrower in order to expand the area next to the sidewalks for pedestrians. The on-street parking spaces have been removed," says a City spokesperson.
The City has been receiving feedback on the Whitaker Street pilot for the past month and made the changes on Monday.
“We are listening and we appreciate everyone who is giving us feedback,” said Heath Lloyd, the City’s Chief Infrastructure and Development Officer. “The goal of this pilot program is to enhance the experience along Whitaker Street for our pedestrians. This shift should allow for more efficient vehicular traffic flow, while effectively slowing the traffic down and making the area safer and more enjoyable for our walking citizens and visitors.”
The City reduced Whitaker Street to a single auto lane between Bay and Broughton streets Feb. 5-March 5 "in an effort to visually enhance the corridor and provide additional on-street parking," the City says.
"After receiving feedback from the trial, it was determined that a revised approach to the corridor was necessary. The revised approach incorporates two traffic lanes and a pedestrian buffer."
The 90-day pilot program will run until the May 6. The City has a feedback form here.
Skidaway Island State Park has a new Manager, Sam Cox, who will oversee the 588-acre park, which includes 87 campsites, picnic shelters and three playgrounds.
Cox started his career with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in 2015 and was assistant manager of Stephen C. Foster State Park and then manager of Magnolia Springs State Park prior to working at Skidaway.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach in Criminal Justice Administration. After completing his degree, Cox went on to work in law enforcement for both Newton and Henry County.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up are of my parents taking my sister and me camping in Georgia,” said Cox. “As a parent, I have tried to do the same with my child. I am very excited to call Savannah home and look forward to continuing to bring some new ideas to Skidaway Island State Park.”
Cox started his career with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in 2015 and was assistant manager of Stephen C. Foster State Park and then manager of Magnolia Springs State Park prior to working at Skidaway.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach in Criminal Justice Administration. After completing his degree, Cox went on to work in law enforcement for both Newton and Henry County.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up are of my parents taking my sister and me camping in Georgia,” said Cox. “As a parent, I have tried to do the same with my child. I am very excited to call Savannah home and look forward to continuing to bring some new ideas to Skidaway Island State Park.”
The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire (RCC) Board of Directors announced that they have recently closed on a new building in midtown Savannah to help support their growing organization.
“For over 40 years our RCC has provided crisis support, prevention education, and counseling to thousands of survivors and their family members," says Board Chairman Heather Booth.
"Current office space is pushed beyond capacity. The Center needs small, private rooms for confidential counseling, a large space for support groups, trainings, and meetings plus additional space for staff and volunteers. A larger office will allow them to better serve clients as well as meet expected growth," she says.
RCC currently owns what they call "a modest building which has quickly become inadequate to accommodate survivors for initial disclosures, follow-up contact, counseling and support groups. In addition, the working staff who respond to victims and provide community outreach has grown from 10 to 27 over the past 5 years."
A recent survey revealed survivors feel most comfortable in a location they deem safe with adequate parking and privacy. RCC says the new location will be better equipped for outreach and providing services to the 6 counties it serves (Bryan, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long &Tattnall.) This allows for an increase in support services to underserved communities, for expansion of support groups, additional counseling and therapy, and innovative solutions such as web-based hotlines.
“For over 40 years our RCC has provided crisis support, prevention education, and counseling to thousands of survivors and their family members," says Board Chairman Heather Booth.
"Current office space is pushed beyond capacity. The Center needs small, private rooms for confidential counseling, a large space for support groups, trainings, and meetings plus additional space for staff and volunteers. A larger office will allow them to better serve clients as well as meet expected growth," she says.
RCC currently owns what they call "a modest building which has quickly become inadequate to accommodate survivors for initial disclosures, follow-up contact, counseling and support groups. In addition, the working staff who respond to victims and provide community outreach has grown from 10 to 27 over the past 5 years."
A recent survey revealed survivors feel most comfortable in a location they deem safe with adequate parking and privacy. RCC says the new location will be better equipped for outreach and providing services to the 6 counties it serves (Bryan, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long &Tattnall.) This allows for an increase in support services to underserved communities, for expansion of support groups, additional counseling and therapy, and innovative solutions such as web-based hotlines.
