Service-Learning

 Service-learning is a teaching and learning method that utilizes a combination of academic course content and relevant service with community agencies. Here at Coastal, all service-learning is completed through a specially designated course. Classroom learning for students is augmented with service activities that are intended to provide exposure to and enhanced understanding of course concepts and theories. Through structured reflection on their service activities, students gain a deeper understanding of course content, develop skills in community leadership, and advance their appreciation of social responsibility, global awareness, and diversity. Service-learning allows students to practically apply and test their academic learning through hands-on career and professional development opportunities that also promote community interests.

Service-learning courses can be found when looking at the Academic Course Schedule and looking for this symbol:

 

Each service-learning course challenges students to collaborate with their peers, faculty members, and a community partner agency representative to address real-world problems with knowledge-based and active interventions. Every service-learning project relates to the learning goals and objectives of that particular course. The service element of the course is built into the curriculum just as traditional assignments, quizzes, and projects are. Student reflection activities are used to link the learning from the academic course content to the experience of the service activity.

Service-learning emphasizes meaningful student learning through applied, active learning that draws on multiple knowledge sources (academic, student knowledge and experience, and community knowledge). Service-learning also provides students with ample opportunities for gaining practical experience within a discipline and with critical reflection. Effective service-learning courses are those that use service and civic engagement to integrate and enhance academic learning, not to take the place of it. Service-learning allows students to practically apply and test their academic learning through hands-on opportunities that also promote community interests.

Service-learning helps students discover the skills that will make them successful beyond college. Problem identification, teamwork, professional communication, planning, overcoming obstacles, and creating solutions to high level community problems are just some of the skills that are promoted through service-learning projects. Although the projects themselves are important, the learning, connection to course content, and skill development are the overall learning objectives of all service-learning courses.

Students in service-learning designated courses make a commitment to become actively involved in a service project or dedicating a certain amount of service hours to an organization. Students are graded through a variety of structured reflection activities which range from classroom discussions to reflective end-of-course essays and presentations.

Service-learning goes above and beyond community service and volunteerism. While those activities are an important part of community engagement, service-learning differs in several ways. First, the service activities address specific community needs related to learning goals and objectives of a particular course of the students providing the service.

Service-Learning also differs from community service or volunteerism in that:

• It is academically integrated — service is part of the coursework, not an unrelated "add on" requirement.
• Service-learning projects are purposefully designed service projects that focus on community needs AND academic outcomes.
• Students are evaluated on the learning gained from their service experience.
• It includes substantial, ongoing forms of structured reflection and analysis (before, during, and after the service).
• It values student and community knowledge and involves community collaborators in the design of the course and service project.
• The service typically lasts the duration or majority of the semester, and experiences are intended to build upon themselves and on the accumulation of classroom knowledge.
• It is based on collaboration and reciprocal relationships between faculty, students, and community partners.
• Community partners work together with service-learning students and faculty members to identify community problems and interventions.
• Projects typically have real world challenges that students, community partners, and faculty must overcome together.

Our motto for students is: “Serve. Learn. Succeed.” We believe that well-designed service-learning experiences help students gain a deeper understanding of course content, develop skills in community leadership, and advance their appreciation of social responsibility, global awareness, and diversity. At the same time, we expect that the community agencies with whom our students serve will equally benefit from their connection to the College.

By anchoring service-learning in the core curriculum, the College of Coastal Georgia is making a long-term commitment to engaged teaching, learning, and community outreach and is affirming its desire to become Georgia's College of Service-Learning. The College’s vision is to provide outstanding education for tomorrow’s leaders and citizens through service-learning, global awareness, and engaged entrepreneurship.

The primary goals of the Center for Service-Learning are to:

• Engage in a sustained effort to cultivate partnerships of mutual benefit between community agencies, faculty, and students.
• Develop student leaders in the field of service-learning.
• Provide training, support, and incentives for faculty interested in the integration of service-learning into teaching, research, and scholarship.
• Assess and evaluate the institution's service-learning program.

The development and implementation of service-learning fits well within the College's mission by “Advocating excellence in scholarship and community engagement” and offering “student–centered programs that offer a rich and diverse student experience.” Service-learning also contributes to the College’s mission by ensuring that “Students are prepared for meaningful careers, advanced study, lifelong learning, and participation in a global and technological society.” The College’s commitment to service-learning enhances its broader institutional goals of encouraging civic engagement among students and increasing outreach to local communities.

The College of Coastal Georgia’s Center for Service-Learning annually hosts the Service-Learning Symposium that is open to the public. The event highlights service-learning partnerships and projects completed over the past academic year. The Symposium creates opportunities for students, faculty members, and community partners to engage in dialogue about service-learning and other experiential forms of learning.

2023 Service-Learning Symposium Schedule
April 27, 2023

11:00-11:15
Participant Registration

11:15-11:30
Welcome & Opening Remarks

11:30-12:00
Excellence in Service-Learning Awards Ceremony

12:00-1:00
Poster Showcase

Application Deadline for submission: April 21

The Symposium includes a Poster Showcase and an Excellence in Service-Learning Award Ceremony. The Poster Showcase provides an opportunity for students to reflect and engage in dialogue centered on their service-learning experience. The event also allows the community, faculty, and students to explore opportunities for collaboration, networking, and even career paths for students. The community is able to see the impact of a broad spectrum of service-learning and research activities that engage students and faculty in addressing community needs.

The Excellence in Service-Learning Award Ceremony recognizes outstanding students, faculty and community partners in their commitment to service-learning during the previous academic year. Nominations for the awards are gathered from students, faculty members, Deans, and Department Chairs. Check out the webpages below to see poster and presentation examples, as well as previous Excellence in Service-Leaning winners.

Previous Symposia:

• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013

The Center for Service-Learning invites you to explore our Service-Learning Project Archive which highlights the wonderful work our faculty and students are doing in collaboration with our community partner agencies.

Welcome Students!

Service-learning courses are possibly some of the most meaningful courses that you will take in your academic career. Education through these courses will help you apply the knowledge that you have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. The Center for Service- Learning can help you find opportunities on campus as well as in the community. Our door is always open if you would like to meet with us or discuss possible service-learning courses. We encourage the students of the College to be as involved and active in their education as possible.

Our goal is help you Serve, Learn, and Succeed!

Service-learning objectives:

• Provide Academic Enhancement by linking service experiences to course content utilizing critical thinking and reflection skills
• Use Civic Learning to enable community engagement and promote leadership skills
• Promote Professional and Personal Growth and openness to global and diverse perspectives

Participation in service-learning courses provides students with outstanding academic and career benefits that include:

• A deeper understanding of course concepts through the opportunity to test and apply ideas in hands-on, real life community environments
• Development of research, critical thinking, analytic, and interpersonal skills
• Improved decision-making and problem-solving skills
• A deeper and broader appreciation of the profession/career skills
• Enriched learning experience through hands-on active learning

Personal & Professional Growth

• Ability to test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a field that interests you
• Opportunity to explore, diversify, or cement your values and beliefs
• Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities
• Develop stronger professional communication skills
• Improved ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible
• Enhanced preparation in your field and will also help you with your first entry-level position or even graduate school

Civic Learning

• Makes a positive contribution to the community
• Develops leadership, social interaction and civic responsibility through active community involvement
• Provides understanding of how to access the larger community as a resource
• Introduction to social issues and their root causes
• Helps build a commitment for serving, learning, and succeeding in all things
• Addresses complex community issues and identifies individual/group needs

Remember, the Center for Service-Learning is here to help! We can answer any questions you may have, provide resources or examples, help brainstorm ideas of how to integrate service-learning into the classroom, help find potential community partners and projects, and really anything that relates to service-learning or civic engagement here at the College. You can reach us at: ServiceLearning@ccga.edu or by phone at 912.279.5963.

Service-Learning Scholars Program

The Service-Learning Scholars Workshop provides the opportunity for a select cohort of College of Coastal Georgia faculty to engage in dialogue about student-centered, experiential education that promotes academic learning while serving genuine community needs. The intensive two-week workshop series, facilitated by the Director of Service-Learning, is designed to deepen faculty participants' understanding of service-learning and guide them as they integrate S-L into their course curriculum and pedagogy. Foundational information on service-learning and community partnership building is covered through discussion, online reading modules, and veteran service-learning faculty member presentations. Participating faculty commit to incorporating service-learning into at least one new or existing course within an academic year.

If you have questions or comments about the program, please feel free to contact the Center for Service-Learning at ServiceLearning@ccga.edu.

Faculty Benefits

Faculty can benefit personally and professionally from integrating service-learning into courses. Teaching with service-learning can give faculty the opportunity to:

• Engage and motivate students
• Establish connections between theory and application
• Connect service to current issues as they relate to academic areas of interest
• Increase overall awareness of community issues, encouraging faculty to shift from the "expert on top” to the “expert on tap"
• Demonstrate how academic theories and information become relevant as they are applied to actual situations
• Improve communication of theoretical concepts through the availability of community-based learning experiences
• Empower students to use their knowledge and skills in a service/real-world capacity
• Build community and college relationships
• Foster a culture of student participation and leadership on campus
• Contribute to student retention by helping students develop a sense of community within the class and an active culture of intellectual discourse
• Encourage a better understanding of the social and moral implications of education and of civic and social responsibility
• Offer opportunities to tap into expertise of community agencies as co-educators and research collaborators

Definition of a Community Partner

Service-learning is premised on the idea of partnerships of mutual benefit, where community organizations, the college’s faculty, and students work together to identify problems and interventions in the community. A service-learning approach views the community not simply as a teaching laboratory but an equal partner. Therefore, equal emphasis is placed on promoting student learning and addressing community needs. It is expected that community partner organizations will collaborate in the design of the service-learning project and provide feedback on the effectiveness of partnership activities.

What do service-learning partnerships look like?

Service-learning partnerships can take on a variety of forms. What’s important is that the student’s project(s)/placement(s) are determined through a discussion that considers and balances your agency’s needs, the academic course goals and objectives, and student interests in service.

Areas of service may include the following:

• Direct service: Students interact directly with staff or clients from your organization (e.g., reading to elementary school students, providing services, collecting oral histories working on site).
• Indirect service: Service often takes place “behind the scenes” (e.g. researching target markets, analyzing surveys, providing website updates).
• Advocacy: Students help promote or create an awareness of a community issue (e.g., creating marketing materials, public speaking, planning/participating in advocacy events or activities).
• Research: Students, faculty and community members collaboratively engage in research with the purpose of solving a pressing community problem or supporting the activities of a local community organization.

Why Participate in Service-Learning with the College of Coastal Georgia?

Staff members at community organizations may have various reasons for welcoming service-learning collaborations, including:

• Helping Build Capacity in your Organization
• Creating short-term and long-term solutions to pressing community needs
• Gaining additional human resources needed to achieve organizational goals
• Injecting new energy, enthusiasm, and perspectives into the organization's work
• Growing the organization's volunteer pool; service-learning students will share their experiences with friends and classmates or may volunteer after their service-learning course is over
• Providing awareness of community needs and the agencies which provide for them
• Utilizing service-learning as an outreach activity, increasing visibility for the organization and its work
• Creating potential for additional partnerships and collaboration with the College
• Increased public awareness of key issues
• Cultivating a new generation of caring and experienced citizens and volunteers
• Opportunities to contribute to the educational process of college students
• Reaching out to and educating students/youth about community issues - an important part of any organization's future support

The Community Partner Clearinghouse is a resource to promote College-community partnerships.

Faculty members and students seeking service-learning collaborations with community organizations can browse the organizations listed below. 

These organizations have worked with the Center for Service-Learning in some capacity since the inception of the program in 2011. Click each respective organization's name to view their website. Organizations can request alterations to the information below by completing the College of Coastal Georgia Service-Learning Community Partner Organization Information Survey, or by emailing us at ServiceLearning@ccga.edu.

4-H Tidelands Nature Center

Tidelands Nature Center offers hands-on marine environmental science programs for the general public and school groups. Meet a young sea turtle, explore our touch tanks, and observe live alligators, snakes, fish, crabs and many other animals native to Georgia's coast in our exhibit gallery. Take a guided kayak tour of the Jekyll River and tidal marsh. Rent a canoe or pedal boat and enjoy fishing or a relaxing paddle on Rixen Pond. Nature walks and other special programs for families and for school and scout groups are available throughout the year. Learn about Jekyll's coastal ecosystems with one of our guides as you explore Jekyll's beach, forest and marsh.

Contact: Dawn Zenkert: dz@uga.edu, 912-635-5032,100 S Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527

American Red Cross of Southeast & Coastal Georgia

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. They aspire to turn compassion into action so that: (1) all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope, (2) our communities are ready and prepared for disasters (3) everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products, (4) all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and (5) in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Contact: 912-651-5300, 501 Gloucester St, Suite 101, Brunswick, GA 31520

america's second harvest of coastal georgia

Our mission is to utilize food and education to create a hunger free community. The food bank operates as a central clearinghouse for collecting food. We solicit and receive both new and commercially excess but fully edible food from many food industry sources such as manufactures, distributors, warehouse and storage operations, grocery chains and individual donors. The food is distributed to our non-profit agencies and religious organizations that serve the needy through their own programs. These programs include food pantries, shelters for the homeless, soup kitchens, residential facilities for the elderly and handicapped and shelters for abused woman and children. We also supplement the work of the agencies by providing mobile food pantries to those at risk for being food insecure in Glynn and McIntosh counties. In addition to these avenues of food distribution, we also have a Brown Bag Program in which we distribute bags of groceries on a monthly basis to seniors and families living at or below the poverty level. We have also increased our Childhood Hunger Initiatives and partner with agencies to provide our Kids Cafe program as well as our new Backpack Buddies program. These programs target the children in our community who are the most vulnerable victims of food insecurity. We strive to work and educate the public about the nature of and solutions to the problems of hunger, to assist in relief from disasters and to collaborate with other agencies by providing support and technical assistance for the development of programs that alleviate hunger.

Contact: Kalista Morton: kmorton@helpendhunger.org, 912-236-6750 ext. 2121 or 261-7979 BWK Warehouse, 134 Indigo Dr, Brunswick, GA 31525

boys & girls club of the altamaha area

In 2003, Boys & Girls Club of the Altamaha area originally opened their doors and began serving around 100 youth at the Jesup Clubhouse in Wayne County. Today, they have expanded their reach to serve some 110 youth daily in the Jesup location with more than 250 members being served annually. During the school year, the Club is open Monday through Friday. During the summer months, they provide summer camp activities. Boys & Girls Club of the Altamaha area is part of a national network of affiliated Clubs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Altamaha Area’s mission is to "Inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential and become responsible, caring, and productive members of our community.”

Contact: 912-559-2133, 550 E Orange St, Jesup, GA 31546

boys & girls clubs of southeast georgia and elizabeth f. correll teen center

The Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia operates eight clubs within the Southeast region provide after-school programs for young people. The Elizabeth F. Correll Teen Center is a local Boys & Girls Club facility that is for teenagers from 8^th to 12^th grade. This is a center open during a variety of hours including the weekend and offers a variety of activities. Students also have the opportunity to earn their quarterly membership dues through serving the Teen Center. Each student is required to participate in 12 hours of programming a week. The hours are split up between academic, career exploration, and recreational activities.

Contacts: Terrill Thomas Unit: S. Forrest Cowan, sfcowanbgc@gmail.com, 912-265-1455, 3836 Johnston St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Elizabeth F. Correll Teen Center: Dayton Austin, kdaytona@gmail.com, 912-466-9905, 4226 Coral Park Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

The Brunswick African American Cultural Center

The BAAC promotes awareness and appreciation for African-American experiences through activities and events that enhance and strengthen cultural awareness for the city of Brunswick, Georgia and surrounding communities.

Contact: Andrea Fuller, Director: info@baacc.org, 912-289-5305 or 912-571-7730.

bryan-lang historical archives

The Bryan-Lang Historical Archives was established in 1987 as an official repository for books, documents, maps, photographs and other records of historical and genealogical value pertaining to Camden County. The material is non-circulating, but is available for research within the library. The Bryan-Lang Historical Library is located in Woodbine, Georgia, within Camden County.

Contact: Judy Buchanan: jbuchanan@co.camden.ga.us, 912-576-5841, 311 Camden Ave, P.O. Box 715, Woodbine, GA 31569

camden county school system

The Camden County School District is the public school district in Camden County, Georgia based in Kingsland, Georgia. It serves the communities of Hopewell, Kings Bay, Kings Bay Naval Base, Kingsland, Spring Bluff, St. Marys, Waverly and Woodbine, Georgia. The Camden County School District has two early childhood programs, nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

Contact: Click organization name above to find individual school contact information.

camden connection

Camden Connection does many things, but has one focus: community improvement. Camden Connection is a nonprofit organization built to strengthen our community by encouraging the development of healthy, happy, and productive citizens. With a network of community partners, we evaluate the specific issues Camden County families and children are facing and create strategies for addressing local need on the local level. As Camden County’s official agency for improving the lives of families and children, we serve as a liaison between government agencies, health organizations, faith communities, businesses and civic groups.

Contact: Steven Sainz: steven@camdenconnection.org, 912-882-7295, 531 N. Lee Street, Kingsland, GA 31548

court appointed special advocates (CASA)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers in the Glynn and Camden County areas can change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive.

People who give their time to CASA advocacy come from many different places. Some have years of education and professional experience working for children and families. Some have themselves grown up in the foster care system and felt the sorrow of having to move from home to home. Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes.

Contact: Cary Greenfield: casaglynn@casaglynn.org, 912-264-4448, 1615 Reynolds St, Brunswick, GA 31520

center for a sustainable coast

Established in 1997, the Center for a Sustainable Coast is a non-profit group that advocates responsible decisions that sustain coastal Georgia’s environment and quality of life. The Center's board, advisers, and staff use research, facts, and environmental science to form responsible recommendations for improving public policy and the enforcement of regulations. To learn more about the Center for a Sustainable Coast, visit their website or their Facebook page. The Center depends on tax-deductible donations to provide important defense of Georgia's coast. About half of the Center's budget is supported by foundation grants. The balance is derived from individuals and families who provide thoughtful contributions annually.

Contact: David Kyler: susdev@gate.net, 912-506-5088, 221 Mallory St, Suite B, St Simons Island, GA 31522

children in action (CIA) sports club

CIA utilizes sports and physical activities as an outreach to children, youth and adults to build character, excellence, and teamwork. By increasing physical activity, as a team, our programs put into action the gospel of Jesus Christ through relationship building, character building, and one-on-one interactions with participants during practice, game and devotion times.

Contact: Allen Benner: allen@ciasportsclub.org, 912-230-7760, 154 Granville Nix Ln, Brunswick, GA 31525

City of Brunswick: Cemetery Division

The Cemetery Division maintains three cemeteries in the City: Palmetto Cemetery, Greenwood Cemetery, and Oak Grove Cemetery. The cemetery division maintains the cemeteries and protects the historic value.

Contact: 912-267-5518, Greenwood Cemetery, 3301 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520

City of St. Mary's: Oak Grove Cemetery

Historic Oak Grove Cemetery was laid out in 1788 and draws visitors from all over the world, whether they are looking for ancestors, studying history, or just looking for a tranquil walk to get away from the pressures of life. Soldiers from all of our country's wars rest in peace under moss-wrapped oaks, azaleas and camellias. The tragedies and triumphs of lives lived in St. Marys are represented in the beautiful inscriptions engraved on the stones of yellow fever victims and those of the French Arcadians who were driven out of Nova Scotia in a horrendous fashion and finally found a home here on the banks of the St. Marys River. Statesmen and craftsmen, plantation owners and slaves, now all together, draw a picture of an earlier time when life was simpler and everyone knew their neighbors and considered them friends. Oak Grove Cemetery is owned by the City of St. Marys.

Contact: Kay Westberry: ceceliak@tds.net, 912-510-4032, 203 E Dillingham St, St Marys, GA 31558

Coastal Academy

Coastal Academy is proud to be one of only twenty-four programs that together form the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support. The GNETS mission is to support the local school systems’ continuum of services by providing comprehensive special education services and therapeutic support to students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders and students with Autism. The programs provide comprehensive educational and therapeutic support services to students who might otherwise require residential or other more restrictive placements due to the severity of one or more of the characteristics of the disability category of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD).

Contact: Stephanie Horton: 912-554-0153, 2900 Albany St, Brunswick, GA 31520

coastal coalition for children, inc.

The Coastal Coalition for Children, Inc. is an umbrella organization that administers three programs: First Steps, a survey/screening program that identifies potential Adverse Childhood Experiences and makes referrals to supportive programs in the Golden Isles community, Healthy Families, an evidence based home visitation parenting education program to insure that newborns and parents get off to a healthy start, and The Grandparent Connection working with grandparents raising their grandchildren providing parenting classes, peer support group meetings, legal custody support to keep these multi-generational families together.

Contact: Terri Evans: tevans@cc4children.org, 912-388-0376, 612-B Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520

coastal community health services: Perry Park Neighborhood clinic

The Perry Park Clinic was created to provide high quality health care to all, regardless of ability to pay. It serves uninsured, underinsured and low income patients.

Contact: 912-265-8131, 2211 Bartow St, Brunswick, GA 31520

coastal georgia area community action authority, inc.

Since 1967, Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Inc. has been providing a pathway to self-sufficiency for individuals facing challenging times. Over the years we have evolved into a multi-faceted agency providing innovative, high quality programs and services; working to empower the people of Coastal Georgia with the knowledge, skills and support needed to elevate their quality of life.

Contact: Zerik Samples: zsamples@coastalgacaa.org, 912-264-3281, One Community Action Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

coastal georgia historical society

The purpose of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society is to aid in the administration, restoration, and maintenance of those historic facilities and resources entrusted to its care so that they will be preserved as a living part of the historical and cultural foundations of the coastal community. In carrying out this trust, the Society is dedicated to collecting, restoring, and housing artifacts reflective of the culture and history of coastal Georgia and to promote awareness, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the heritage of the area.

Contact: Sandy Jensen: sjensen@coastalgeorgiahistory.org, 912-634-7093, 610 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

coastal outreach soccer

The Coastal Outreach Soccer (COS) program is a coordinated effort involving the Glynn County School System, Brunswick Recreation Department and local certified coaches. COS was founded in 2004 and, by 2005, the program was providing activities for 60 underserved and underprivileged youth annually. Today, COS teams play at a competitive level against soccer clubs throughout South Georgia and North Florida. Moreover, educational mentoring and programming is a core ingredient of the program has helped COS players stay academically on track and has played a part in enabling a number of players to earn full athletic scholarships upon graduation.

Contact: Shawn Williams: cos-admin@hotmail.com

coastal pines technical college adult education program

The Adult Education Program at Coastal Pines Technical College is specifically designed for adults who need assistance with academic skills. The Adult Education Program offers assistance with GED and college entrance exams preparation, English for Non-Native Speakers and Basic Skills for self-improvement or workplace skills development. The Adult Education Program enables every adult learner in our community to acquire the necessary basic skills to strengthen family foundations.

Contact: Kelly Peacock: kpeacock@coastalpines.edu, 912-287-6662, 3700 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525

coastal regional commission of georgia

The CRC provides local and regional comprehensive planning services as well as specialized planning services in transportation, water resources, and historic preservation. The CRC also provides Geographic Information Services and Information Technology Services to our local governments. The CRC manages transportation services such as Coastal Regional Coaches and the Regional Vanpool Program. We also serve as the Economic Development District for Coastal Georgia and the Area Agency on Aging.

Contact: Allen Burns: aburns@crc.ga.gov, 912-437-0810, 1181 Coastal Dr SW, Darien, GA 31305

communities in schools of glynn county

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Glynn County is a 501(c)(3) organization nationally accredited. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We have been providing site coordination services to students who are at risk of dropping out of high school since 2008. The integrated site coordination program addresses students and family needs both inside and outside of the classroom by connecting critical community resources. CIS of Glynn currently services in four Glynn County Schools: Burroughs-Molette, Glynn Middle, Glynn Academy, & Brunswick High. Through our site coordinators, the schools we serve gain a liaison that focuses on bringing resources to the school to support the basic and behavioral needs that help children learn and teachers teach. Site Coordination services also include: case management, individual service plans, home visits, coordinating tutoring, mentoring, credit recovery, preparation for secondary education/career readiness, and ensuring the students basic needs are being met. Students must have a signed permission slip from a parent/guardian to receive case management services. I am happy to report that we have expanded to 7 sites.

Contact: Tonya Barbee: tbarbee@cisglynn.org, 912-275-7425, 3836 Johnston St, Brunswick, GA 31520

communities of coastal georgia foundation

The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation work with ordinary citizens with extraordinary vision to make a better life for their families, neighbors, friends, and fellow coastal Georgians - both now and for future generations. Created in 2005 to serve a three-county coastal Georgia area that was previously not served by a community foundation, they stand today, just eight years later, with assets of over $8 million. The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation are guided by a board composed of community leadership and a staff with strong family roots in coastal Georgia and decades of non-profit experience.

Contact: Paul White: pwhite@coastalgeorgiafoundation.org, 912-268-2561, 1626 Frederica Rd, Suite 201, St Simons Island, GA 31522

darien and mcintosh county chamber of commerce

Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic growth, represent the business community and enhance the quality of life while protecting our cultural and natural resources.

Contact: 912-437-6684, P.O. Box 149, Darien, GA 31305

FACES pre-k program

FACES hopes to create 21st Century learning environments that offer opportunities for all students to pursue higher education and develop skills that meet workforce needs while producing informed, conscientious and productive citizens who give back to their community

Contact: Stephanie Thompson: thompson@glynn.k12.ga.us, 912-267-4229, 900 Lee St, Brunswick, GA 31525

faithworks, inc.

FaithWorks is a nonprofit faith based organization located in Glynn County, GA, actively developing collaborative, ecumenical, and secular partnerships to maximize resources that meet human needs. Currently we partner with 36 churches and have over 1250 individuals and businesses who provide financial support. They seek to foster relationships and community spirit by connecting people with people and churches with neighborhoods so that new understandings about one another work to eliminate prejudice and to heal brokenness. Our mission is “Putting our faith to work so all might know that faith works.” Sparrow’s Nest helps needy families in multiple ways. Sparrow’s Nest has a pantry to help assist food needs as well as supplies items to needy families. If a family is unable to pay a bill due to a crisis or a loss, Sparrow’s Nest can step in a help pay that bill. Karen's House of Hope is a lovely home conveniently located near the Cancer Care Center of Southeast Georgia Health System. It offers two comfortable bedrooms for out of town patients who are receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Lodging is provided at no cost to the patient.

Contact: Carolyn Johnson: carolyn@faithworksministry.org, 912-261-8512 ext. 114, 2911 Altama Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520

family connection glynn

Glynn County Family Connection is a cross sector collaborative that consists of over 50 community and regional partners, including non-profits, faith-based organizations, state/federal agencies, law enforcement, the Glynn County School System, The College of Coastal Georgia and the Glynn County business and civic community. Mission: To improve the well-being and health conditions of families through a collaborative system of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual supports. What We Do: Together, the members of the Collaborative body identify issues and gaps affecting our community and determine how we can best work together to bridge those gaps. Currently, Glynn County Family Connection Partners are working to improve: 1) Develop school-ready children & increase the participation of low income children in Pre-K; 2) Improve access to affordable childcare and the quality of daycare services; 3) Improve access to health care for the children of Glynn; and 4) Develop public transportation solutions for Glynn.

Contact: Melinda Ennis-Roughton: melinda.fcglynn@gmail.com, 404-729-1446, 130 Redfern Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

the farm at oatland north

The Farm is a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals. The Farm is a peaceful place where animals are loved and live in comfort, surrounded by beautiful oaks, located on the north end of St. Simons Island. The family farm continued to grow as the farm adopted retired, unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals. The Farm was primarily funded by the Murrah family and in 2012 it was incorporated and became a 501c(3) not for profit charity.

Contact: Diana Scarborough, TheFarmSSI@gmail.com, 912-399-8159, 70 Cannon’s Point Drive, St Simons Island, GA 31522

feeding northeast florida

Feeding Northeast Florida (FNF) feeds local children and families, seniors, and veterans that struggle to put food on the table. Connecting local grocery stores and farms with hunger-relief organizations helps FNF rescue high-quality food that would normally be wasted and transform it into meals for those in need.

Contact:Susan King, sking@feedingnefl.org, 1116 Edgewood Ave N, Units D/E, Jacksonville, FL 32254

ferst foundation for childhood literacy

The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy was started in 1999 because of the low literacy rates in the area. This program sends an age appropriate book to a child every month until the age of five. This program does not use race, income, religion, or gender to determine if the child is eligible. If the child is registered at birth, then the child will receive 60 books for their personal library.

Contact: Christine Pierce, cfpierce@hotmail.com, 912-264-4952

the first tee of the golden isles

The First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after school and in school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. At The First Tee of the Golden Isles, kids and teens are learning to play golf along with life lessons and leadership skills. And it’s making a difference. Our programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

Contact: Tammy Palmer: tammy@tftgi.com, 912-268-6012, 5445 Frederica Rd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Friends of the Harrington School

Friends of the Harrington School are advocacy groups that want to preserve the rich African American culture of the Harrington school. The Harrington School House, formerly known as the Harrington Graded School, was built in the 1920s and served as the main educational structure for three African American communities on St Simons Island. It hosted grades 1-7 until desegregation in the 1960s when students left to attend St Simons Elementary.

Contact: Patty Deveau, friends@ssiheritagecoalition.org, 912-634-0330, P.O. Box 20496, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Gateway Behavioral Health Services

Gateway Behavioral Health Services is a public, non-profit, community-based organization serving all of Georgia’s coastal counties since 1972. Gateway helps service areas with behavioral health issues ranging from substance abuse to mental illness. They are governed by a 15-member Board of Directors comprised of caring individuals from throughout the service area. Gateway is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and is certified by the Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases. Gateway Behavioral Health Services currently serves more than 9,000 people annually.

Contact: Crystal Johnson: crystal.johnson@gatewaybhs.org: 912-280-7017, 700 Coastal Village Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

Genoa Martin Friends of Historic Selden Park

Genoa Martin Friends of Historic Selden Park’s mission is to promote revitalization, offer educational experiences, and honor the rich African American, Gullah Geechie and Native American histories of Selden Park. Envisioned is a renovated and rejuvenated Selden Park as a key component of Brunswick and Glynn County's blossoming eco-education and historic tourism economy through reestablishing its historic role of a major public recreational, educational, cultural and social venue for local citizens, guests, and visitors to Georgia's Golden Isles.

Contact: Dana Roberts: danaccs@gmail.com, 100 Genoa Martin Dr, Brunswick, GA 31305

georgia center for nonprofits

Georgia Center for Nonprofits helps nonprofit organizations further themselves and their effectiveness. Not only does it help nonprofit organizations, but those wanting to work within a nonprofit organization. Georgia Center for Nonprofits has a plethora of resources regarding all aspects of a nonprofit entity.

Contact: Elizabeth Runkle, erunkle@gcn.org, 912-434-1917, 400 Gloucester St, Suite 201, Brunswick, GA 31520

georgia department of natural resources

From the majestic ridges and valleys of northwest Georgia to the marshes of Glynn County on our coast, we are fortunate to have a diversity of natural and cultural resources. The Department of Natural Resources is charged with the conservation and protection of these resources for current and future generations.

Contact: Jan Mackinnon: Jan.Mackinnon@dnr.ga.gov, 912-264-7218, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a hospital for ill and injured sea turtles. We are the only hospital of its kind in the state of Georgia. The Center is open to the general public and offers an interactive Exhibit Gallery and Rehabilitation Pavilion with a number of view-able sea turtle patients.

Contact: 912-635-4444, 214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Isl., GA 31527

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia: Marshes of Glynn Service Unit

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Everything girls do in Girl Scouting is designed to help them grow into well-rounded adults equipped to successfully meet the future. Girl Scouts develop skills and explore interests through innovative programming in five focus areas: Financial Literacy; STEM/STEAM; Healthy Living; Environmental Stewardship; and Global Citizenship. Within those five focus areas there is a myriad of opportunities for girls to explore.

Contact: Heather Wilson: hwilson@gshg.org

Glynn Community Crisis Center, Inc.

Providing emergency shelter and other services to persons battered and or abused--commonly referred to as domestic violence. Empowering those who survive through: Safety Planning, Advocacy, Family Support, and Education. Services Include: Assisting men, women and children affected by domestic violence. All services are free and confidential, providing emergency shelter through Amity House, legal services, counseling, family support, emergency services, and community outreach.

Contact: Elizabeth Dunn: housing.gccc@att.net, 912-264-1348 ext.103, P.O. Box 278, Brunswick, GA 31521

glynn county division of family and children services

Glynn County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) provides a variety of services in Glynn County that include Medicaid, Food Stamps, Emergency Assistance, Adoption, and many others.

Contact: 912-262-3200, 823 Scranton Rd, Brunswick, GA 31521

Georgia Department of Public Health: Coastal Health District

Glynn County Health Department

Glynn County Health Department mission is to protect the health of people and their environment wherever in our county they live, work and play. We are committed to helping improve the health of all the citizens of Glynn County by providing a range of public health services including adult and childhood immunizations, STD testing and community outreach. Glynn County Health Department is part of the Georgia Department of Public Health's Coastal Health District.

Contact: 912-264-3961, 2747 Fourth St, Brunswick, GA 31520

mcintosh county health department

Centrally located in Townsend, our health department provides preventive health services such as adult and childhood immunizations, health checks for children and family planning services. We also provide STD testing and STD treatment including gonorrhea testing, chlamydia testing, syphilis testing and HIV testing. We perform pap smears and provide family planning services that include birth control and pregnancy testing. Our friendly and knowledgeable health department staff strives to provide quality public health services every day. McIntosh County is rich in history and we are proud to be a part of this growing community. McIntosh County Health Department is part of the Georgia Department of Public Health's Coastal Health District.

Contact: 912-832-5473,1335 GA Hwy 57, Townsend, GA 31331

glynn county school system

The Glynn County School System is a public school district in Glynn County Georgia. The School System serves the communities of Brunswick, Country Club Estates, Dock Junction, and St Simons Island, Georgia. Glynn County School System has ten elementary schools, four middle schools, FACES (Pre-K) and two high schools.

Contact: Click organization name above to find individual school contact information.

glynn environmental coalition

Glynn Environmental Coalition is a community nonprofit organization committed to assuring a clean environment and healthy economy for citizens of Coastal Georgia. GEC's goal is to ensure a safe and healthy place to live and raise our families. Its work includes: Community Organizing, Technical Assistance, Air & Water Quality, Safe Seafood, Education, Public Hearings, Lobbying Efforts, Clean-Ups, and Superfund Work.

Contact: Rachel Thompson: gec@glynnenvironmental.org, 912.466-0934, P.O. Box 2443, Brunswick, GA 31521

glynn visual arts

Established in 1953, Glynn Visual Arts (GAA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization serving as the community's VISUAL ARTS CENTER. The association offers exhibits, lectures, studio classes, field trips, and workshops for everyone, from children to the retired. Glynn Visual Art's gallery exhibits oil, watercolor acrylic, and mixed media paintings; etchings; photography; pottery; sculpture; jewelry; basketry; fiber and decorative arts.

Contact: Jackie Gordon: 912.638.8770, 106 Island Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

golden isles arts and humanities

Golden Isles Arts & Humanities is a multi-disciplinary arts organization serving the City of Brunswick, Glynn County and Southeast GA. They also serve as managers of the Historic Ritz Theatre for the City of Brunswick.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read aims to address this crisis squarely and effectively. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The Big Read supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences.

The Penguin Project gives young artists ages 10-22 with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities the opportunity to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. The artists are joined on stage by a group of “peer mentors” – young people the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through rehearsals and the final performance. By providing access to a community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. For 2017, The Golden Isles Penguin Project will be rehearsing and performing Annie, Jr. on June 15-18, 2017. Rehearsals begin in February 2017.

Contact: Heather Heath: executivedirector@goldenislesarts.org, 912-262-6934,1530 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520

golden isles fellowship of christian athletes (fca)

Since 1954, the Golden Isles Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest interdenominational, school-based Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference.

Contact: Tim Harden, tharden@fca.org, 912-279-0807, 328 Shrine Rd, Brunswick, GA 31520

Golden Isles Live!

Formerly Brunswick Community Concert Association, Golden Isles Live has a rich history in the Golden Isles. They are a nonprofit organization created to foster the development in the community of an appreciation of the musical arts by presenting performing artists in concert. They have been bringing concerts and community events to the area for nearly 75 years.

Contact: admin@goldenisleslive.org, 912-638-4111, P.O. Box 20233, St Simons Island, GA 31522

goodwill southeast georgia

Goodwill helps people get job training and jobs. They have also helped people get access to transportation and childcare. Goodwill is one of the largest nonprofit providers of education training, and career services. “The Mission of Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to live independently and become employed.”

Contact: 912-280-9888, 249 Village at Glynn Pl, Brunswick, GA 31525

grace house of brunswick

The Grace House of Brunswick is a long term, residential recovery home for women with drug and alcohol addiction who wish to learn to live clean and sober. 14 women at a time come and live in this home type environment for one year at a time, and we help them get a job so they can work full time and begin to pay rent to support themselves. We also take them to AA meetings daily to maintain sobriety. There are no children in our home however the majority do have children. We also offer them group activities like cooking classes, art therapy, yoga, fitness, sewing class and so on all of with are done by volunteers.

Contact: Caroline Kittle, caroline@gracehousebrunswick.org, 912-223-2416, 1107 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520

habitat for humanity of glynn county georgia

Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County creates positive generational changes for low income families. These families are transitioned from substandard, overcrowded or unsafe living conditions to safe, decent, affordable homes that they own. The homes are not given away; they are purchased by the family for just the cost of construction with a no interest mortgage. A stable living condition improves the quality of life for our families who become more self-reliant.

Contact: Bert Brown, bbrown@habitatglynncounty.org, 912-265-7455, 1919 Glynn Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520

HIS Ministries

HIS (His Inspired Service) Ministries is a street mission driven by Christ's loving pursuit to restore broken lives.

Contact: Bill Thomas: hisministries.brunswick@gmail.com, 9120222-6011, 2009 Norwich St, Brunswick, Ga 31520

hofwyl-broadfield plantation

The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation represents the history and culture of Georgia’s rice coast. In the early 1800s, William Brailsford of Charleston carved a rice plantation from marshes along the Altamaha River. The plantation and its inhabitants were part of the genteel low country society that developed during the antebellum period. While many factors made rice cultivation increasingly difficult in the years after the Civil War, the family continued to grow rice until 1913. A museum features silver from the family collection and a model of Hofwyl-Broadfield during its heyday. A brief film on the plantation’s history is shown before visitors walk a short trail to the antebellum home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the home as Ophelia kept it with family heirlooms, 18th and 19th century furniture and Cantonese china. A stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, this is an excellent spot to look for herons, egrets, ibis, and painted buntings. A nature trail that leads back to the Visitors Center runs along the edge of the marsh, where the rice fields once flourished.

Contact: 912-264-7333, 5556 US Hwy 17 N, Brunswick, GA 31525

homelife on glynco

HomeLife on Glynco is a 47-unit Personal Care Home serving our seniors through Independent living apartments, personal care services, and our Magnolia Court Memory Care Community.

Contact: 912-280-0078, 1550 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525

hospice of the golden isles

Hospice of the Golden Isles is a community-based, non-profit organization serving coastal Georgia since 1980. Hospice of the Golden Isles provides expert, compassionate care to those diagnosed with a life limiting illness. When a cure is no longer likely, we offer holistic care that enriches quality of life and allows the patient to remain in control of their own healthcare decisions. We offer comfort care, also called palliative care, which is designed to manage pain and symptoms so that those receiving it can enjoy the rest of their lives as fully as possible. We understand the physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs of each patient and their family. We affirm life and, through the personalized services of our highly-trained medical and non-medical teams, give hospice patients the ability to live well, with grace and dignity through the end of their lives.

Contact: Amy Broderick: amybroderick@hospice.me, 912-265-4735, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525

humane animal resource team, inc. (HART)

HART (Humane Animal Resource Team), Inc. of McIntosh County, Georgia, is a small, grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to community spay/neuter assistance, humane education in responsible pet guardianship, and placing stray and abandoned animals in good homes. HART is the only animal advocacy group based in McIntosh County actively involved in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing homeless companion animals. HART was founded in 1994 by Dr. Hannah deSoto and the late Grover C. Wood with this mission: “To create a humane and effective solution for the stray and abandoned companion animals of McIntosh County.”

Contact: gavoters@darientel.net, 912-437-2037, 14213 GA Hwy 251, Darien, GA 31305

humane society of camden county, inc.

The Humane Society of Camden County, Inc. (HSCC) is a non-profit corporation that has been in existence since 1986 serving the needs of the homeless and abandoned animals in our area. The HSCC contracts with Camden County (which includes the cities of St. Marys and Woodbine) and Kingsland. The objective of the Humane Society is to provide effective means for prevention of cruelty to animals; to cooperate with municipal, state and county authorities in prosecuting according to law such persons as may be guilty of cruelty to animals; to afford relief to abandoned animals when sick, injured or otherwise in distress; to assist in finding and placing in new homes such abandoned animals; to encourage kindness to and consideration of animals through education of the public and any other ethical means.

Contact: Debra Clark: hscc@tds.net, 912-729-7141, 950 S Grove Blvd, Kingsland, GA 31548

humane society of south coastal georgia

The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia is dedicated to promoting the compassionate treatment of animals in our community through adoption, public spay/neuter services, sheltering, and education. The Humane Society advocates responsible pet ownership through community outreach, involvement, and education.

Contact: Virginia Schlegel: 912-264-6246, 4627 US Hwy 17 N, Brunswick, GA 31525

international seafarers' center

The International Seafarers’ Center is an organization that supports those that pass through our port in Brunswick, GA. The center has two hospitality centers that offer those within the ships docked here to help meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The center offers food and a place to help communicate with their loved ones.

Contact: Vicki West: vicki@seafarerscenter.org, 912-267-0631, 307 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520

jekyll island authority: jekyll island conservation

In 2011, the Jekyll Island Authority established a thoroughly vetted Conservation Program with the mission of preserving and enhancing the island’s natural bounty, while providing nature-based educational and recreational opportunities. Conservation remains a central pillar of our mission—from protecting nesting loggerhead turtles and dune systems to preserving the integrity of the tidal marshes and everything in between. Over the last decade, we’ve enhanced the visitor experience in order to sustain Jekyll Island’s economic viability; yet, all revitalization has occurred within existing, developed land, without reducing the island’s protected undeveloped land by a single acre.

Contact: Ben Carswell: bcarswell@jekyllisland.com, 912-635-9384

keep golden isles beautiful

Originally established in 1979, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB) is a volunteer-based community organization. Keep Golden Isles Beautiful is a Keep America Beautiful and Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation affiliate. A public/private partnership, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful depends on monetary, in-kind and volunteer support from individuals, businesses, local governments, civic/community organizations and schools to provide litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, community greening, water resource and educational programming and activities to Brunswick and Glynn County citizens. A 501(C) 3 non-profit organization, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful functions under the leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Board. KGIB's mission is to preserve and enhance the beauty of Glynn county through community stewardship.

Contact: Lea King-Badyna: info.kbgib@gmail.com, 912-279-1490, 1229 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Manna House

The Manna House was created to assist in providing meals for the homeless of the Brunswick/Golden Isles area. Manna House is a local "soup kitchen" type ministry that feeds needy people in our community. Various churches and community organizations provide support for the ministry.

Contact: Rev. Jim Crandall: 912-270-7386, 1408 G St, Brunswick, GA 31520

MAP international

MAP International is a global Christian health organization that partners with people living in conditions of poverty to save lives and develop healthier families and communities. Recognized for our 99% efficiency rating, we respond to the needs of those we serve by providing medicines, preventing disease, and promoting health to create real hope and lasting change.

Contact: Jason Elliott: jelliott@map.org, 912-280-6682, 4700 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA31525

marshes of glynn libraries

The goal of Marshes of Glynn Libraries is to enlighten and enrich the citizens of Glynn County by providing responsive, dynamic library services to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the population. The Marshes of Glynn Libraries values intellectual freedom, quality service, universal accessibility, diversity, stewardship, innovation, and communication. Services offered by the MoGL include digital resources, references services, public access computers, and interlibrary loans.

Contact: Diana Graham: dgraham@glynncounty-ga.gov, 912-279-3738

memory matters

Memory Matters is a local independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which was founded as Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick in 1994. In 2016, Memory Matters expanded their mission to include all forms of adult onset memory impairment and renamed the organization Memory Matters.

Contact: Penny Osborne: info@memorymattersglynn.com, 912-264-0777, 2803 Sherwood Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

morningstar children and family services, inc.

The mission of Morningstar Children and Family Services, Inc. is to meet the physical, spiritual, emotional and psychological needs of children in our care. Morningstar CFS was founded in 1996 to provide residential, foster care and mental health services to children, youth and their families. These programs provide quality services and are not hesitant to deal with children and youth who have multiple diagnoses often including intellectual disabilities.

Contact: 912-267-7583 ext 2114,One Youth Estate Dr, Brunswick, GA 31525

national park service: fort frederica national monument

Fort Frederica National Monument was established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1936. The park preserves, protects, and interprets the remains and archeological record of Fort Frederica, a British colonial settlement. The national monument consists of two separate sites, the primary site of Fort Frederica on the banks of the Frederica River and the smaller Battle of Bloody Marsh site roughly 6 miles from the main unit. Together, these two sites include approximately 282 acres that comprise the national monument.

Fort Frederica National Monument preserves and protects the historical, archeological, and scenic resources of colonial Fort Frederica to commemorate and interpret its role in American history for the education and inspiration of this and future generations.

Contact: Steve Theus: steve_theus@nps.gov, 912-638-3639, 6515 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island, 31522

One Blood

One Blood is a non-profit community blood bank. Their purpose is to ensure that our community has an ample supply of blood, sufficient to meet the needs of local patients. To fulfill these needs, One Blood currently has thirteen community donor centers, and twelve mobile units designed to support blood drives at businesses, churches, schools, civic groups, military, and community locations. They are the sole provider of transfusable blood products to all local hospitals in northeast Florida, and portions of Georgia and South Carolina. If One Blood can meet and exceed our own local needs, they are able to share blood with other communities less fortunate.

Contact: 912-576-6855, 686 Hwy 40 E, Suite A21, St Marys, GA 31558

Pineland Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities

Pineland BHDD services is a public, not-for-profit community based organization that helps children, adolescents, adults and seniors who have mental illness, developmental disabilities and addiction challenges to live more full and productive lives.

Contact: John Benner: jbenner@pinelandcsb.org, 912-427-4491, 3850 S Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545

roosevelt harris, Jr. Senior Citizens Center

Purpose: to meet the nutritional and respite care needs of the senior citizens in a congregate setting. Spouses of qualified clients are also accepted. Mission: To enrich and promote a better quality life for senior citizens.

Contact: 912-267-5520, 2007 I St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor’s mission is to provide shelter and therapeutic services to children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected; who are homeless or have run away from home, or who are otherwise at risk or feel threatened. That mission is powered by six programs:

1. Safe Place serves youth in crisis by maintaining Safe Place sites that offer access to immediate help and safety.
2. Safe Harbor Children’s Center serves children removed from dangerous situations and, as a long term residential shelter, provides nurturing care, medical and dental services, school support, and therapeutic counseling. This also includes Zach’s Place: Runaway & Homeless Youth Emergency Shelter and our STRIVE Transitional Living Program.
3. Street Beat program canvases neighborhoods reaching out to teens living on the streets. Staff build trusting relationships, provide nutrition and hygiene kits, sexual exploitation literature, and provide support for those youth who want to come off the streets.
4. Family Preservation provides intervention, reunification and support services to families in the community that are referred by Child Protective Services.
5. The Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center serves victims of child abuse throughout the Brunswick Judicial Circuit.
6. The Connie Smith Rape Crisis Center has a mission to provide a location for prevention, intervention, support services and investigation of sexual assault.

Contact: Beth Ann Bushon: bbushon@safeharborcenterinc.org, 912-289-9940, 1526 Norwich St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Saint Simons by-the-sea

Saint Simons By-The-Sea is a psychiatric and addictive disease hospital for adults and adolescents. We strive to provide quality mental health treatment and addiction treatment services in the area. Located on Saint Simons Island, Ga., Saint Simons By-The-Sea’s serene island setting ensures privacy and anonymity, enabling the patient to concentrate on recovery.

Contact: 912-638-1999, 2927 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

the salvation army brunswick

Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. Salvation Army provides assistance to needy families and also operates a clothing store as a fundraising arm.

Contact: 912-265-9381, 1624 Reynolds St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Satilla River Kepper

The mission of the Satilla Riverkeeper is to PROTECT, RESTORE, and EDUCATE about the ecological values and unique beauty of the Satilla River. We work to ensure adequate quality and quantity of water in the Satilla River for all uses. We advocate for practices and projects that protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health. This includes encouraging appropriate land-use planning, monitoring pollution permits, and efforts to eradicate invasive species.

Contact: Laura Early: riverkeeper@satillariverkeeper.org, 912-510-9500, 305 Bedell Ave, Woodbine, GA, 31569

signature squares of brunswick

Signature Squares of Brunswick, a non-profit preservation organization, was founded in 2005 to reclaim and beautify the original colonial parks and squares in the Old Town district of the city.

Contact: Julie T. Martin, julie@signaturesquares.org, P.O. Box 846, Brunswick, GA 31521

Skylark: A Sexual Health + Care Clinic

Skylark is a unique program designed to offer guidance and compassionate support to pregnant women experiencing unplanned pregnancy or potential sexually transmitted infections. Skylark exists to aid women by providing information, encouragement, practical help, and counsel as they sort through their anxieties and fears associated with their current situation. Skylark is committed to serve any woman regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, or marital status. Services are also made available to her family and the father of the baby. All assistance given by the center is free and confidential.

Medical services available at Skylark include pregnancy testing, limited STI testing and treatment for women, limited obstetrical ultrasounds to verify a viable pregnancy as well as pregnancy education and counseling.

Skylark recognizes that prevention of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is in the best interest of our entire community. The BRAVEheart program has been commissioned to reach youth with a positive character-based Sexual Risk Avoidance program that encourages ongoing support from parents, peers, teachers, and school administrators and other adults in the lives of teens and young adults. The BRAVEheart program is offered to any interested group.

Contact: Sherry Auten: sherry@helloskylark.com, 912-267-1100, 3548 Community Rd, Brunswick, GA 31520

southeast adventure outfitters

SouthEast Adventure Outfitters has been serving coastal Georgia since 1994-based on St. Simons Island and in Brunswick. Pioneering nearly every trip they offer, SouthEast Adventures has been integral in promoting and enhancing exploration throughout the Golden Isles of Georgia. SouthEast Adventure offers daily kayak tours, nature boat cruises, kayak and powerboat fishing, and stand up paddleboards. Retail store carries Kavu, Columbia, Hydroflask and other companies the students might like to know about.

Contact: Michael Gowen: kayak@southeastadventure.com, 912-638-6732, 313 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522

southeast georgia health system: Brunswick Campus

The Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick Campus is located in Georgia’s Golden Isles, mid-way between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia. It is anchored by a 316-bed hospital with more than 300 physicians on its medical staff representing nearly every major medical specialty. The Health System serves as the regional medical center for residents of eight counties in Southeast Georgia.

Contact: Becky Corley: bcorley@sghs.org, 912-466-3157, 2415 Parkwood Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520

special olympics coastal georgia

Special Olympics is the first – and still the only – organization to offer training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The mission of Special Olympics Georgia is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The goal is to help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop athletic skills, while also promoting the abilities of the athletes off the field.

Contact: Rhonda Diggs: sogacoastal@gmail.com, 912-602-8077, P.O. Box 1952, Brunswick, GA 31521

st. mark's towers, inc.

A non-profit residential apartment community for seniors and couples age 62 & Over. Our mission is to help senior citizens live to their highest potential as individuals who seek independence, good health, and personal fulfillment.
We strive to serve individuals age 62 and older without discrimination, and with keen recognition of each individual's privacy.
We do this by providing a facility offering coordinated services appropriate for seniors in their own apartment home.

Contact: Joni Bennett: joni4229@yahoo.com, 912-222-2746, One Towers Plaza, Brunswick, GA 31520

st. mary's children's theatre

The mission of the St. Marys Children’s Theatre (SMCT) is to provide performing arts education that inspires and enhances the cultural life of the southeastern coastal Georgia community by offering a stimulating, creative, and supportive outlet to children and youth, helping them build self-confidence and character, while developing self-expression, independence, and responsibility. SMCT's productions engage entire families as we build self-esteem, confidence, strong work ethic and socialization skills.Participation on the productions and programs serves to increase reading, language and memorization skills, as well as physical agility and mobility.The technical side of the theatre provides additional training in sound and lighting, costuming and make-up, and set design and construction.

Contact: Megan Friese-Kaufman: info@stmaryschildrenstheatre.org, 912-576-6801, 204 Arnow Dr, St Marys, GA 31558

st. mary's united methodist church

St. Marys United Methodist Church sponsors many opportunities for outreach in the Camden community.

Contact: Tom Headlee: finsec@stmarysumc.org, 912-882-5505 ext. 2, 106 Conyers St E, St Marys, GA 31558

St. simons african american heritage coalition

The Mission of the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition is "to educate, preserve, and revitalize African American heritage and culture.

Contact: Amy Roberts: lotsona@gmail.com, 912-634-0330, 291 S Harrington Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

st. simons land trust

The mission of the St. Simons Land Trust is to preserve the island’s natural and scenic character, and to enhance the quality of life for our island community for present and future generations. The Land Trust was founded in 2001 and today has 776 acres protected in perpetuity.

Contact: Justus Davis: jdavis@sslt.org, 912-638-9109, 1624 Frederica Rd #6, St Simons Island, GA 31522

star foundation of coastal georgia, inc.

STAR Foundation helps end generational poverty in our community by teaching skills needed to enter the workforce and succeed. We start with the basic computer skills needed for success in most work environments. From there, the students learn communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, and customer service skills to equip them to remain at a job as a valued employee. Finally, we teach students how to manage their money from creating a budget, banking basics (checking and saving accounts) and the necessity of saving.

Contact: Kyajuana Gilbert: Kyajuana@starfoundation.org, 912-554-0540, 1612 Newcastle St, Ste 105, Brunswick, GA 31520

true freedom learning center, inc.

True Freedom Learning Center Afterschool Program provides needed pre- and after-school programs for the youth. They also provide mentoring and tutoring throughout the community. True Freedom Learning Center’s mission is to meet the diverse needs of our community and to encourage the development of "the whole child" through education, unparalleled daycare services, art, music, literacy, advocacy, financial guidance, family services, mentoring and more.

Contact: Loretta Hutchinson: flhutchinson07@yahoo.com, 912-882-6899, 1905 Point Peter Rd, St Marys, GA 31558

United Way of Coastal Georgia, Inc.

United Way of Coastal Georgia strives to create a community where all individuals and families have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. We improve lives in our community by advocating, volunteering and giving. We fight for the health, education and income stability for every person in every community in Glynn and McIntosh Counties.

Contact: Janelle Harvey: janelle@uwcga.org, 912-265-1850, 3400 Parkwood Drive, Suite A, 2^nd Floor, Brunswick, GA 31520

wayne county protective agency: fair haven

Wayne County protective Agency provides a quality 24-hour emergency shelter with comprehensive service to victims of domestic violence and their children as well as educating the community of such effects in order to stop the cycle of abuse. Fair Haven serves Appling, Wayne, and Jeff Davis Counties.

Contact: Julia Burch: jburch@fairhavenjesup.org, 912-334-2836, P.O. Box 1153, Jesup, GA 31598

Wayne County School System

The Wayne County School District is a public school district in Wayne County, Georgia, based in Jesup. It serves the communities of Jesup, Odum, and Screven.

Contact: Click organization name above to find individual school contact information.

The Well

The Well is a hospitality center for people who are homeless that provides resources such as a shower, a laundry room, phone and internet access, and an address for correspondence. As well as providing support groups, the Well is a safe place for social activities -- and even houses a chapel.

Contact: Annette Studmire: annette@faithworksministry.org, 912-261-8512 ext. 104, 1101 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520

Young men's christin association (ymca) of coastal georgia 

YMCA of the Golden Isles is a non-profit organization that strives to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Contact: Stella Brown: stella.brown@ymcaofcoastalga.org, 912-265-4100, 144 Scranton Conn, Brunswick, GA 31525