Oct 10, 2024 – As more people increasingly call Savannah and Coastal Georgia home, the region’s population statistics are shifting. According to 2020 U.S. Census data, Chatham County’s Latino/ Hispanic population grew by 65% from 2010. Currently, nearly 24,000 residents identify as Hispanic, and at 8.1% of the county’s total population, they represent the fastest developing demographic in the Hostess City.
Such growth necessitates services and local resources tailored to Spanish-speaking community members.
On Sunday, October 13, Mary’s Place hosts the “Second Annual Hispanic Resource Fair” at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 501 S. Coastal Hwy, Port Wentworth. The event gets under way at 1 p.m. with food, giveaways, music, and kids’ activities, providing opportunities for residents to connect with services from community-based organizations and local businesses. The afternoon wraps up at 4 p.m. and is free to attend.
“This population can’t be underserved,” emphasized Doris L. Williams, Executive Director of Mary’s Place Sexual Assault Center. “We are honored to host this fair for the second year. Our hope is to uplift the Hispanic community, so people not only have access to social services but feel empowered to use them.”
When Williams, who has been with the organization since 2008, noticed an increase in Spanish-speaking residents seeking help as survivors of sexual violence, she was prompted to take action. She and the team at Mary’s Place prioritized hiring two bilingual advocates to better assist the clients they serve.
Though Mary’s Place focuses primarily on issues of sexual assault, the organization pivoted to assist more Hispanics in the community.
Williams took on the task of establishing the Hispanic Networking Group. The consortium meets quarterly and assesses some of the challenges that local Latino/ Hispanics must navigate in Savannah and surrounding communities. The aim is for greater understanding, empathy, and shared knowledge within a group that includes a range of non-profits and businesses.
But to be a networking partner, Williams is adamant about representation.
“In order to participate as a community organization, agencies and businesses must have literature available in Spanish as well as a Spanish-speaking person on staff,” said Williams. “This shows they are invested in serving and assisting this specific community.”
At Sunday’s event nearly 20 partner agencies will be on hand, including Coastal Children’s Advocacy Center, Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Heart Properties, MedBank, Good Samaritan, Safe Shelter, and GROW Initiative. The goal of the resource fair is for individuals, families, and groups to strengthen relationships through education, connections, and referrals.
For Carmen Batiz Bien Aime, Bilingual Survivor Support Advocacy Coordinator with Mary’s Place, the event is crucial for connecting people with important local resources. She sees the fair as a way to build community while also helping Spanish-speaking residents get assistance securing medical care, understanding contract agreements, navigating children’s school issues, and much more.
“The Hispanic Networking Group has been working to ensure materials are available in Spanish, so that advocates and case managers are aware of services and can make appropriate referrals for limited English speakers,” said Batiz Bien Aime. “It is important that everyone feels welcome. Last year we had about 100 people, and this year we’re hosting the event right after mass at the church, so we anticipate having many more to attend this event.”
Mary’s Place Sexual Assault Center of the Coastal Empire, formerly Rape Crisis Center in Savannah, serves seven counties in Coastal Georgia, providing a 24/7 crisis line, hospital accompaniment, support groups, prevention awareness, and educational outreach. And the organization understands that not only women face sexual violence, but all communities regardless of sex or gender identity. Through education and prevention awareness, Mary’s Place hopes to reduce stigma around asking for help and ultimately reduce the number of survivors.
“With all our clients we want to ensure that they feel safe, that they are trusted, and most importantly, that they are heard,” emphasized Williams. “This is how we help build an inclusive and supportive community, and we welcome everyone to the resource fair on Sunday. All are welcome.”
If you go:
What: Second Annual Hispanic Resource Fair
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 501 S. Coastal Highway, Port Wentworth
When: Sunday, October 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
