Savannah Hosts Resource Fair Empowering Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families

Savannah Hosts Resource Fair for People with Disabilities

This past Saturday, the beautiful city of Savannah became a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities and their families. A gathering organized by the Seventh Day Adventist Church brought together local resources dedicated to supporting this community. Attendees had the chance to learn about everything from job opportunities to free tuition and housing solutions at an engaging informational session.

Addressing Community Needs

As the day unfolded, the energy was palpable. Sandrene Foster, a well-respected Behavioral Therapist in Savannah, expressed her motivation for organizing the event. With nearly five years of experience working with children who have autism, she understands that “there’s people out here that are in need.” Her heartfelt commitment was evident as she spoke.

Foster’s vision for bringing various organizations under one roof stems from a realization she gained during her career. “It’s so sad to see that so many kids are getting diagnosed with both developmental and learning disabilities,” she shared, highlighting the growing challenges families face. The event aimed not just to inform, but to offer a sense of community and connection for those affected.

A Variety of Resources

The gathering featured representatives from the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and the Savannah Citizen Advocacy, both of which played a vital role in the event. Cherri Black, a representative from GVRA, underscored the agency’s mission: “We are here to serve any individual with a disability. Our main goal is to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining full-time employment.”

GVRA actively works to empower individuals, offering pre-employment transition services to students starting at just age 14. And importantly, there is no age limit to access these services, ensuring comprehensive support throughout an individual’s journey.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Citizen Advocacy focuses on creating meaningful connections. George Seaborough shared insights on their unique approach as a small, dedicated team. “We’re a staff of three people, with two doing the match-making work. That’s because we take our time to try to make sure that we’re finding the right match for the right person,” he explained. Their effort to pair individuals with disabilities with advocates fosters a nurturing environment, giving participants a sense of belonging and community.

Building Future Opportunities

Sandrene Foster is optimistic that this event will not be a one-time occurrence. “It may not be physical; it may not be like giving them something or tangible. But just knowing that you can provide information… it brings a sense of relief, it brings a sense of hope,” she stated. This sentiment resonated with many attendees who left feeling empowered and better equipped to navigate their challenges.

The event in Savannah wasn’t just about resources; it was about creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement. As individuals shared their personal stories and connected with one another, it became clear that this is a pivotal moment in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities in the community.

As the local organizations continue to work tirelessly, the hope is that more events like this will flourish, ensuring everyone has access to the help they need to thrive. With every effort, Savannah is proving to be a supportive home for individuals with disabilities and their families.