Greenbriar Children's Center

All of us at Greenbriar wish you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day weekend. If you are attending any of the festivities in Savannah, a reminder to take a few extra precautions if you have little ones with you:

* Be sure that your phone is charged before leaving the house, in the event you need to make an emergency call.

* Hold onto children in crowds. If your children are older and are reluctant to hold hands, make sure they stand directly in front of you, so you can keep a watchful eye on them.

*Bring water bottles and healthy snacks for both you and your child, to ensure that you both stay hydrated and energized.

Enjoy the festivities safely with your family!

"Service to all Mankind"

The board and staff of Greenbriar Children’s Center is proud to honor the women of Gamma Sigma Omega chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., during this celebration of women during the month of March. Greenbriar Children’s Center began as a dream of six, young college women, Irene Alexander, Frances Dye, Juanita Jennings, Mattie Payne, Mamie Russell and Martha Wilson, who in 1943 organized the Gamma Sigma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and began seeking a community service project. The women learned that a well-known Savannah woman, Adaline Graham had died and left property and funds to “whomever might start a movement to establish an orphanage for Negro children”. The will stipulated that “the black Protestant churches of Savannah must lend their support and aid in maintaining said institution.” Sorority members sought the help of black Protestant churches and the late Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert, who was then the pastor of the First African Baptist Church and a known community organizer. After galvanizing the community around the cause and several fundraisers later, Greenbriar opened its doors at 3709 Hopkins Street on July 15, 1949.

Throughout their 82 year history, sorority members have extended their reach of “Service to all Mankind” beyond Greenbriar Children’s Center. Their footprint is witnessed throughout the Savannah-Chatham County community in the organization of M.A.R.T.H.A. and Junior Debutante/Precious Gems Mentoring Program, the establishment of Project SEARCH and Ivy Reading AKAdemy, and numerous other charitable causes that they support. Our community has copious strength because of their commitment to improving the lives of families and children. Greenbriar Children’s Center is grateful for your continued support of your legacy and propelling the dream of the original visionaries! Learn more: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Sigma Omega Savannah, GA

Greenbriar's Infant Center has just attained the HIGHEST QUALITY RATING from the Department of Early Care and Learning (3 stars!). That means that infants ages six weeks and up receive the highest and best level of care in the State of Georgia. We are incredibly grateful to our teachers for their caring, compassion and dedication. Thank you to the team for all you do! Learn more about our programs at www.greenbriarchildrenscenter.org

What is Georgia's Pre-K Program? Georgia's Pre-K Program is a lottery funded educational program for Georgia's four-year olds to prepare children for kindergarten. It is FREE for children to attend.

Greenbriar's Pre-K program is located at our Windy's Preschool in downtown Savannah and is rated 3 stars (highest rating) by the Department of Early Care and Learning. Visit www.greenbriarchildrenscenter.org for more information about registering YOUR child today!

THIS WEEK!!! If your child will be entering kindergarten in 2026, then NOW is the time to register them for FREE Georgia Pre-K classes which begin this Fall. Visit www.greenbriarchildrenscenter.org for more information on our programs or call our Windy's Preschool at 912-234-0575/912-234-3431.

As draws to a close, it is only fitting that WSAV Kim Gusby spoke with our Executive Director, Gena Taylor, about the origins of Greenbriar Children's Center. Founded originally as an orphanage for African-American children at a time when there were only orphanages for white children, Greenbriar has played a key role for over 75 years in Savannah, ensuring today that children of all races and demographic backgrounds receive the love and support they need to thrive. Learn more about Greenbriar's history at https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/honoring-black-history-the-origin-of-savannahs-greenbriar-childrens-center/ Special thanks to Kim Gusby at WSAV for helping to share our story.

Here at the 10th Annual Savannah Traffick Jam to learn more about ways we can all prevent human trafficking in our region and educate our community.

Greenbriar was founded over 75 years ago out of love. Today, we continue to work to ensure that children and families in need are cared for through our emergency shelter for children ages 11-18, our Family Preservation and Support programs, and our quality-rated, early learning programs which are affordable and accessible to everyone. Today, and everyday, we send love and gratitude to our friends in the community who help us to sustain this work.

During the month of February, Savannah, like many other cities across the country, is celebrating Black History Month. On Thursday, February 13, as part of the Savannah Black History Festival, the W.W. Law Lecture Series will focus on historically Black sororities and fraternities. Tomorrow’s lecture is entitled “The Enduring Legacy of the Divine Nine” and will be held from 6:00-7:30 PM. at the Jepson Center at 207 W. York Street. This event includes honoring the legacy of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., founded in 1908. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter, with the support of Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert of the First African Baptist Church, founded Greenbriar as an orphanage for African-American children in Savannah and surrounding areas in 1949. We are grateful to our AKA family for their vision and for their enduring support of Greenbriar and our community. For more information on the event, visit www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Sigma Omega Savannah, GA

Studies show that children who attend a Pre-K program do better throughout their primary school years, and beyond. Registration for our FREE Georgia Pre-K program begins in March--less than a month away! Put a reminder on your calendar to register and give your child a promising future! Further information on our website at www.greenbriarchildrenscenter.org

While many people recognize the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights as a fun event to usher in the holiday season, we at Greenbriar know it means so much more...it helps children in need. We are so incredibly grateful to Delylah Thompson and for their hard work and dedication to Greenbriar. Through their efforts in obtaining sponsorships for the parade and much needed donations, the 2024 Savannah Boat Parade of Lights raised thousands of dollars for our programs for children and families. Shown here at the check presentation earlier this month are, from left, Dr. Eric Mason of Greenbriar, Ms. Delylah Thompson, and the Executive Director of Greenbriar, Ms. Gena Taylor.

Is one of your goals for 2025 to find a new, fulfilling position? One that will make a difference in the lives of families and children? In 2025, your help is needed more than ever. Greenbriar is hosting a job fair THIS THURSDAY, January 30th, from 9 am to 1 pm at our location at 3709 Hopkins Street, Savannah, in the Jack Jones Cottage building. We need help in our emergency shelter for children ages 11-18. Bring your resume and professional attire, please. Parking available onsite. Questions? Call 912-234-3431.