St. Joseph's/Candler Health System
Savannah, Ga.

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St. Mary's Community Center is a community outreach initiative of St. Joseph's/Candler Health System that is a living demonstration of the organization's mission. The center is located in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood, a struggling African-American community with a rich history and strong community spirit. The Center serves many individuals and families from Savannah's poorest census tracts. The injustices of poverty are many — unemployment, illiteracy, lack of health care, substandard housing, drugs and crime. The center strives to accompany people to improve their quality of life through:

Education/Job Training

• Better academic skills in reading, math, English and writing.
• GED preparation.
• Individualized computer classes and Internet learning.
• Financial literacy.
• Free tax preparation through the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
• Resume and application assistance.
• Job searches and interview preparation.

Children's Services

• After-school program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
• Summer camp for children in kindergarten through eighth grade during June, July and part of August.
• Preschool program for 3 and 4-year-olds.

Through tandem efforts with enthusiastic neighborhood volunteers and other collaborative partners, St. Mary's has become the central hub of the neighborhood, an essential catalyst to a renewed commitment of community passion and an interactive partner in harvesting hopeful futures.