October 1, 2025

East Savannah United Receives $25,000 Grant for Community Initiatives

News Summary

East Savannah United (ESU) has secured a $25,000 grant from the Day Family Foundation to enhance its Community Quarterback role and initiatives. This funding will foster collaborations with Brightside Child and Family Advocacy and Goodwill of Southeast Georgia, aimed at supporting foster youth and families in the area. Additionally, ESU has announced plans for a new early childhood learning center in Hitch Village, which will serve as a vital resource for local families and children.

East Savannah – East Savannah United (ESU) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Day Family Foundation, announced on September 30, 2025. This funding is designated to enhance the organization’s Community Quarterback role and support ongoing initiatives in East Savannah.

The grant will primarily be used to facilitate leadership development and to foster a new collaboration with Brightside Child and Family Advocacy and Goodwill of Southeast Georgia. This collaborative effort will prioritize services for foster youth, transition-age youth, and foster care families in the East Savannah area.

Derek Mallow, the Executive Director of ESU, has expressed gratitude for the grant, stating that it will significantly contribute to improving outcomes for children and families within the community. ESU’s mission focuses on providing residents with access to safe, quality homes while also equipping children and young adults with necessary learning tools.

Through this partnership, ESU plans to offer a suite of youth-focused services including mentorship programs, job readiness training, employment connections, and support for small business and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Ashley Minnich, the President of the Day Family Foundation, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in advancing community goals. The foundation’s trustees were motivated to provide support following their participation in the Purpose Built Communities’ 2025 conference held in Houston.

New Early Childhood Learning Center

In a related development, ESU has unveiled plans for a new library and early childhood learning center in Hitch Village, with the groundbreaking ceremony recently conducted. This facility is set to play a pivotal role in ESU’s initiatives, aiming to serve 144 children as an anchor for the community.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has approved a $10.3 million construction contract for the facility, which is funded by Special Local Option Sales Tax revenues. The center will encompass 20,300 square feet of space, featuring classrooms for toddlers and preschoolers, along with a 2,000-square-foot library.

ESU will operate the early learning center and ensure that a minimum of 50% of the students enrolled come from low-income families within the East Savannah area. Notably, the childhood poverty rate in these eastside neighborhoods is approximately 86%, highlighting the critical need for resources and support.

Background on the Learning Center Initiative

The vision for the early learning center originated from the Savannah Housing Authority’s Choice Neighborhood Grant. Local leaders, including officials from Chatham County and the city of Savannah, attended the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the significance of collaborative community efforts in addressing local needs.

Construction of the new facility is projected to be completed in 2025 and will serve as a central part of the community revitalization plan. ESU had previously secured a $100,000 grant from the Truist Charitable Fund specifically for this early childhood learning center initiative.

The Day Family Foundation’s recent grant to ESU, along with the planned early learning center, signals a unified effort to uplift the East Savannah community, particularly among vulnerable populations. Through these initiatives, ESU aims to foster a positive environment where children and families can thrive.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER

SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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