Gallagher Marine Systems and members of the Golden Ray Response Team in the Golden Isles are partnering together to raise urgently needed funds to support children and youth who have been abused, abandoned or neglected, and those experiencing homelessness.

We are encouraging all members of our incident response as well as members of the public to join us in supporting such a noble cause. Lets see how much help we can generate for those in need, said Chris Graff, Director of Response Services for Gallagher Marine Systems and Incident Commander in the Unified Command.

The statistics are staggering. One in ten children will be the victim of abuse before the age of 18.

Imagine...every day of the school year, thousands of school-aged children in our community walk into a classroom weighted down by their backpack full of books and the trauma of their own abuse. Yet, there is hope!

The funds raised will provide critical funding to support the following seven core programs of Safe Harbor.

SAFE HARBOR CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS are safe, child-focused environments for children who disclose sexual assault, physical abuse, neglect, or have observed violence and/or abuse of another person. To reduce the trauma of victims and their families, the centers utilize a multidisciplinary team approach for the identification, investigation, prosecution, treatment, and prevention of child abuse.

SAFE HARBOR CHILDREN'S SHELTER serves children, ages birth to 18, who have been removed from dangerous situations as a result of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. As a long-term residential shelter, the center provides nurturing care, medical and dental services, academic support, and therapeutic counseling in a loving home-like environment.

The CONNIE SMITH RAPE CRISIS CENTER is the only organization in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit serving victims of sexual assault. Services provided include forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, follow up medical services, 24-hour crisis line, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, crisis and therapeutic counseling by Licensed Professional Counselors, and a multi-disciplinary approach to sexual assault.

The STRIVE TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM makes available the needed supports for youth who are most at-risk to experience violence, trafficking, unemployment, homelessness, incomplete education, drug addiction, pregnancy, and poverty. Services are designed to help young people make a successful transition to self-sufficient living while providing a safe living environment.

ZACH'S PLACE: AN EMERGENCY RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER is an emergency shelter providing for the immediate needs of homeless and runaway children and youth up to age 18 in Glynn County, Georgia. At Zachs Place, children and youth receive safe, temporary housing, food, clothing, medical care, counseling, and the encouragement to fulfill their potential and successfully contribute to society.

Safe Harbor's FAMILY PRESERVATION program provides intervention, therapeutic counseling, education, advocacy, referral and support services to families in the community that are referred by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.

STREET BEAT is a street outreach program that addresses the needs of runaway, homeless and street youth and their families by providing services that promote safety, well-being, self-sufficiency and permanent connections with caring adults. Street Beat not only helps youth leave the streets, but also assists them in moving and adjusting to a safe and appropriate living arrangement.