You can see a special screening of the PBS documentary about one of Savannah’s most famous authors this weekend on Tybee Island -- and also have an opportunity to speak with the director and producer.

Two details stick with you long after watching the award-winning documentary “Flannery.”

Since opening last year, Tharros Place has housed nine human trafficking survivors in its Savannah-based 12-bed residential home. Julie Wade, the program's executive director, said that the nonprofit provides stable housing and educational and emotional support, addressing underlying trauma while cultivating a culture of courage for girls ages 12 to 17.

Human trafficking, which is defined as the exploitation of another person for sex, labor, or services, is a worldwide threat. In the United States, there are 1.5 million human trafficking victims, most of whom are children. Savannah is no exception, especially given its high poverty rate, international port, booming tourism industry, and the crossroads of Highway 95 and I-16.

Author Irwin H. Streight has penned "Flannery and the Grammys," which documents how O’Connor and her works have influenced popular musical artists. Within genres like folk, blues, rock, gospel and punk to heavy metal and indie pop, Streight's book examines how O'Connor inspired "the art and vision of multiple Grammy Award winners.

Education Coordinator for Tharros Place Jenn Steele talks about how difficult it can be for children affected by trauma to go back to school.

When I was a teenager, returning to school in the fall was one of my favorite times of year. Sure, I loved the wide-open expanses of summer, but I was most excited about returning to a daily routine with my friends, the crisp smell of school supplies, the sheen of new school shoes, and, most importantly, the excitement of new teachers and subjects to learn, bending our brains into unventured territories.

For some students, going back to school is fraught with anxiety and dread. That is especially true of children who suffer from traumatic stress, like the girls I work with at Tharros Place, a nonprofit providing residential services for girls ages 12 to 17 who are survivors of human trafficking.

For some students, going back to school is fraught with anxiety and dread. That is especially true of children who suffer from traumatic stress, like the girls I work with at Tharros Place, a nonprofit providing residential services for girls ages 12 to 17 who are survivors of human trafficking.

For some students, going back to school is fraught with anxiety and dread. That is especially true of children who suffer from traumatic stress, like the girls I work with at Tharros Place, a nonprofit providing residential services for girls ages 12 to 17 who are survivors of human trafficking.

Who hasn’t heard the phrase “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” a few thousand times in their life? It’s a simple adage that makes communicating with others seem as simple as running a thought through a computer program that spits out a slip of paper that either reads “comment is nice—say it” or “comment is mean—keep quiet.”

It’s summertime, which means kids have lots of free time for sports, sun, and yes, screens. That means it’s also a good time for parents to talk to their children about the smart use of phones and social media.

Even in the prime of her life, memoirist Maggie Redmon knows exactly what she wants on her tombstone: “Well, it couldn't have happened to a better writer.”

Photo gallery from Live Oak Public Libraries Summer Reading Kickoff

As a mother and as someone who works with young people in our community, I was gutted to hear the recent story in the news about 10-year-old Sammy Teusch, a fourth grader at Greenfield Intermediate School in Greenfield, Ind. Sammy died by suicide after bullying, and according to his parents, was bullied right up until the day he died. Nearly 200 people – most of whom never met the blond-haired boy with the big smile – showed up to his funeral this week.

Park Place held its annual Derby Party on May 24 to raise funds for residential services for unhoused teens.

Residential Director of Tharros Place LaToya Scott talks about the services they provide to the area and how you can help support their mission.

Click here to see the photo gallery from the Tharros Place Cocktails for Courage fundraiser.

Tharros Place opened its doors to young victims of human trafficking just a couple of months ago and is already making an impact in our community. Julie Wade is the executive director of Chatham County’s residential shelter for girls between the ages of 12 and17. She has the details on one of their biggest fundraising events yet that’s coming up next week.

This letter is from Julie Wade, the executive director of Tharros Place, a residential facility for girls, ages 12 to 17, who are survivors of human trafficking.