Savannah-area teens are stepping up to support survivors of human trafficking through their involvement with Tharros Place, a nonprofit that provides residential services for girls ages 12 to 17, according to a community announcement.
The organization recently announced the addition of new members to its Teen Board, a group of high school students from the Savannah and Chatham County area who assist in promoting a culture of courage for Tharros Place residents, according to a community announcement.
“We started the Teen Board because we wanted input from Chatham County youth about what youth are interested in,” Julie Wade, executive director of Tharros Place, said in the announcement. “It's really inspirational to see Savannah-area teens working
so hard to support others in their community, and we are grateful for their service.”
Who are the new Teen Board members?
The new Teen Board members include:
- Madeline Balthrop, president (Savannah Arts Academy)
- NaMia Bostic (Woodville-Tompkins High School)
- Karis Bryant (New Hampstead High School)
- Peta-Che Campbell (Woodville-Tompkins High School)
- Ansley Cox, VP internal (St. Vincent’s Academy)
- Ashlynn Cummings (Woodville-Tompkins High School)
- Layne Helmly, VP outreach (Savannah Country Day School)
- Elle Nixon (Savannah Arts Academy)
- Anna Kate Prescott (Savannah Country Day School)
- Vivian Roach (St. Vincent’s Academy)
- Olivia Stewart (Effingham County Career and College Academy)
- Harper Wilcox, social media manager (St. Vincent's Academy)
- Lyla Wilcox (St. Vincent’s Academy)
Teen Board members help with human trafficking awareness efforts and plan events for Tharros Place residents, such as the Sneaker Ball and Spring Formal. They also encourage students to get involved in their communities and aim to bring a sense of normalcy and camaraderie to the residents, according to the announcement.
Human trafficking in Georgia
In 2024, 804 minors in Georgia were reported as trafficking victims, according to the announcement. Savannah’s high poverty rate, international port, booming tourism industry, and the crossroads of Highway 95 and I-16 contribute to the city's vulnerability to human trafficking. Chatham County ranks sixth in the state for the number of reported cases of minor victims of trafficking.
What is Tharros Place?
Tharros Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created to fill a gap in services for survivors of human trafficking. In 2023, the organization opened a 12-bed residential home to address underlying trauma and promote a culture of courage for girls ages 12 to 17.
Human trafficking – the exploitation of another person for sex, labor, or services – is a global threat. In the United States, there are 1.5 million human trafficking victims, most of whom are children, according to the announcement.
For more information or to donate, visit tharrosplace.com.
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This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah teens join fight against human trafficking
