Park Place Outreach, Inc.

For nearly two decades, Park Place Outreach ran its emergency shelter out of one of Savannah, GA’s signature Victorian homes. Then about five years ago, the organization’s leaders decided they couldn’t stay in the drafty old building any longer.

“We knew energy costs were going to be going up,” says Executive Director Linda K. Hilts. “The goal was to make [our] building sustainable, make it cost-efficient, make it a healthier building for the kids to be in.”

To ensure that it was really meeting those objectives, the organization didn’t want to just switch out a few light bulbs. They chose to raise $500,000 to buy and renovate their next building using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines, or LEED. The move, Hilt says, has enabled Park Place to triple its shelter’s size while reducing its carbon footprint and cutting utility costs in half.

“We realized that to get the most savings and reduction in environmental impact, it was worth it to us to go the extra distance and become a LEED building,” she says.

The voluntary LEED certification program operated by the U.S. Green Building Council requires applicants to meet certain standards when it comes to the building materials they use and the design choices they make. For Park Place, becoming LEED certified meant installing low-flow plumbing, building skylights to take advantage of natural light, switching to energy-saving appliances, and re-sloping the building’s roof so they could use rain water to irrigate their grounds, among other changes.

Hilts says that taking an environmentally conscientious approach fits well with Park Place’s philosophy of helping the surrounding community.

“We helped restore an area in Savannah that was starting to fall into disrepair so we were part of that community,” she says. “But we’re also part of that community when we’re working with the youth, and we’re trying to help them restore parts of their lives back and helping them restore their connection with their family.”

Smaller Steps for Everyone

If it doesn’t seem like LEED certification is in your agency’s future, there are smaller steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact and, ultimately, save your agency money.

“Every little change helps the environment and cuts operating costs,” Hilts says.

Hilts recommends that agencies considering environmentally friendly changes to their building work closely with their board of directors. More sustainable choices like compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-emissions paint can cost more than regular bulbs and paint, but will lower your utility bills in the long run. Here are some specific ideas you can propose:

• Caulk around windows to reduce the amount of air that seeps in or out.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, like compact fluorescents or halogens.
• Take advantage of natural light as much as possible.
• Use environmentally friendly paint and insulation.
• Switch to energy-saving hot water heaters and appliances.
• Install low-flow toilets and showerheads.
• If you’re due for a new roof, talk to a roofer about changing the slope of your roof to promote better drainage that can help water gardens.

http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/the-beat/2012/11/green-building

Couple donate $50,000 to Parkplace Outreach

Posted: December 12, 2012 – 11:06pm | Updated: December 13, 2012 – 8:39am

http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012-12-12/couple-donate-50000-parkplace-outreach#.UMt5Ym_HebE

By Savannah Morning News

Park Place Outreach–Youth Emergency Shelter, a temporary shelter and outreach service that serves youth from Savannah and the surrounding area, has received a $50,000 donation from the Joseph & Mary Dobransky Foundation.

The funds will enable the shelter to provide more than 250 nights of care for an individual or 1,800 hours of counseling, said executive director Linda K. Hilts.

“The gift comes at a very critical time for our organization,” Hilts said. “As a nonprofit, we are seeing government funding sources drying up, and many of our donors are struggling with the recession.”

In 2009, the Joseph & Mary Dobransky Foundation donated $50,000 to complete the Dobransky Outreach Center on the lower level of Park Place Outreach’s facility at 514 E. Henry St. The center serves as a haven for youth seeking a safe after-school place to do homework and relax.

Joseph “Joe” Dobransky, a member of the shelter’s board of directors, is a retired regional vice president for UPS. He served in the U.S. Navy after high school and later went to work as a driver for UPS before he worked his way up, serving in key positions in Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas.

Today, Dobransky and his wife, Mary, live in Savannah and dedicate their time to charitable organizations such as Park Place Outreach and America’s Second Harvest food bank.

The Dobranskys have been married for 58 years and have six children, 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

“Park Place Outreach is a place where they really help young people find the path of life,” Joe Dobransky said. “I like to see children advance. I believe the future of the country is in our hands, and the way to do it is to educate young people.”

Savannah’s Homeless Teens

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter Designated Charity for International Diamond Center Raffle at the Savannah Diamond Dash on October 20

(SAVANNAH, GA) Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter, a temporary shelter and outreach service that serves youth from Savannah and the surrounding area, is the designated charity for the International Diamond Center Raffle, which will be held at the Savannah Diamond Dash on October 20, 2012.

Raffle to benefit Park Place Outreach Youth Emergency Shelter

The Savannah Diamond Dash is a one-day, real-world treasure hunt around the city in which couples use their cell phones to solve challenges and uncover clues. The International Diamond Center has partnered with the Google-backed mobile gaming company SCVNGR to create the Diamond Dash. The winning team will be awarded a grand prize of a $12,000 cushion cut Henri Daussi diamond engagement ring. Couples can register for the Diamond Dash by visiting www.SavannahDiamondDash.com and submitting their love stories.

The day’s festivities will also include a raffle featuring a pair of 3 carat diamond drop earrings in 14k white gold donated by the International Diamond Center. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter. Ticket sales have begun for the raffle of the 3 carat diamond earrings, which will be raffled at the Savannah Diamond Dash on October 20. Stop by International Diamond Center, 349 Mall Blvd., to purchase your tickets. Tickets are $5 each, three for $10 or 10 for $20.

“The Savannah International Diamond Center is honored to donate the proceeds from the Raffle for the 3 carat diamond earrings to Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter,” said Jesse McCain, General Manager of the Savannah International Diamond Center. “Park Place Outreach has helped so many youth in our community and beyond. We believe strongly in their mission and hope others in the community will join us in supporting this worthwhile cause.”

About Park Place Outreach, Inc.
Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides support for troubled children and teens from Savannah and the surrounding area. The shelter is open 24 hours a day to youth in crisis, adolescents who are homeless, young people who have been abused, runaway youth, or those who may be contemplating how to run away. Opened in 1984 as Marshlands Foundation, Inc. (dba the Savannah Runaway Home), Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides counseling and other services to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17. The organization’s goal is to keep kids off the street and reunify families whenever possible.

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, USDA Breakfast/Lunch Program, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Human Services, City of Savannah, United Way, FEMA and other community resources. For more information, please visit http://parkplaceyes.org or search for “Park Place Outreach” on Facebook. An informational video about Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is available at YouTube by searching for “Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter.”

About International Diamond Center
Originally founded in 1983 as a wholesale jeweler selling to larger retailers, International Diamond Center has expanded to include showrooms throughout the Tampa, Orlando, and Savannah areas. Since our founding, we’ve worked to establish relationships that have helped us to become a reputable source of diamonds and other brilliant gems from around the world. Today, customers who make us their jeweler can shop our incredible selection of loose diamonds, as well as an unparalleled inventory of designer bridal pieces, such as Tacori, Veraggio, Henri Daussi, Michael M., Artcarved and many others, custom bridal jewelry, high-end watches, and more.

About SCVNGR
Founded in 2008 by a 19-year-old Princeton dropout, SCVNGR has grown into a mobile gaming company with partners in over 12,000 locations. SCVNGR is played by completing challenges from your cell phone at different locations to earn points that can be redeemed for real world rewards. SCVNGR is funded by Google Ventures, Highland Capital Partners and Balderton Capital

“The Greenest Building” will be featured at 2012 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco in November

(SAVANNAH, GA) A documentary that prominently features Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter, a temporary shelter and outreach service that serves youth from Savannah and the surrounding area, will be screened at the 2012 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco in November.

“The Greenest Building,” produced by Jane Turville, explores whether or not a newly constructed green building is the most sustainable choice and shows how renovation and adaptive use of existing structures can fully achieve the same environmentally friendly goals.

The East Henry Street facility that houses Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter was one of five buildings around the country featured in the documentary. The 24-hour shelter was renovated in 2008 and was one of the first LEED-certified nonprofit buildings in Savannah. Architectural services on the green renovation were provided by the Cowart Group, while J.T. Turner served as the contractor. Many other individuals and organizations, including the Savannah College of Art and Design, participated in and contributed to the renovation efforts.

“What drew me to Park Place Outreach was that it’s a house, something that every community has. It’s not an iconic building. All communities have buildings like Park Place Outreach,” said Turville, who is currently writing, producing and directing a series titled “The People Problem: Are There Too Many of Us?” that explores overpopulation. “Park Place Outreach shatters any belief that a green building or a preservation project only happens when certain people and organizations are involved. Anyone can do it. It’s very inspiring.”

“Park Place Outreach helped set a precedent in Savannah by earning LEED certification. It really showed their commitment to both their staff as well as those utilizing their services,” said sustainability and green building expert Tommy Linstroth, founder and principal of Trident Sustainability Group. “They aren’t there just to provide support and a roof over your head—they are giving you a healthy, inviting, high-performance environment to be in.”

“The Greenest Building” will be screened during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo’s Greenbuild Film Festival. Greenbuild is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. For more information on “The Greenest Building,” visit www.thegreenestbuildingmovie.com. For more information on the 2012 Greenbuild conference, visit www.greenbuildexpo.org.

About Park Place Outreach, Inc.
Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides support for troubled children and teens from Savannah and the surrounding area. The shelter is open 24 hours a day to youth in crisis, adolescents who are homeless, young people who have been abused, runaway youth, or those who may be contemplating how to run away. Opened in 1984 as Marshlands Foundation, Inc. (dba the Savannah Runaway Home), Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides counseling and other services to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17. The organization’s goal is to keep kids off the street and reunify families whenever possible.

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, USDA Breakfast/Lunch Program, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Human Services, City of Savannah, United Way, FEMA and other community resources. For more information, please visit http://parkplaceyes.org. An informational video about Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is available at YouTube by searching for “Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter.” http://parkplaceyes.org

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter Receives $3,000 Donation from Macy’s
Funds will help Savannah-based youth shelter continue to provide services to homeless, abused and runaway adolescents

http://parkplaceyes.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter, a temporary shelter and outreach service that serves youth from Savannah and the surrounding area, has received a $3,000 donation from Macy’s. The funds will enable Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter to continue its mission of providing shelter and services to adolescents in need.

“As an emergency shelter serving this vulnerable population, we rely on the generosity of the community. This funding is critical to us being able to maintain our level of service,” said Linda Hilts, Park Place Outreach’s executive director. “We are very grateful to Macy’s for this support.”

About Macy’s, Inc.
Macy’s, Inc., is one of the nation’s premier retailers, operating about 840 department stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guan and Puerto Rico under the names Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, as well as the macys.com and bloomingdales.com websites. Collectively, Macy’s, Inc. and the Macy’s Foundation donated more than $26 million in fiscal 2011 to nonprofit organizations nationwide. The company has corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York.

About Park Place Outreach, Inc.
Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides support for troubled children and teens from Savannah and the surrounding area. The shelter is open 24 hours a day to youth in crisis, adolescents who are homeless, young people who have been abused, runaway youth, or those who may be contemplating how to run away. Opened in 1984 as Marshlands Foundation, Inc. (dba the Savannah Runaway Home), Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides counseling and other services to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17. The organization’s goal is to keep kids off the street and reunify families whenever possible.

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, USDA Breakfast/Lunch Program, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Human Services, City of Savannah, United Way, FEMA and other community resources.

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For more information, contact:
Linda Hilts, Executive Director
Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter
912-234-4048
hiltssrh@aol.com

http://parkplaceyes.org

Bring your family and friends out to watch the Sand Gnats take on the Hickory Crawdads on Friday 4/20 and help support Park Place Outreach! Game starts at 7:05pm.

100% of the proceeds from tickets purchased at any The Savannah Bank location will go to benefit the children of Park Place. Tickets must be purchased at The Savannah Bank to support Park Place Outreach.

Tickets Only $7 

LOCATIONS
Downtown – 25 Bull Street
Midtown – 4809 Waters Avenue
Southside – 400 Mall Blvd
Skidaway – 50 Meeting Street 
Tybee – 802 1st Street
Whitemarsh – Island Town Ctr
Garden City – 100 Chatham Pkwy

Please check out this site to see our LEED building featured in “The Greenest Building” documentary to be shown on GA PBS April 20, 2011   10PM

http://www.thegreenestbuildingmovie.com/The_Greenest_Building/Home.html

Park Place Outreach, Inc. can now be found on Facebook. Keep in touch with us by “liking” our page.