Step One Automotive Group announced Tharros Place as their May Local Hero on Wednesday, May 17th at 4:30pm at the Pooler Chamber of Commerce located at 305 W. Collins Street, Pooler GA 31322.

“At Step One Team, we are sharing the story, volunteering and bringing awareness to incredible people, organizations that are making an impact every day. Every month, we feature, interview and volunteer at different non-profit groups and are proud to announce that Tharros Place is our Local Hero,” stated Step One Auto Marketing Manager Maja Ciric. “Executive Director Julie Wade is the real superhero! In record time she provided funding and managed to open the safe house and support for the victims of trafficking. We admire Julie, her team and the mission of Tharros Place!"

"Chatham County ranks fourth in the state for the number of sex trafficking cases of minors, and it takes all of us working together to put a stop to human trafficking," said Julie Wade, Executive Director of Tharros Place. "I am grateful to Step One Automotive for recognizing the work we are doing and for their commitment to this community's young people."

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. Savannah is no exception, due to its high poverty rate, international port, booming tourism industry, and the crossroads of Highway 95 and I-16. Tharros Place, a new 501(c)(3) that takes its name from the Greek word for courage, was created to fill a gap in services. In 2023, Tharros Place will open a 12-bed residential home to address underlying trauma and cultivate a culture of courage for girls ages 12 to 17.