The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire announces a new name and look following a comprehensive rebranding, which was prompted by the desire to adequately represent their services and community outreach. Having served seven counties surrounding Savannah since their establishment in 1975, the non-profit is reintroduction themselves to the community as Mary’s Place; Advocacy, Prevention, and Sexual Assault Center of the Coastal Empire.

Mary’s Place is named to honor one of the center’s original volunteers, Mary McAlister, who would go on to serve as Executive Director for 32 years. During her tenure, Mary solidified numerous instrumental partnerships in the center’s success and was a key player in developing outreach programs, such as the well-known “Good Touch, Bad Touch,” and establishing legal protocol that would later be adopted by other states.

“I never wanted anybody in this community to forget the person that really brought this agency from volunteer full staff to active staff for seven counties,” says current Executive Director Doris L. Williams.

The hope is that this new name and look are indicative of what has been accomplished in the community, and what the team is committed to doing; to continue to educate and increase prevention awareness without hindrance or stigma. This is a major accomplishment that will enable the team at Mary’s Place to operate under one name and more effectively share the importance of advocacy and prevention to all they serve - men, women, children, humans of all ages, ethnic background and socioeconomic group. 

Symbolic of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth, the lotus flower was selected as a symbol of the mission for Mary’s Place. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the darkest of waters, the lotus produces the most exquisite flower. Please visit www.marysplacega.org to explore the new website and learn more about our role and all the ways Mary’s Place can partner with your organization.