East Savannah United's holistic approach to community revitalization follows a model established by Purpose Built Communities. For over thirty years, this organization has helped struggling communities across the country implement proven and effective strategies that bring pathways to prosperity and end concentrated poverty. ESU is currently working closely with Purpose Built leadership as we progress towards network membership.

During a recent visit, they met Jasmine Washington, a resident of Savannah's Eastside neighborhood and ESU Community Engagement Team Member. They were so impressed with her story that they invited her to be a panel discussion leader at the 2025 Purpose Built Communities Network National Conference, recently held in Houston, Texas.

“Understanding what parents are needing has guided our discussions, so that when we open the Early Childhood Learning Center, we’ve not only built something the community asked for, but also what we’re offering inside is something the community has told us they actually need.” ~ Derek Mallow, ESU Executive Director

ESU Leads Panel Discussion

This year’s conference theme "Strong Connections, Stronger Neighborhoods" emphasized the vital role relationships play in ESU’s work to foster a thriving community in East Savannah. Strong connections between residents, ESU, and cross-sector community partners are all necessary to build a vibrant neighborhood where opportunity and prosperity can be accessible to all.

Eastside resident Jasmine Washington and ESU Executive Director Derek Mallow explained how this approach has already influenced ESU's work on the new Early Childhood Learning Center during their panel discussion. In particular, Jasmine's conversations with other Eastside residents about their needs have guided discussions on the types of services and programming to be offered, as well as confirming the need for a public library branch and a health clinic, both of which will also be housed within the center.

Together, we can lift one another up and become more than we could be alone.

"It’s exciting to be part of the team and to try to make a difference. It’s an honor that people feel comfortable enough to come up and discuss things with me, and honestly, people need that. We haven’t really had that in our community before, and it’s amazing." ~Jasmine Washington, East Savannah resident and ESU Community Engagement Team Member

As the “Community Quarterback,” ESU is committed to working with East Savannah residents to identify needs in the community. Our Neighborhood Engagement Team includes people who live here, like Jasmine, who help build trust in this process and create community buy-in. Jasmine’s pride in her participation and newfound enthusiasm for her community reinforce the immense value of this collaborative approach.

You can amplify this collective impact by supporting ESU’s work to build strong, trust-based connections and achieve transformative change.