What happens when mentorship goes beyond advice and becomes a lifelong commitment to changing futures?

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, Renee LaSalle sits down with Fernando Foster, the new President of 100 Black Men of Savannah, to discuss the organization’s mission to mentor, empower, and support young people across the Coastal Empire.

As part of the international 100 Black Men of America organization, the Savannah chapter works with students from pre-K through college through mentorship, literacy initiatives, technology programs, financial education, violence prevention, and leadership development.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How the new “100 Reads” literacy initiative is building home libraries for children

• Why mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life

• How technology camps expose students to robotics, AI, coding, and STEM careers

• What the Respect for Life anti-gun violence initiative aims to accomplish

• How community members can volunteer, mentor, or support the organization

100 Black Men of Savannah currently mentors hundreds of students throughout the region and is working to expand its impact even further through mentorship, education, and community involvement.

Find 100 Black Men of Savannah: www.100blackmensav.org 

In this episode of Savannah Spotlight, hosts Renee LaSalle and Michelle Horne sit down with Imani Poole, founder of Kwanzaa 365 Connection, to discuss how dance, drumming, mindfulness, and cultural arts are helping people across Savannah reconnect with themselves and each other. Rooted in West African dance traditions from Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, Kwanzaa 365 Connection creates year-round programs focused on physical wellness, emotional healing, youth confidence, and community resilience.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How movement and rhythm support mental wellness

• Why cultural arts create deeper community connection

• The impact dance programs can have on youth confidence

• What the Afro Wellness Experience brings to Savannah

• How families, adults, and children can get involved

Kwanzaa 365 Connection offers weekly classes, workshops, performances, and mentorship opportunities throughout the Savannah area.

Find Kwanzaa 365 Connection: www.kwanzaaconnect.org 

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, hosts Renee LaSalle and Michelle Horne sit down with Daisy Hernandez of Safe Shelter to discuss domestic violence services in Chatham County.

Safe Shelter is the largest state-certified domestic violence shelter outside of Metro Atlanta, providing emergency housing, counseling, case management, and long-term support for women, men, and children escaping domestic violence. Learn how survivors can access help, why trauma-informed care matters, and how the community can support Safe Shelter through donations, volunteering, and pro bono services.

Crisis Line: (912) 629-8888

Website: https://www.safeshelter.org

In this Savannah Spotlight episode, we sit down with Jimmy Armel, former Army Ranger and founder of Knot Lucky, a nonprofit using fishing and community to help veterans heal from PTSD, addiction, and trauma.

Jimmy shares his deeply personal journey, the moments that nearly broke him, and how the water became a place of peace, purpose, and restoration. This conversation sheds light on veteran mental health, the power of connection, and how small acts of support can create life-changing impact.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The Horne Law Firm.

Watch the full video and explore the blog at:

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, host Renee LaSalle and co-host Michelle Horne sit down with Julie Wade, Founder and Executive Director of Tharros Place, for an important and eye-opening conversation about human trafficking in Coastal Georgia.

Julie shares the reality of trafficking happening in our own backyard, why Georgia ranks among the highest states in the nation, and how Tharros Place is providing life-changing care for girls ages 12–17 who are survivors of human trafficking. From education and therapy to life skills and 24/7 trauma-informed care, this episode highlights both the challenges and the hope found in survivor-centered healing.

We also explore the warning signs every community member should know, the gaps in services for survivors, and how local individuals, organizations, and businesses can help with education, outreach, and restoration.

While the topic is heavy, the work being done is inspiring — and a reminder that meaningful change happens when communities come together.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Horne Law Firm, for supporting community-focused storytelling and helping shine a light on organizations making a real impact.

🔗 For more information and resources, visit:

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, host Renee LaSalle and co-host Michelle Horne sit down with Derek Horne, president of The Horne Law Firm, to talk about law, leadership, and giving back to the community that shaped him.

From his personal story of adoption to building the largest Black-owned law firm in the area, Derek shares how compassion, accessibility, and service are at the core of his practice. You’ll hear why “where you live matters,” how community involvement fuels business growth, and why personal injury deserves personal attention.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Horne Law, a firm committed not only to serving clients but also to investing in Savannah, Pooler, and the Coastal Empire community.

To read the full blog, learn more about Derek’s story, and find additional information from this episode, visit:

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, hosts Renee LaSalle and Michelle Horne sit down with Lynnetta Smith, president of Combat Boots 2 the Boardroom, for a conversation that will change the way you think about military transition.

With nearly 22,000 active-duty service members in our region, Lynnetta shares why “Veterans Day is 365 days a year” and how her organization is creating real pathways for veterans and military spouses to thrive in civilian careers. From personal struggles with transition and PTSD awareness to launching veteran-only workforce cohorts and upcoming military spouse programs, this episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply impactful.

A special thank you to our sponsor, The Horne Law Firm, for supporting Savannah Spotlight and helping us continue to highlight the stories that matter in our community.

To read the full blog feature, visit:

Listen now and discover how you can support the mission.

In this powerful episode of Savannah Spotlight, we shine a light on Keepers of the Flame Foundation, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting women battling breast cancer.

Host conversations feature Joyce Williams, who shares the heart behind the foundation’s mission and the life-changing services they provide to women and families during one of their most difficult journeys. She’s joined by Ammie Dover and Michele Horne, who help guide an honest, compassionate discussion about caregiving, advocacy, and the importance of community support.

This episode is a reminder that meaningful impact often starts locally. Whether you’re looking for resources, ways to give back, or simply an inspiring story of hope and resilience, this conversation will leave you informed and encouraged.

Special thanks to The Horne Law Firm for sponsoring this episode and helping amplify the voices of organizations making a difference across the Savannah Metro community.

https://livelikelocals.tv/from-survivor-to-advocate-joyce-williams-mission-to-empower-savannahs-breast-cancer-community/ 

In the debut episode of Savannah Spotlight, host Renee LaSalle sits down with Whitney Gilliard, founder of Gilliard & Co., a Savannah-based nonprofit transforming the lives of young adults aging out of the foster care system. 

Sponsored by The Horne Law Firm

Whitney shares her deeply personal journey through foster care and how it inspired her to create a safe, supportive home for youth ages 18 to 21 who often fall through the cracks once they turn 18. This powerful conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked population and the real impact community support can make.

You’ll also learn how Gilliard & Co. is partnering with Live Like Locals during the Spring Fling at Tom Triplett Park, where they’ll host the Blue Ribbon Walk to raise awareness and funds for foster youth across Georgia.

This episode is inspiring, eye-opening, and a reminder that when a community shows up, lives can truly change. Tune in, share the story, and find out how you can be part of the mission.

https://livelikelocals.tv/savannah-spotlight-episode-1-shining-a-light-on-gilliard-co/