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SAVANNAH, Ga. — After a year-long closure prompted by financial difficulties, Greenbriar Children’s Center has unveiled its revitalization plans.
“We took a step back to reassess, focusing on a pivotal question: how can we serve children and families most effectively?” stated Connie S. Cooper, President of Greenbriar Children’s Center. “Our vision extends beyond the present, aiming for long-term impact.”
Offering childcare services for infants and preschoolers across Chatham County, the center plays a vital role in the community.
In 2025, the facility shut down due to unsustainable financial conditions, leaving families and staff with only a brief notice period, which sparked controversy.
“Convincing people that such issues won’t recur is challenging,” Cooper admitted. “While we can’t predict economic shifts, we are committed to sustainability and won’t reopen until we are assured of long-term viability.”
Cooper said there was conversations about a strategic plan in 2020, but nothing took place until 2025. This is when they were forced to close their doors are relieve all their staff because they couldn’t financially sustain themselves any longer.
Now, with help from Chatham County, they are able to reopen their doors and renovate their 15-acre property.
“We’re putting some safeguards in place that weren’t there before,” Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis said. “We’re putting some checks and balances in place so that once the county has done everything that it can do, then it can sustain itself.”
Chatham County has secured $480,000 from local and state officials to help with the renovation plan. The project will include the demolition of two buildings, along with other buildings being completely remodeled.
“Today is about far more than renovating a building,” Cooper said. “It represents resilience, intentional partnerships and an unwavering commitment to children and families in our communities.”
Greenbriar leaders said the construction is set to begin in April and the center will reopen Fall 2026.