Faith and gratitude are at the heart of Esther’s Place, the nonprofit founded in downtown Statesboro by Tanya Wright and Lori Brent. Since opening in 2022, the 501(c)(3) has been dedicated to serving women in the community facing some of life’s hardest challenges.

“Our motivation has only deepened over time,” Lori said. “We are just as inspired today as we were on day one — if not more. Walking alongside these women and families has opened our eyes even more to how great the needs truly are. It’s heartbreaking at times, but it fuels our passion to keep going and to create a place where hope and healing are possible.”

Whether it’s fatherless families, widows, women in recovery or those simply looking for more Bible-based support, Esther’s Place seeks to equip women with the skills and resources “to thrive, not just survive.”

Meeting immediate needs

For women in crisis, small things can make a big difference. Laundered clothes, a hot shower, a good meal — Esther’s Place offers all of these free of charge, along with personal care items, haircuts and clothing.

“Even when we can’t do everything, we make sure to love each woman right where she is and walk alongside her in whatever way we can,” Lori said.

Meals are often prepared onsite or donated, easing the burden for those experiencing homelessness, the loss of a spouse or other challenges.

Though while much of the focus of the nonprofit is on meeting physical needs, it also emphasizes nourishing the soul. Free-to-attend support groups held weekly include “Widow to Widow” Wednesdays and “Statesboro Moms of Addicts” on Saturday mornings. Bible studies and the “Healing Circle,” a group designed for women recovering from trauma, round out the schedule.

Building skills
for the future

Beyond immediate support, Esther’s Place works to prepare women for lasting independence. Budgeting and résumé-building classes are offered by appointment, teaching financial literacy and boosting confidence.

A major addition came with the launch of Esther’s Place thrift boutique in March 2025, which coincided with the organization’s move from its previous location on East Grady Street to a larger facility on Savannah Avenue. The front of the building houses the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations; in the back, patrons can shop the thrift store for women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, home décor and more.

“All items have been donated, and every dollar made goes directly back into the ministry,” Lori said. “We staff it, along with several volunteers giving of their time, from sorting donations, to stocking the store, to running the register.”

The boutique also provides a hands-on training ground. Women re-entering the workforce — following incarceration, addiction, personal loss or otherwise — gain experience greeting customers, making change and organizing merchandise, skills which are helpful in finding meaningful employment down the road.

A community that steps up

The founders of Esther’s Place are quick to credit the community for supporting their mission.

“We’ve been blessed with many unexpected partnerships,” Lori said. “Some individuals and groups prefer to remain anonymous, but they have gone above and beyond to support Esther’s Place in incredible ways. We are always looking for others to make the choice to ‘step into her story’ — whether by volunteering their time, sharing their talents, or partnering with us financially to continue this work.”

Each contribution adds up to create what Tanya and Lori call “a safe and welcoming space,” where women and their children can “experience the love and hope of Jesus” by receiving both practical help and spiritual encouragement.

Esther’s Night Out

Fundraising is essential to keeping Esther’s Place open and thriving. While percentage nights, donations and sales from the thrift boutique all help, the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser is Esther’s Night Out: A Celebration of Hope. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 event will be held October 25 from 6–10 p.m. at Rosewood Plantation in Statesboro. Guests can enjoy food, music, dancing and community, along with a silent auction and raffle offering prizes such as TVs, grills and firearms. Tickets are $20, and raffle tickets are $10 each, with all proceeds directly supporting the life-giving work of Esther’s Place.

“It’s more than a fundraiser,” Lori said. “This event is a chance to come together as a community to uplift and empower women who are facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.”

A place of hope

From prayers with strangers who walk in the door to the hundreds of loads of laundry done freely, Esther’s Place is changing lives every day. The work isn’t easy, and the needs are great. But for Tanya and Lori, the mission is clear.

“Our biggest challenge has definitely been not being able to meet every need that comes our way,” Lori said.

Looking ahead, both women envision Esther’s Place as not only a safety net but also a springboard for women to transform their lives, a place where they’ll find not just resources, but a community that believes in their value and potential.

“In the near future, that means strengthening our current programs and building partnerships,” Lori said. “Long-term, we would love to see women we’ve served become leaders themselves — mentoring others, breaking cycles of struggle, and creating a ripple effect of hope in our community.”