SAVANNAH, Ga. - GeorgiaChron -- (SAVANNAH, Ga.) The Living Vine, a nonprofit maternity home that empowers pregnant women in crisis, has announced the promotion of Dawn Rodriguez to executive director. In her expanded role, Rodriguez will oversee the organization's residential program as well as its nonprofit thrift stores, Blessingdales, located in Savannah and Georgetown.

Rodriguez previously served as resident director of The Living Vine and succeeds Karen Beasley, who led the organization for the past four and a half years. In addition to providing housing, meals, and life-skills training for women and children, The Living Vine operates Blessingdales Thrift Stores to help fund its mission and provide affordable goods to the community.

"This is a new season for The Living Vine, and I'm honored to continue the growth and momentum that Karen began," said Rodriguez. "I hope to expand the services we provide to women and families in crisis and develop stronger partnerships throughout the Savannah area, especially as we prepare to open an additional Blessingdales Thrift Store in Georgetown. This expansion allows us to reach more people, create more jobs, and serve more families in need."

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Rodriguez will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Keith Copeland, director of Retail Operations, for the grand opening of Blessingdales Georgetown at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17. The expanded 11,214-square-foot store is expected to provide significantly increased support for The Living Vine maternity home. It will carry up to 15,000 garments compared to 5,000 garments in the current Savannah location.

Both stores combined are expected to employ 25 staff members, including four mothers currently living at The Living Vine who each work about 18 hours per week. A dedicated team of 12 regular volunteers contributes an estimated 50 hours per week to the effort.

Rodriguez brings a strong background in organizational development, commercial and residential property management, and ministry leadership. She has led both large and small groups in recovery and faith-based outreach. She holds a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis in organizational development.

Originally from Ramsey, Minn., Rodriguez is an avid reader and enjoys walking, yoga, bike riding, and beginner pickleball. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.