National Safe Place Network (NSPN) is pleased to announce March 15-21, 2020 as National Safe Place Week.
The nationally recognized week serves to raise awareness about the Safe Place program, a national program which
brings together businesses and volunteers to help youth in crisis. “The Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County
is the Safe Place provider in Wabash County and we are pleased to be a part of this worthy effort, “shared Crystal
Kish, Safe Place Coordinator.
“Unfortunately, young people face troubling issues in today’s world, such as abuse, neglect, bullying and serious
family problems,” said Laurie Jackson, President / CEO for NSPN. “It’s up to all of us to offer solutions, places where
youth can go to get help. National Safe Place Week is the perfect opportunity for communities across the country to
assess and strengthen their safety net for youth.”
It is estimated that more than one million youth run away from home each year due to abuse, neglect, family
conflicts and other issues. The Safe Place program is an option for young people who feel they have nowhere to turn,
especially in rural communities.
Safe Place consists of a national network of more than 21,000 partnering businesses and community locations,
such as fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and libraries, which display the Safe
Place sign in their windows. As youth enter a designated Safe Place and ask for help, trained staff members connect
them to the appropriate youth shelter for assistance. There are 47 sites throughout Wabash County who are trained
and available to provide immediate support to youth.
In addition to Safe Place sites, youth may also access immediate help via TXT 4 HELP, a text-for-support service
for youth in crisis. Teens can text the word “safe” and their current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) to
receive a message with the closest Safe Place location and the number for the local youth shelter. Users also have
the option to text interactively with a counselor for more help.
“The Youth Services Bureau began offering the Safe Place program in Wabash County in 2014 and we are
humbled with the support of the community as we continue to enhance the program in Wabash County,” Jan
Williams, Executive Director.