Safe Place is a nationally recognized youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own.
Our mission is “ to provide access to immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses”.
This is done by creating a network within the community that provides safe places for youth in crisis. Safe Place locations consist of businesses, libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public transit and any other public buildings in the community.
Youth experience all kinds of difficult situations and need a safe place to work through their problems. Within our community we have the Youth Service Bureau’s emergency teen shelter — the Burrowes Street Youth Haven. The Centre County area now has over 20 Safe Place sites that directly connect you to the teen shelter. This shelter is a safe alternative for youth who may be in a dangerous situation or who have been asked to leave their home.
Youth who need immediate assistance can go to any location that has the yellow and black Safe Place signs. They can also use the text for help program. By texting the word “Safe” and a current location to 69866 youth will receive the closest Safe Place location.
The Safe Place location connects with the local Safe Place agency, in this case, the Youth Service Bureau. Agency staff help youth and their families receive the help and referrals they may need. This system provides immediate assistance to youth who may not have the support they need. Safe Place help is free and confidential and information is provided to youth through educational presentations, peers and social media.
Safe Place provides an opportunity for businesses to take an active role in helping the youth in our community. Youth are more likely to seek out help from familiar places that they recognize or go to on a regular basis. Becoming a Safe Place is easy. All training and supplies are supplied by the Youth Service Bureau. Click HERE for more information.
Safe Place week is March 16 through March 22, so look for the YSB Bee BUZZ at various Safe Place locations within your area!
Vanessa Baronner is the Director of the Burrowes Street Youth Haven, which is a part of the Centre County Youth Service Bureau.
