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News Release

DATE: December 8, 2010
CONTACT: Brenda Burgy
PHONE: (419) 231-0888

Allen Correctional Institution donates
sleeping bags to benefit homeless youth

The number of homeless and runaway youth in Allen and surrounding communities tends to rise during the holiday season. For many, it’s easier to avoid the thought of a child without a safe and loving home or without clothes warm enough to protect them from the snow. But to inmates and staff members at Allen Correctional Institution, being away from home is a reality they know all too well.

On Thursday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m., officials from ACI will present the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Safe Harbor with dozens of sleeping bags. "The plight of homeless and runaway youth is not going to go away," says Charles Robinson, RTA spokesperson. "Any creature comforts we can provide these youth are greatly appreciated."

The donation comes on the heels of a recent announcement that RTA has become Safe Harbor’s latest "SafePlace" partner for youth. The SafePlace program is locally spearheaded by Safe Harbor, the region’s only runaway and homeless youth shelter.

This unique SafePlace partnership provides immediate help to any youth under the age of 18 who may find themselves in a dangerous or threatening situation. Early intervention in a family situation can often lead to more lasting solutions and help for families. When a youth knows there is a place to turn when things get rough, more serious problems may be prevented.

Among the local SafePlace sites are: Safe Harbor, the Drop-In Center in the YMCA annex, and the RTA. "SafePlace is another way Safe Harbor and its parent company Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) are reaching out to youth in crisis," says Rhonda Henderson-Laidlaw, Director, Safe Harbor. "We need local businesses to step up and become a SafePlace, or safe haven for children who need help."

The SafePlace program is voluntary and does not cost anything. Safe Harbor staff trains employees on what to do should a youth come into their place of business seeking assistance. Safe Harbor’s community outreach staff is specially equipped to handle these types of crises and will immediately be dispatched to assist the child.

Safe Harbor is located at 429 S. Jameson Avenue in Lima. The facility serves youth between the ages of 12 and 18 in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties.

Statistics indicate one in seven youth will run away during their teenage years. Safe Harbor provides these at-risk children shelter, food and clothing for up to 21 days. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to all teens who enter. The shelter accommodates five females and five males at one given time. It is equipped with a nursery for teenage runaway mothers.

Safe Harbor provides treatment planning, crisis management services, group, individual and family counseling, continued education through designated school, tutoring services, follow-up services after discharge, access to community resources, life skills development, employment services and support groups for youth and family.

For more information, please contact Brenda Burgy at 419-231-0888 or Safe Harbor at 419-228-7233.