YES Encourages Local Businesses, Organizations to Sign On as a Safe Place

This year, National Safe Place Week will be celebrated March 18-24. Youth Emergency Services (www.yesomaha.org) encourages local businesses and organizations in the Omaha Metro to get involved and sign on as a designated Safe Place.

Whether riding with an unsafe or under-the-influence driver or being separated from friends in unfamiliar and possibly dangerous situations, sometimes youth need help and safety from an immediate threat from strangers and even friends. Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people in need of immediate help and safety.

As a collaborative community prevention initiative, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. Safe Place sites are businesses and other public locations designated by licensed Safe Place agencies as “safe places” for youth to go when in a crisis situation. These locations fit criteria set up by NSPN and receive orientation and training by Youth Emergency Services.

NSP Week also serves to recognize the many valued partners who work together to provide immediate help and safety for all young people. It is a dedicated time to acknowledge licensed Safe Place agencies, Safe Place locations and community partners and volunteers. These individuals and groups are the pillars of strength that support the national safety net for youth.

For more information on becoming a Safe Place location, please contact Shawn Miller, Safe Place Coordinator, at (402) 345-5187 / smiller@yesomaha.org.