Lincoln Commemorates "National Safe Place Week"

Lincoln Commemorates "National Safe Place Week"

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) today recognized the important efforts of Safe Place, a valuable public-private partnership that has served at-risk youth across America for the past 24 years. Lincoln co-sponsored a Senate resolution designating the week of March 12 as "National Safe Place Week."

"Our young people need to know they have somewhere to go and someone to talk to when facing a dangerous situation," said Lincoln. "I applaud Safe Place for making a difference in the lives of children by providing a helping hand when it is needed most."

Safe Place is a nationally acclaimed program that makes help readily accessible to young people who might be abused, neglected, threatened or in immediate danger. The Safe Place program relies on community partners including businesses, schools, fire departments, law enforcement, social service agencies and a network of committed volunteers who make themselves available to young people at Safe Place locations at any time. The program is currently operated by 140 agencies serving 700 communities in 40 states. More than 200,000 youth have received help through Safe Place.

Marion is home to East Arkansas Youth Services, Inc., one of two Safe Place locations in Arkansas. The other, Youth Bridge, is located in Fayetteville.

http://lincoln.senate.gov/press_show.cfm?id=270500