Young people today face many challenges growing up, and serious problems like poverty, homelessness, abuse and other dire situations can often be difficult to discuss and address.
The Christopher Youth Center works with the national Safe Place organization to help area youths who find themselves in a crisis. In an effort to reach more youth and increase awareness, the two organizations celebrate National Safe Place Week March 20-26.
"Christopher's Youth Center is a non-profit organization that deals with kids in crisis situations relating to homelessness, victimization, running away, domestic issues in the family -- anything that would cause them to be in a crisis situation that they don't know how to deal with, and most of all don't know where get to get any help, " says Outreach Specialist Rodney Alex. The Christopher Youth Center works the other 63 Safe Places in the area to help youth in northeast Louisiana get whatever help they may need to make through difficult times.
One of the center's programs is designed to help school age children facing homelessness. The program requires the children to continue to attend school regardless of what adversities they may face outside of the classroom. In return, the children are provided with housing, food, medical care, counseling, and help with schoolwork.
Another initiative trains students in several area middle schools to recognize peers in crisis, and how best to provide information to them about how to get help. The Safe Place organization also has a service in place for a child in crisis to text the word "SAFE" to 69866 to find a place to get immediate help.
To find out more about the Christopher Youth Center, or how to help youth visit the website or call 345-5556.
