Safe Place Omaha

The Safe Place program originated in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 in response to the growing number of runaway youth and their need for immediate help. Safe Place is a national 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. Safe Place also provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses.

Who Uses Safe Place?
Safe Place focuses on youth ages 12-17, however agencies can serve youth younger or older. Y.E.S. will serve youth up to 19 years old through the Safe Place program. Outreach and presentations are given to youth of all ages through a variety of community presentations, and community tabling events.

Why do youth use Safe Place?
Youth use Safe Place for a variety of reasons: escape from abusive situations, bullying, family problems, problems at school, homelessness, unsafe transportation, being followed or threatened, and overall stressful situations.


How does it work?
Youth enters a Safe Place location, asks for help, the staff calls the designated phone number for Y.E.S. This phone call comes into a phone located at our shelter. The shelter staff receives the information and contacts the designated staff members depending on the situation. Staff members (at least 2) will respond to the phone call by meeting the youth at the Safe Place location. The staff will then work to resolve the crisis by utilizing different methods and options to keep the youth safe.


Outcomes
Our goal is to address the crisis situation and help the youth immediately. Many youth return to their families or relatives, some youth and families receive additional support, some youth enter into Y.E.S.’ shelter and housing programs. Older youth may go into an adult shelter, and other community based programs. Law enforcement is contacted whenever the youth alleges child abuse and neglect or is in a dangerous situation. When staff receive valid contact information they will notify the youth’s parents. Law enforcement may be called for more information and advisement. Y.E.S. staff will provide safe transportation for the youth.


Safe Place Locations
Safe Place locations are referred to as “sites.” These sites are local businesses and non-profit businesses. Sites can be Quick Trip gas stations, Subway restaurants, Omaha Public Libraries, YMCAs, Girls Inc., Hy-Vee grocery stores, etc. In the Omaha metro area, there are 90 sites. Services areas include: Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Ralston, Gretna, Valley; Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Dangers of Running Away
Youth deal with crisis situations differently. Some turn to friends and family, while many others do not. Some get in trouble at school, at home, with the law and can end up on the streets. Turning to “the streets” can often make things much worse by making themselves vulnerable to physical danger and exploitation. While on the streets, youth can be initiated into criminal activity as a means to survive. For many youth it is a downward spiral the longer they are without safe shelter and support.