Testimonial
“I couldn’t control my son. I couldn’t even talk to him. But Safe Place helped us sit down and really communicate…to connect. Now we see each other for who we are, and what we we’re going through. Safe Place helped me get my son back.”
– Ronald, Parent of 14-year-old
Resource Links
National Runaway Switchboard: www.1800runaway.org
Helpful Articles for Parents
Educational Resources
Jefferson County Public Schools Parent Support
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is YMCA Safe Place Services?
- How can I get help?
- Who can use YMCA Safe Place Services?
- What happens at Shelter House?
- How can a youth I know get involved in the next Y-NOW Children of Prisoners Mentoring Program?
- How long is the commitment for the mentoring program?
What is YMCA Safe Place Services?
We offer a continuum of unique programming for our community’s young people and their families. Whether it is through our 24 bed emergency teen residential shelter, our 24 hour hotline, our intensive and immediate case management by skilled and experienced staff, our network of “entry points” at over 340 Safe Place sites located across the community or our street outreach, teens and families in need are utilizing the powerfully effective programs we have available to them and getting the help they need.
How can I get help?
You can come by yourself or with your teen to our agency located at 2400 Crittenden Drive 24 hours a day (next to the Denny’s at Eastern Parkway and Crittenden Drive) – ring the front doorbell if it’s after 5:00pm.
You can call us for advice or to ask questions about things that are bothering you or that you are concerned about. We can give you ideas about other places to go for help too.
Who can use YMCA Safe Place Services?
Any parent or guardian of a teen (12-17) can access our services.
Because a broad range of the community supports us, we are able to provide services 100% free to the teens and families we serve.
We also provide case management support to 18 to 22 years old young adults. This population is extremely vulnerable to dangerous situations and if circumstances at home could be resolved it might be safer for this young person to go back home and work on a different plan.
What happens at Shelter House?
Once at Shelter House a case manager will discuss in private the issues that brought you and your teen here. From what is shared it may be determined that the teen and you may benefit from some time apart. During this respite period your teen and family will work on a plan to figure out some solutions to what brought you here. The decision for your teen to stay at Shelter House is voluntary. No one will force them to stay. Shelter House is for teens ages 12 – 17 years old.
We have male and female dorms, each with 12 beds spread out over 4 individual rooms.
While your teen is here we will provide them with a structured environment that is safe. They will be provided a bed, food, clothing (if they need some), hygiene products, shower, transportation to their regular school, family mediation, life skills and also meaningful activities and any medical attention they may need.
Our goal is to keep families together by working things out in a way that highlights the strengths of the family. Our staff is creative and have decades of experience and expertise working holistically with families. We take both sides into account – yours and the teens and want you each to come away with a plan to help make things better at home.
How can I get involved in the next Y-NOW Children of Prisoners Mentoring Program?
Call Rebecca Hentz @ 635-4393
How long is the commitment for the mentoring program?
Twelve months
What are the criteria for youth participation in the mentoring program?
Must have a parent incarcerated
11-15 years old
Must commit to attending weekend workshop, group meetings, and working with a mentor for 12 months
