The Teen Emergency Shelter opened in 1992, specifically to meet the needs of homeless and runaway youth, deter school dropouts, and strengthen families. It has an eight bed coed facility licensed to accept kids ages 10 to 17. The TES is the only facility of its kind within a 100-mile radius. Admission to the shelter is voluntary, but often the result of a referral by a school, Juvenile Probation, CPS, the Police, or one of the 34 Safe Place sites in the area. TES has been an active Member of The National Safe Place program since 1993.The average length of stay is about two weeks. She shelter is partially funded by a Basic Center Program grant.
An integral part of the Teen Shelter’s program is the counseling provided to teens and their families. The purpose of the counseling is to defuse the crisis situation, identify the problems that led to the crisis, provide the family with coping skills, and encourage an environment in which the youth can mature into a reasonably content and responsible adult. Youths receive medical evaluations, referrals, and independent living/ social skills training, with an emphasis on education and employment. The TES provides an aftercare program at no cost to the family. Substance abuse education and prevention counseling is also provided.
The Teen Shelter is committed to providing youths, a safe, supportive environment in which they can make constructive decisions about their future and their relationship with others.
So How does Safe Place Work?
- A young person in crisis enters a designated Safe Place location, identified by a distinct yellow and black sign. These locations include places like schools, Straight Street, fire stations, or businesses like QT Quick Trip or Walmart.
- The youth asks for assistance from a site employee.
- TXT 4 HELP: Youth can also text “SAFE” and their location to 4HELP (44357) to receive information about the nearest Safe Place location and have the option to text with a professional for immediate help.
- The site employee provides a comfortable space for the youth and contacts the local, licensed Safe Place agency- Teen Shelter.
- Within a short timeframe (usually 20-30 minutes), a qualified Safe Place/Teen Shelter staff member arrives to meet with the youth.
- The Safe Place/Teen Shelter staff talks with the youth and assesses their needs.
- They provide transportation to the Teen Emergency Shelter (BCP Program) for counseling, a temporary place to stay, or other resources as needed.
- At the agency, counselors offer support and connect the youth and their families with professional services, including those provided by BCP shelters.
- BCP shelters offer temporary emergency shelter for youth under 10-17
- They provide essential services such as food, clothing, and referrals for health care.
- BCP programs also provide counseling services (individual, group, and family) to help youth and families navigate challenging situations.
- The goal is to reunite young people with their families when possible and to help locate appropriate alternative placements when reunification isn’t feasible.
- Since our agency operates a Safe Place and BCP program we also conduct outreach in schools and communities to raise awareness about available services for runaway and homeless youth.
- Intensive Street Outreach:
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- Reaching out to unsheltered youth: This includes youth living in encampments, parks, abandoned buildings, vehicles, or at youth events for kids that “couch surf”.
- Building trust and rapport: TES Outreach workers establish relationships with youth, which is crucial for gaining their trust and encouraging them to accept services.
- Connecting with a person-centered approach: TES Outreach workers assess individual needs and connect youth with appropriate services (through our BCP), such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, or medical care, without imposing preconditions. Basic care and immediate shelter.
- Focusing on housing stability: The ultimate goal of street outreach is to help youth move into safe and stable housing, whether through reunification with family or other housing options.
- Collaborating with partners: TES Outreach workers collaborate with a network of organizations to provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to youth.
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- Volunteering Time and Skills:
- Offer your time to help with special projects or holiday events, organizing donation drives, or providing help through a community service project t or clean up day.
- If you have specific skills, such as counseling, education, or job training, consider offering workshops or seminars to residents to help them transition to stable housing and employment.
- Many shelters welcome help with tasks like cleaning facilities, feeding animals, walking dogs, or even taking pictures of pets for adoption if it’s an animal shelter.
- Donating Resources:
- Financial Contributions: Monetary donations are crucial as they allow shelters flexibility in addressing their most pressing needs.
- Essential Supplies: Donate items like food, clothing (especially new socks and underwear), hygiene products, cleaning supplies, twin sheet sets and zippered mattress protectors, and standard pillows.
- Specialized Items: Depending on the shelter’s focus, consider donating items specific to their needs, such as holiday supplies, gift card for shopping or outings, or recreational and craft supplies.
- Engaging in Advocacy and Awareness:
- Raise Awareness: Help educate the community about the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the work of shelters. This can be done through social media, community events, or simply by talking with others. You can also invite our TES Outreach staff to come and visit with your organization or business.