LSF Celebrates National

Safe Place Week

(Oakland Park, February 27, 2006) The Lutheran Services Florida-Southeast Region announced today that March 12-18 has been designated as “National Safe Place Week” to raise awareness of the number of troubled young people while also letting youths and families in crisis know that help is available right in their own neighborhood.

The LSF-Southeast Region is the designated Safe Place provider in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Most youths in crisis need immediate help to avoid becoming victimized by older predators and Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) provides immediate assistance by giving them safe haven in its Lippman Youth Shelter, located at 221 N.W. 43rd Court in Oakland Park.

Every year, children are reported missing in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Some run away from difficult situations at home, others are the victims of child abduction, and still others are homeless after frustrated parents have locked them out of the house. The longer youths remain homeless and living on the streets, the greater are the difficulties they experience as they struggle to survive, so LSF staff is available around the clock daily to help troubled youths.

“Project Safe Place is the lifeline to safety for abused and neglected children. I personally want to thank all of the volunteers, businesses and governmental entities for their participation in this program and for making our communities a better and safer place in which our children can live and thrive,” said Ms. Martha Rubio, Director of the LSF Southeast Region that operates the Lippman Youth Shelter.

A young person in a crisis situation need only walk into a participating business or public building displaying the well-known, black and yellow Safe Place sign, ask for help, and an employee will immediately connect them with Lutheran Services Florida and they will be transported to the Lippman Youth Shelter for safety, counseling and other services. Safe Place sites include local businesses, libraries, fire stations, schools, and hospitals. Volunteers are trained and available to respond within minutes to troubled youths at Safe Place sites. For information about Project Safe Place, or to volunteer your time or make a financial donation, please call (954) 568-2801.

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a statewide, non-profit, human care agency dedicated to helping all people in need regardless of religious affiliation, age, or national origin. Since the LSF was established nearly 25 years ago, over 750,000 people in need have received assistance from more than 65 programs LSF operates throughout Florida.

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