Florida Youth Chosen for

Safe Place Publication

"Heart of the Matter" Contains Art, Poems, Stories

8 February 2008 - TW

Eight Florida youth, including youth served by Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), were among the 40 youth whose entries of artwork, poems and stories were selected for publication by the National Safe Place organization in "Heart of the Matter," released today.  Over 400 entries from across the nation were received.  Cash prizes were awarded to youth whose entries were chosen for the publication.

The Safe Place program is a national network of voluntary community sites where youth in need of help can go for safe refuge.  Lutheran Services Florida is the designated Safe Place provider in areas with LSF shelters.

"It is National Safe Place's hope that 'Heart of the Matter' will put a face on runaway and troubled youth in our country," said Communication Intern Lindsey Keller, "and educate people about what Safe Place is and what services we have to offer."

The introduction to the publication also states, "Heart of the Matter is a collection of creative work by young people, staff at Safe Place youth shelters and employees at Safe Place locations. The poems, artwork and stories that are included reflect the difficulties these youth experience and their hope for a brighter future. They represent their passion, courage and heart as they strive to overcome adversity."

Winners whose work was published are from 13 different states form North Carolina to California.  "Most of the youth used Safe Place services in their areas or were exposed to Safe Place though school programs designed to inform youth what types of services are available," said Ms. Keller.

Youth from Florida receiving a $25 gift card (and page locations of entries) are: Jessica, 12, of Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville (page 11);  Jonathan, 16, of B.E.A.C.H. House in Daytona Beach (page 18);  Brett, 14, of Lutheran Services Florida in Ft. Myers (pages 23 & 26);  Lila, 15, of Girls & Boys Town Central Florida in Oviedo (pages 23 &27); and Jeannie, 18, of Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville (page 29).

Youth Workers from Florida are:  Dorothy Costine Baggett of George W. Harris Youth Shelter in Bartow (page 10);  and Wendy Keighley of Crosswinds Youth Services in Cocoa (page 26).

Copies of Heart of the Matter will go to Safe Place locations, board directors, and other youth related organizations and associations.

Click here to see the art work and read the poems and stories in Heart of the Matter. (Broadband 2 mb)

 

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