LSF Southwest Hosts Safe Place Fun Day

21 March 2010

FORT MYERS – Lutheran Services Florida’s Southwest Region marked National Safe Place Week March 14-20.

As Safe Place agencies across the country held celebrations to raise awareness in their communities, LSF Southwest hosted “Safe Place Fun Day” March 20.

“The event was held at The STARS Complex, a community complex within walking distance of many families,” said Lauren Smith, LSF Outreach Specialist. STARS houses educational, athletic and self-development programs for at-risk youth in Fort Myers.

Free hot dogs, sodas, juices and water enticed residents to take a look at the programs and services showcased in the event. Various community partners were invited to set up tables and distribute information, including American Red Cross of Lee County, Goodwill Good Guides, Hodges University, Hope Healthcare Services, Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alumni Association, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Mount Hermon Preparatory Academy, Safe House, Wings of Shelter, and LSF’s Oasis Youth Shelter and Case Management Organization.

Children enjoyed bounce houses along with cotton candy and snow cones on a clear, sunny day while their parents browsed the display tables. The bounce houses were donated by Mount Hermon Ministries and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alumni Association, and the Kappa Alphas also cooked up all the hot dogs served during the event.

Thanks to the support and donations received, the entire event was free to the community. Total attendance for the day was 150 children and 50 adults, a great turnout for a first-time event, Ms. Smith said.

As a designated Safe Place agency, LSF serves as a partner with local businesses and schools to help youth in trouble. Project Safe Place is a national network of community sites where youth in need of help can go for safe refuge. LSF is a designated Safe Place provider in all areas with LSF youth shelters, including Fort Myers, Crestview, Oakland Park and Pensacola.

Lutheran Services Florida is a statewide, nonprofit human services agency dedicated to helping all people in need regardless of religious affiliation, age or national origin. Headquartered in Tampa, the agency has more than 60 programs located throughout Florida. Since it was established in 1982, LSF has helped more than 800,000 children and families. LSF’s mission is to bring God’s healing, hope and help to people in need.

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