Youth In Need Receives $5,000 Grant From the UPS Foundation

Youth In Need recently received a $5,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used for educational materials critical to the success of the agency’s Safe Place program.

Safe Place is a national collaborative initiative that engages local social service providers, like Youth In Need, and their communities in providing safe havens and resources for youth in crisis situations. Public locations (both for-profit and nonprofit) serve as a network of “safe places” where youth in crisis access immediate help wherever they are. Young people seek Safe Place assistance if they are abused, neglected, kicked out of the house, in danger or for other similar reasons.

Currently, more than 450 businesses and 300 Metro St. Louis buses and trains, designated by the distinctive yellow and black diamond-shaped Safe Place sign, have signed on to support children and youth in the community by offering their places of business as “safe places.” Safe Place sites include libraries, churches and community centers, as well as all QuikTrip convenience stores, Walgreens and YMCAs. In addition, many other businesses, nonprofit organizations and fire departments serve as sites. Youth In Need became the regional provider of Safe Place in 2006.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation focuses its giving on nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability. In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs like Youth In Need’s Safe Place program and provide support for building stronger communities.

Youth In Need, a proud member of the United Way, is an eastern Missouri regional agency serving more than 23,000 children, teens and families each year with residential group homes, homeless street outreach, education, counseling and support groups, foster care case management and infant, child and family development programs. Youth In Need’s mission: Believing in the power of potential, Youth In Need’s mission is to provide nurturing environments and educational opportunities so children, youth and families will find safety and hope, achieve their goals, and build a positive future. Youth In Need’s programs and services are funded, in part, by its 2013 Children’s Partners, including Mercy as the Principal Partner. Visit www.youthinneed.org for a complete list of Youth In Need’s Champion, Guardian, Trustee and Patron Partners.