The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is proud that all of our library locations are Youth Service Bureau (YSB) of St. Joseph County Safe Place Stations! According to nationalsafeplace.org there are over 20,000 Safe Place Stations across the country.
What is Safe Place?
Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people under the age of 18 (up to 21 years of age in some communities) in need of immediate help and safety. As a collaborative community prevention initiative, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. Safe Place locations include libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public buses, businesses, and social service facilities. Designated Safe Place locations display the Safe Place sign, the universal symbol of youth safety.
Safe Place History
Safe Place has been keeping kids safe for 40 years. The program began as part of the YMCA Shelter House in Louisville, KY, in 1983 and has since expanded to 38 states and 1500 communities nationally. The National Safe Place Network celebrated its 40th anniversary of Safe Place during National Safe Place Week in March 2023.
National Safe Place Week
National Safe Place (NSP) Week is celebrated nationwide during the third full week of March each year. This week is dedicated to honoring Safe Place, an outreach and prevention program for youth in crisis. NSP Week acknowledges the many valued partners who work together to provide immediate help and safety for young people. It is a time to recognize licensed Safe Place agencies, Safe Place locations, and the community partners and volunteers who contribute to this cause. These individuals and groups serve as the foundation of support for the national safety net for youth.
Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County
YSB coordinates over 100 Safe Place locations in St. Joseph County. A youth in crisis or someone who knows a youth in crisis can call the Youth Services Bureau of St. Joseph County 24/7 at (574) 235-9396.
Please join MPHPL in spreading the news about National Safe Place Week and the Youth Services Bureau of St. Joseph County!
- Learn more about how Safe Place works and where you can find a Safe Place.
- Become a Safe Place supporter and learn more about the Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County.