CHICAGO (November 10, 2006) – "Don't runaway love. You're not on your own" is the last line in Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges’ recently released song entitled "Runaway Love." The song, off of his new CD entitled "Release Therapy," went to number one on the Billboard charts.
"Runaway Love" addresses situations many youths in this country face that often times lead them to running away. Upon hearing about the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and its mission of helping to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets, the Grammy-Award Winning Rap Artist and Award-Winning Actor wanted to learn more about the runaway issue and organizations that are addressing this national crisis.
Ludacris visited NRS’ 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline Call Center today to experience firsthand how NRS is helping runaway and at-risk youth and their families. He was joined by Roberta Shields, president of The Ludacris Foundation, and other representatives from the Foundation.
"Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation realize there is a problem. Approximately 1.6 million youth run from home each year and we want to make people aware of the problem and to let them know there is help through 1-800-RUNAWAY," said Shields. "Today’s visit opened our eyes even more to how serious the runaway issue is and to what we can do to help today’s youth."
According to Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director, today’s visit was an opportunity to explain the work NRS does on behalf of youth, especially during National Runaway Prevention Month.
"NRS commends Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation for their commitment to helping runaway and at-risk youth. What they learned today will only lead to more youth and families being aware of the help they can receive by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY – our main goal throughout National Runaway Prevention Month," said Blaha.
NRS is the national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Through its 1-800-RUNAWAY national crisis hotline, the organization handled 102,144 calls in 2005. Nearly half of the calls (45 percent) were with youth. And of all calls with youth, 55 percent were already on the street as a runaway, throwaway, or homeless youth. The top reasons identified by youth who were already on the street as a runaway were family dynamics (divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings) and abuse (substance, physical, sexual). Additionally, runaway youth have an increased risk of pregnancy and substance abuse, and report being sexually abused seven times more than other youth.
The Ludacris Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to help young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of "Principles of Success." We aim to show young people in America that they are the builders of their future. We primarily use music and the arts to connect with young people by listening to their views, issues, and challenges. Our efforts reach youth at all age levels.
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, William Engram, and Chaka Zulu are the inspiration for the development of The Ludacris Foundation. These men have a deep-rooted tradition of Community Service that has only broadened with their celebrity status. The Ludacris Foundation was formally established in December of 2001 to sustain their commitment to make a difference in the lives of youth. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.
The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, has handled more than 3 million calls in its 35-year history and handles an average of 100,000 calls annually. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS’ Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit www.1800runaway.org.