Evanston resident to be recognized for commitment to serving youth and families throughout America
CHICAGO (April 7, 2011)—Brian Meister of Evanston will be honored as the 2011 National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) Volunteer of the Year for his commitment to helping runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families. Miss Illinois 2010, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will present Meister with the award at the 40th Anniversary Volunteer and Community Recognition event beginning at 6:30 p.m., on April 11, at Zed 451, 739 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Ill.
In just over a year, Meister logged more than 525 hours in the 1-800-RUNAWAY call center, assisting runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families by working early morning, late night and even overnight shifts. He handled 1,928 incoming calls and made 210 calls on behalf of callers, advocating and searching for available resources. Meister helped reunite 13 youth with their families through NRS’ Home Free program in partnership with Greyhound Lines, Inc. He also supported NRS as a donor.
“Brian has served youth across the country by being a passionate advocate and donor, logging many hours to provide resources and reunite families,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. “We are very appreciative to have volunteers, like Brian, who devote their time and support to NRS.”
In addition to the recognition event, Gov. Pat Quinn has proclaimed April 11, 2011, National Runaway Switchboard Volunteer Recognition Day in Illinois.
More than 150 NRS volunteers handle crisis calls in the 24-hour call center, help plan activities such as the Spirit of Youth benefit and National Runaway Prevention Month, while more than 225 Street Team members promote NRS across the country. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at NRS, visit www.1800runaway.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, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception. 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 14,000 youth have been reunited with their families through the 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.
CONTACT:
Joel Kessel
(614) 467-9083
joel@kesselcommunications.com