NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL RUNAWAY PREVENTION MONTH
Annual Initiative Raises Awareness, Prevents Youth From Running Away
CHICAGO (October 5, 2006) – It’s a parent’s worst nightmare – their child has run away. A series of questions and incomprehensible outcomes run through their head. They wonder what to do, where their child was last seen, and what was discussed before they left home that day.
Kids run away from home. Even more contemplate running. And more than half of the youth calls handled by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) deal with a youth who is already on the street as a runaway, throwaway, or homeless youth.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month and NRS and the National Network for Youth (NNY) are embarking on the fifth annual national public education campaign to raise awareness of youth runaway issues, and to educate Americans about solutions that help prevent youth from running away.
“Both organizations are working closely with local school-based and social service agencies across the nation, encouraging each group to implement activities throughout November,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. “They are part of the solution in our effort to prevent America’s youth from running from home.”
An information and “how to” kit have been made available on the NRS website for youth and parents, and organizations to download and implement locally. The website is www.1800RUNAWAY.org.
Spirit of Youth Kicks Off National Runaway Prevention Month:
National Runaway Prevention Month officially kicks-off with NRS’ annual benefit, Spirit of Youth: A 35th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, in Chicago. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the annual “Spirit of Youth” award, which is presented to individuals and organizations for their work and dedication to helping America’s at-risk youth. This year, a star-studded cast will receive the award for their work on the Lifetime Original Movie, Augusta, Gone, the true story – based on the best-selling book – about a mother struggling to save her daughter from drugs, self-destruction and continuously running from home. The family was reunited after the daughter called NRS.
Among those being honored are Tim Matheson and Sharon Lawrence, co-stars of Augusta, Gone, who also filmed a public service announcement for NRS promoting its national crisis hotline – 1-800-RUNAWAY – which aired at the conclusion of the movie in March of this year; Martha Tod Dudman and Georgia Howland (Augusta), the author and real-life mother and daughter the book is based on; Laurie Goldstein, producer of the movie Augusta, Gone; and Lifetime Television. Also being recognized with a 2006 “Spirit of Youth” award is the Family and Youth Services Bureau of the United States Department of Health & Human Services.
Rock Band Supporting Cause:
The rock band Stereo Fuse and NRS have teamed up to prevent youth and teens from running away. Efforts of the partnership coincide with the new release of Stereo Fuse's single, "Like I Do" (Toucan Cove/Universal Records), and serves as a platform to reach youth.
"I wrote the song 'Like I Do' as a re-exploration of common teenage feelings - disenfranchisement and disillusionment," said Colin Hill, lead singer of Stereo Fuse. "I had some rough years growing up as a teen and even had thoughts of suicide. I wanted to offer a sense of understanding and hope in 'Like I Do' so kids know they are not in this world alone."
The members of Stereo Fuse are shunning traditional label efforts to instead bring visibility to NRS before focusing on themselves. Additionally, Stereo Fuse is planning a high school tour to deliver runaway prevention messages directly to youth audiences across the country.
What Others Are Doing:
NRS and the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY) have formed a new partnership to inform youth about 1-800-RUNAWAY. This October, NCFY is doing its part in preparation of November’s National Runaway Prevention Month. The organization, with the support of the Department of Health and Human Services, Family and Youth Services Bureau, will distribute nearly 50,000 toothbrushes displaying the 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline through programs that serve runaway and at-risk youth.
About NRS:
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.
About NNY:
The National Network for Youth, founded in 1975, is a membership organization comprised of youth-serving agencies, young people, youth workers, and youth advocates who seek to ensure that all young people can be safe and lead healthy and productive lives. The National Network focuses its work with and for youth, especially those who, because of life circumstance, disadvantage, past abuse, or prejudice, need greater opportunities and supports to become contributing members of their communities. For more information visit www.nn4youth.org.
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Contact:
Joel Kessel
For the National Runaway Switchboard
(773) 929-6805
jkessel@1800RUNAWAY.org
