Partner Spotlight: Florida Keys Children’s Shelter
Helping Kids and Families get Back on Track
The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (FKCS) recognizes that everyone deserves a chance to shine. As a new National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) partner, FKCS is shining a light on the issues faced by youth who have runaway and those who have experienced homelessness in Monroe County, Fla.
Since 1985, FKCS’s programs have helped and counseled thousands of children and families from Key Largo to Key West. They operate the only licensed emergency shelter for ages 0-18 in the Florida Keys and the only federally-funded drop-in center for ages 21 and under in the area.
Additionally, FKCS provides free, personalized counseling, coaching, and education to empower individuals to live up to their highest potential. And, their new, highly anticipated Key West Transitional Living Program (TLP) welcomes young adults, ages 18 to 22 years old, who may be homeless, aging out of foster care, or in other situations that limit self-sufficiency.
“People often imagine the Keys to be a paradise devoid of common problems found in cities across the country,” said Lynda Weinstein, Development Director at FKCS. “The Keys, however, aren’t immune to challenges, such as youth homelessness. In fact, we find many people come to the Keys seeking a better life, but quickly find themselves struggling due to the high cost of living and low wages.”
Facing financial pressures, tension at home, and other concerns, approximately 500 youth and families turn to FKCS for help each year. In partnership with organizations, schools, and programs throughout the area, FKCS responds to youth and families’ needs with vocational training, life skills coaching, counseling, access to shelter, and other resources designed to keep people on track and off the streets.
“At our Key West TLP, many young people simply want to be heard,” said Giordan Pinzon, Case Manager & Community Outreach Specialist, at FKCS.
As a new NRPM partner, the FKCS team used the campaign toolkit to plan their NRPM activities. With a strong social media following, they are sharing news and information on Facebook and will participate in several national events.
We are proud to welcome Florida Keys Children’s Shelter into the National Runaway Prevention Month partner community and applaud them for their efforts to help youth feel supported and empowered.
For more information about Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, visit fkcs.org.
March 2024 Volunteer of the Month
We’re excited to spotlight Nissa Petrewski, who has been voted as National Runaway Safeline’s Volunteer of the Month for March 2024. This is Nissa’s second time receiving this acknowledgement from the NRS Team, initially being celebrated in April of 2022.
Nissa’s was introduced to NRS at the Chicago Volunteer Expo hosted at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. She was immediately drawn to the details of the organization’s training and preparation for volunteers. Inspired, she decided to complete training and take an active role on NRS’s front lines.
February 2024 Volunteer of the Month
Debby Shen’s commitment to helping others shines brightly through her volunteer work at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). Originally from Ohio and now residing in Chicago, Debby began volunteering in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Luckily, Debby was able to complete training and spend around 6 months taking crisis contact. As mounting challenges with COVID-19 caused organizations around the world to move to a fully-remove model, NRS was forced to temporarily pause its volunteer program. As soon as the program returned, Debby was among the first volunteers to return!
January 2024 Volunteer of the Month
The National Runaway Safeline is thrilled to announce Jackie Barron as the January 2024 volunteer of the month. Jackie’s path to volunteering with NRS was paved with empathy and a desire to make a positive impact. Growing up in a challenging family environment, Jackie often found herself in the “fixer” role (having a keen sense of responsibility, often prioritizing the needs of other before her own), even at a young age. This understanding of adversity and resilience led her to seek out opportunities to give back, ultimately leading her to NRS.