by Tyler Ryder
New Prairie High School students recently learned the importance of Safe Places.
Safe Place, or National Safe Place is an organization created to prevent and rescue children from abuse. According to www.nationalsafeplace.org, the organization was created in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983. Since then Safe Place has done its part to shelter children and teens from abuse at home.
Starting as an outreach program, the YMCA presented the idea at the former Southeastern Network’s (SEN) conference to make the program a national service.
Additionally, in October 2009 safe place launched the TXT 4 help initiative. This allows youth to text the word “safe” to 69866 and receive immediate assistance.
On Tuesday, January 8th, NPHS teachers were instructed to show students a video on the Safe Place organization during the Cougar Mentor time.
“We have a committee who works on the activities for Cougar Mentor time,” said Justin Holmquest, vice principal at NPHS. “This month, activities revolve around making students more self reliant.”
Listening to what those around you have to say can also be a big help in assisting students in need.
“People give each other clues about what is going on in their lives without saying it outright.” continued Holmquest. “if you can recognize that someone is crying out for help, you should act on it.”
Unfortunately, abuse happens more often than anyone would like to think.
“Abuse doesn't discriminate based on how much money a family has or what their ethnicity is.” commented Holmquest. “I have faced this issue throughout my career in education, as have many teachers, and we have a responsibility to keep students safe and make sure they are okay.”
Holmquest advises students that if they see someone who is experiencing abuse at home, “tell your parent what you think is happening, talk to a guidance counselor, or talk to a teacher you trust with the information.”
The New Carlisle Fire Station is one of over 21,000 buildings across the country with a Safe Place sign.
Firefighter Bob Middlebrook says that his crew never had any special training on how to help children, “just see that they're safe.”
Thankfully, children seeking refuge has never been an issue for the fire department, Middlebrook added.
Similarly, there are multiple places to go on the NPHS campus if you need help but would like to avoid places like the fire station.
"If you or anyone you know is facing trouble at home, it's safe to say that Safe Place can help."
“Students can speak to their guidance counselor, a teacher they trust, an administrator, our SRO, or any other adult they feel comfortable confiding in,” Holmquest listed.
Teachers all over the country are obligated to keep their students safe.
Holmquest rounded it off with this message: “We have an obligation to keep students safe and if they need to tell us about concerns at home, we will do what we can to help.”
If you or anyone you know is facing trouble at home, it's safe to say that Safe Place can help. Additionally, if you or your community feels that you need something like Safe Place in your neighborhood, you learn how to incorporate it into your community by visiting www.nationalsafeplace.org.