Gateway Joins National 'Safe Place' Program

Gateway Community & Technical College has taken the steps necessary to have each of its campuses designated as a Safe Place as part of the national youth outreach program sponsored locally by the Brighton Center.

The national Safe Place initiative seeks to provide a network of safe havens and resources for young people aged 12 to 17 who are in crisis. Safe Place extends a community's youth service network to additional locations, such as schools, fire stations, libraries and other appropriate public buildings, and helps at-risk young people understand there are many alternatives where they can seek help, said Tim Chesser, Gateway director of safety and security.

Joining the Safe Place network is a natural extension of our care and concern for the community as a whole, Chesser said. Safe Place signs are now displayed prominently on Gateway campus buildings, and personnel have been trained to assist young people who may walk in looking for help.

The signs let young people know there is someone on our campus who can help them, he added. All they need to do is walk in and tell one of our staff members they need help. Well find a safe, comfortable place for them to wait while we contact the Brighton Center, who will send a trained representative to our campus to provide the youth with the support and services they need.

For more information about Safe Place, visit www.nationalsafeplace.org.