Chicago Turning Green During November’s National Runaway Prevention Month

Distribution of Green Light Bulbs on Michigan Avenue Raises

Awareness of Youth Runaway Issue and Solutions for Prevention

CHICAGO (November 6, 2008)—Chicago youth and adults joined together on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile this afternoon handing out green light bulbs to passersby in support of National Runaway Prevention Month, a public education campaign sponsored by the Chicago-based National Runaway Switchboard (NRS).

The youth and adults, who are members of NRS’ Street Team, were participating in the organization’s Green Light Project, a program of NRPM. The program raises awareness about youth runaway issues in this country and educates people about solutions and the role they can play in preventing young people from running.

“The green light bulbs are a symbol to show support of National Runaway Prevention Month and runaway and at-risk youth,” said Ruben Anzures, a 17-year-old senior at Lane Tech High School, who serves as the youth representative on the NRS board of directors, its Youth Task Force, and is a member of the Street Team.

According to Anzures, who also volunteers at the 1-800-RUNAWAY call center, too many young people run from home. In fact, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run from home each year in this country. Statistics indicate of those youth who call the 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline, family dynamics is the top reason for running or thinking of running.

Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director, said the NRS Street Team passed out more than 500 light bulbs between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. CT, and estimates more than 20,000 light bulbs are being passed out this month throughout the country by partnering groups participating in NRPM activities. One of those partners is National Safe Place, which is distributing more than 2,000 light bulbs in six states through its relationship with QuikTrip convenience stores. Also, Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC) is making the Green Light Project and NRPM program available to more than 8,000 of its member credit unions nationwide.

“Outside of Chicago we are receiving tremendous support from government and community leaders and numerous other social-service and school-based organizations,” she said. “The theme of this year’s National Runaway Prevention Month is Let’s Talk, and today’s event supports our goal of getting youth and adults talking about the challenges and issues youth face as well as runaway prevention in their communities.”

NRS Street Teams are active in Illinois, Maryland, New York, Georgia, California, Virginia, Ohio, and Washington. The groups and individuals are charged with getting the word out about 1-800-RUNAWAY by distributing materials to schools, churches, libraries and anywhere youth gather, to let young people know help is a phone call away.

About the National Runaway Switchboard
Established in 1971, NRS 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. More than 13,000 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.

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