National Runaway Safeline Recognizes 2015 Volunteer of the Year
Chicago resident to be honored for commitment to serving youth and families across the United States
CHICAGO, April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Runaway Safeline (NRS), an organization that helps keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets, is honoring Carolyn Smigla of Chicago, Ill., as its 2015 Volunteer of the Year. Smigla will be recognized for exceeding her commitment to assisting youth and their families across the country at NRS' Volunteer and Community Recognition Event taking place on April 22 at Blackfinn Ameripub in Chicago, Ill.
"Volunteers like Carolyn are the lifeblood of our organization, and without them we wouldn't be as effective in providing the prevention and crisis intervention resources needed by youth, families and community members today," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "We congratulate Carolyn on this honor, and sincerely thank her for giving selflessly of her time and talents."
Since 2013, Smigla has volunteered more than 215 hours of service in the 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline call center. Over the past two years, she has logged more than 160 crisis calls, which includes reconnecting youth with their families through NRS' Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc., and handling numerous calls advocating and searching for available resources.
"I am deeply honored to have been chosen as this year's Volunteer of the Year," said Smigla. "I stand in awe of our brave callers and sincerely admire the compassionate, dedicated and selfless volunteers I serve with at the National Runaway Safeline."
More than 120 NRS volunteers handle crisis calls in the 24-hour call center, as well as help plan activities such as the Spirit of Youth benefit and National Runaway Prevention Month in November. Approximately 495 Street Team members promote NRS services across the states. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at NRS, visit 1800runaway.org/volunteer-match-and-opportunities/.
The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) makes more than 250,000 connections to help and hope through hotline (1-800-RUNAWAY), online (1800RUNAWAY.org), texting (66008) and offline resources. 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 15,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS' Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. For more information, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.
SOURCE National Runaway Safeline (NRS)
Related Links
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article