National Runaway Safeline Recognizes 2016 Volunteer of the Year

CHICAGO, April 25, 2016 /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 Rashida Black of Chicago, IL., as its 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Black 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 27 at Zed 451 in Chicago, IL.

"Volunteers like Rashida 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, their families and community members today," said Maureen Blaha, NRS' executive director. "We congratulate Rashida on this honor, and sincerely thank her for giving selflessly of her time and talents."

Since 2013, Black has volunteered more than 192 hours of service in the 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis services center. Over the past two and half years, she helped youth through hotline and online services, which includes reconnecting youth with their families through NRS' Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.

"Each time we respond to those brave enough to ask for help," said Black, "we are also granted an opportunity to grow, understand our world, and heal through intense and personal connections. 

Essentially NRS realigns our humanity - human connections and helping each other is at the core of the NRS' mission and the reason I volunteer."

More than 130 NRS volunteers support youth through 24-hour crisis services, as well as, serve on our Associate Board, National Runaway Prevention Month Task Force and as Street Team ambassadors.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities at NRS, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org/support-youth-in-crisis.

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

Related Links

http://www.1800RUNAWAY.org