CHICAGO, April 26, 2017 /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 Ken Lavelle of Chicago, IL, as its 2017 Volunteer of the Year. Lavelle will be recognized for exceeding his commitment to assisting youth and their families across the country at NRS' Volunteer and Community Recognition Event taking place on April 26 in the iconic Walnut Room at Macy's in Chicago, IL.
"Volunteers like Ken 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 and their families. Besides being a frontline team member, Ken is also the treasurer on our board of directors," said Maureen Blaha, NRS' executive director. "We congratulate Ken on this honor, and sincerely thank him for giving selflessly of his time, talents and leadership in service to our nation's youth."
Since 2015, Lavelle has volunteered about 290 hours of service in the 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis services center. Over the past one and half years, he 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. "NRS has a proud history of over 40 years of nationwide support for our youth in need and their families," said Lavelle. "We have over 250,000 contacts annually, and continue to grow. As volunteers we get comprehensive training, and are well supported by our dedicated supervisors and NRS' staff. For me, it is truly a privilege to be able to volunteer and support the mission of NRS."
More than 120 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/.
NRS makes more than 250,000 connections to help and hope through hotline (1-800-RUNAWAY), online (1800RUNAWAY.org) and offline resources. NRS provides crisis intervention and prevention services to families 24/7/365. Over 16,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS' Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines. For more information, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.
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SOURCE National Runaway Safeline
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