The COMET and National Safe Place Network unite to keep youth safe

The COMET has partnered with National Safe Place Network (NSPN) to expand the safety net for youth in crisis.

Safe Place programs offer a place to turn to for many youths who believe they have no other option. Because Columbia, S.C., does not have a full operating Safe Place program, The COMET has elected to partner with NSPN, helping bring resources and services to those in need.

 Through the Safe Place transit model, NSPN offers partial Safe Place services in the Greater Columbia area, where the resources for a full program are not currently available.

“Unfortunately, in today’s world, young people face family problems, homelessness, bullying, neglect, abuse and even human trafficking,” said Laurie Jackson, president and CEO of NSPN.  “Each year, the Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP programs directly impact the lives of more than 12,000 youth by providing access to immediate help and safety. TXT 4 HELP has offered real-time assistance to youth in crisis by responding to more than 117,000 incoming text messages since its inception in 2009.”

The Safe Place transit model will allow for a youth in need to reach out to The COMET and be put in contact with the resources or organizations necessary to bring them out of crisis. With a community of more than 21,000 partner businesses across the country, Safe Place seeks to expand its reach through partnerships similar to its relationship with The COMET.

“This partnership is important to us because safety is a key part of our mission in our service to the people of Columbia and we are dedicated to be a resource for those in need,” said John Andoh, executive director and CEO of The COMET. “Providing a safe, secure haven for our vulnerable youth is something that we feel called to do and in joining forces with NSPN, we join more than 12,000 other transit/mobile locations nationally.”