The Relatives Family Update
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National Safe Place Week: A Promise of Safety
March 15–21 is National Safe Place Week, a reminder that every yellow Safe Place sign represents a lifeline for youth in crisis.
Recently, a local restaurant employee noticed a 12 year old who had been outside for quite a while. When the child said she had nowhere to go, the staff member, who was familiar with Safe Place, brought her to a nearby Safe Place partner: Bojangles. The team at Bojangles knew exactly what to do, and within an hour, The Relatives arrived and brought her safely to our Youth Crisis Center.
Just weeks later, a woman knocked on the door at our Youth Crisis Center after midnight. She was with a 17 year old she had found sleeping on her front porch. She recognized the Safe Place sign at our building and knew she could bring him somewhere safe. Because of her awareness, he wasn’t alone outside that night.
These moments show how everyday people become critical supports for youth in danger.
Our Safe Place Outreach Coordinator, LaVeda Pinkney Knight, reflects on the meaning of this week: “Every yellow Safe Place sign is a simple message to youth: you deserve safety, dignity, and someone who will help you the moment you ask.”
Looking to Support Youth in Crisis through Safe Place?
Join Us for Robert’s Walk!
Help us raise awareness for youth experiencing housing instability by joining one of this year’s Robert’s Walk events.
Safe Place Walk @ Truist Field: Wednesday, March 18th @ 11:00 a.m.
Safe Place Walk @ On Ramp: Friday, March 20th @ 1:00 p.m.
Together, we can ensure every young person in crisis finds a safe adult ready to help.
A Note From Trish
This month, Resource Center Program Manager Genine Donovan announced her upcoming retirement at the end of May. Genine first joined us as a volunteer, offering her time and compassion to young adults in crisis. Her dedication soon led her to join our staff, and she went on to lead On Ramp with strength, warmth, and unwavering commitment.
Genine’s legacy is a stronger Resource Center and countless young adults whose lives are better because she was here.
As we honor her impact, I invite you to consider the legacy you want to leave at The Relatives.
You can make a lasting difference by becoming a Hope Builder, our community of monthly donors.
You can also leave a legacy through our 1974 Society, which recognizes supporters who include The Relatives in their estate plans. To learn more, reach out to Casey Field at cfield@therelatives.org or 704-317-8124.
Both opportunities provide sustainable funding so that we can continue building the future Genine helped shape.
Last Month at The Relatives:
The Family Meal
In February, we welcomed our largest crowd yet for Family Meal! With more than thirty guests joining us, On Ramp was full of buzz and community.
As always, lunch was generously provided by counter—, led by award-winning Chef Sam Hart, who supports our mission because of his own personal experiences with food and housing insecurity. His commitment to giving back helps make these gatherings possible and reminds us how powerful community support can be.
The Family Meal continues to be a space where neighbors can share a table, enjoy a warm meal, and build meaningful connections. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon so special.
The Relatives has over 650 Safe Place sites around Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Our partner sites are a door to The Relatives in every neighborhood that allow a youth in crisis to immediately seek relief, acceptance, and empowerment.
Bojangles’ Restaurants have been a proud Safe Place partner across our region. We are thankful for their continued support of our work alongside the hundreds of other partner sites that make Safe Place possible in our community.
“Bojangles has been a Safe Place partner for over 10 years. We feel that it is important for individuals to have a place that they can safely go to when they need help. A place where they can find a friend who will help them seek the protection and the safety they need. We strive to make sure that our participating Bojangles restaurants are that place where they can find that security.”
Ken Reynolds, Executive Director, Bojangles Foundation
Become a Beacon of Safety
Staff at participating Safe Place locations are specially trained to connect any child or teen who asks for help with The Relatives Youth Crisis Center, ensuring immediate access to safety and support.
Whenever you spot a yellow Safe Place sign, you’re seeing a lifeline; one that provides young people with a direct path to shelter, stability, and compassionate care thanks in no small part to businesses that support their community.
If you or your employer would like to learn more about becoming a Safe Place partner, please click here for additional information.
Support The Relatives in the Community
Coming Soon at The Relatives:
- Safe Place Walk @ Truist Field: Wednesday, March 18th @ 11:00 a.m.
- Safe Place Walk @ On Ramp: Friday, March 20th @ 1:00 p.m.
- Spring Clothing Drive @ On Ramp: Friday, April 17th, 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Volunteer to assist @ our Spring Clothing Driv
- Inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon @ On Ramp: Friday, April 24th
- Interested in learning more? Contact Redia Baxter at rbaxter@therelatives.org
Support Our Work
