Ambassadors For Christ's Project Equip and National Southern HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month: January 2025

National Runaway Prevention Month: Raising Awareness and Providing Support Every November, National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) shines a light on one of the most overlooked issues affecting vulnerable youth in our country: running away. It is a time to raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage proactive steps to prevent young people from fleeing their homes. Runaway youth face unimaginable challenges, from exposure to homelessness and exploitation to isolation and trauma. NRPM serves as a reminder that by working together as a community, we can help keep children safe, support families, and ultimately prevent young people from running away. Understanding the Crisis of Youth Running Away Each year, over 4.5 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will run away from home, according to the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). The reasons behind these decisions vary greatly, but they often stem from a combination of factors such as family conflict, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or struggles with mental health and identity. While many of these teens eventually return home or find a safe place to stay, many others are at risk of long-term consequences, including homelessness, addiction, trafficking, and mental health crises. The emotional toll of running away is often underreported. For the youth who run, it’s rarely a simple choice—it’s a desperate act of survival. They might feel like they have nowhere to turn or believe that fleeing is the only way to escape the pain they are experiencing. Without proper resources and support systems, these young people can find themselves trapped in dangerous situations, further escalating their vulnerability. What National Runaway Prevention Month Aims to Achieve NRPM aims to change this narrative by increasing awareness and encouraging conversations about youth homelessness and runaway prevention. The month-long observance is a call to action for communities to come together and take steps to help prevent youth from feeling like running away is their only option. Here are the core goals of NRPM: Raising Awareness: NRPM provides a platform to educate the public about the prevalence of runaway youth, as well as the factors that contribute to these situations. By shedding light on this issue, the goal is to foster a more informed and compassionate society that is better equipped to support at-risk youth. Supporting Prevention Efforts: Beyond awareness, NRPM works to promote prevention programs and services that help families before a runaway crisis occurs. These services might include counseling, support for families in crisis, or outreach programs that provide resources to young people in need. Promoting Safe Options: For youth who feel they have no choice but to leave home, NRPM helps connect them with safe shelters, hotlines, and support networks. The National Runaway Safeline, for example, offers confidential counseling and resources to young people and families, providing a lifeline during moments of crisis. Engaging the Community: By encouraging local communities to come together, NRPM fosters collaboration between schools, social services, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and nonprofits. Community-wide efforts help ensure that youth who are at risk of running away have multiple, trusted points of contact for support. How You Can Get Involved There are many ways individuals, organizations, and communities can participate in NRPM, helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth: Donate to Youth Services: Many nonprofit organizations that focus on runaway prevention, such as the National Runaway Safeline, rely on donations to provide critical services. Contributing to these programs can help ensure they continue to provide a lifeline for young people in crisis. Volunteer or Partner with Local Agencies: Many local organizations offer volunteer opportunities to support runaway and homeless youth. Volunteering your time or expertise can make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth. Spread Awareness: NRPM encourages social media campaigns, educational events, and local outreach to raise awareness. You can play a role by sharing information about the signs of runaway risk, the resources available, and how to support youth in need. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocacy is another critical aspect of NRPM. Communities can work to influence local and national policies that better address the root causes of youth homelessness and ensure there are enough resources available to support runaway prevention and intervention. Key Takeaways National Runaway Prevention Month serves as an essential reminder that every young person deserves a safe home and a supportive community. Running away is not a choice, but a sign that something is terribly wrong in a young person's life. By raising awareness, providing resources, and supporting prevention efforts, we can help reduce the number of youth who feel they have no other option but to leave home. Through collective action, we can make sure that more young people have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment. If you or someone you know is in need of help, resources are available. The National Runaway Safeline provides confidential support, available 24/7. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit their website for more information. This November, let’s all commit to being part of the solution and taking steps to keep our youth safe and supported—today and every day.

As we step into October, we join communities nationwide in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This month serves as a critical reminder of the impact of domestic violence on individuals and families, and the importance of education, advocacy, and support systems in addressing this pervasive issue. Understanding Domestic Violence Domestic violence encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. It affects millions of people, regardless of age, gender, or background. During DVAM, we aim to raise awareness about these issues, promote prevention strategies, and support survivors in their journey toward healing. The Importance of Community-Based Initiatives One of the most effective ways to combat domestic violence is through community-based initiatives that focus on prevention, intervention, treatment, and response services. This is where organizations like AFC come into play. Project SHIFT: Supporting Our Youth AFC’s Project SHIFT is a transformative initiative designed specifically for youth aged 12-18 who are impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Understanding that these issues can profoundly affect young lives, Project SHIFT offers a comprehensive array of services aimed at fostering resilience and healing. What Does Project SHIFT Offer? Prevention Programs: Project SHIFT engages youth through educational workshops and outreach programs that raise awareness about healthy relationships, consent, and the warning signs of abusive behavior. These initiatives empower young people to make informed decisions and promote a culture of respect and safety. Intervention Services: For those who have already experienced violence, Project SHIFT provides immediate support and intervention. This includes counseling services, crisis intervention, and access to resources that help youth navigate the complexities of their situations. Treatment Options: Healing from trauma is a crucial part of recovery. Project SHIFT offers therapeutic services that cater to the specific needs of young survivors, helping them process their experiences and build coping strategies. Response Support: In addition to direct services, Project SHIFT collaborates with local law enforcement and community organizations to ensure that youth have a clear and supportive path to safety. This collaborative approach enhances the response to incidents of violence, making sure that young people are treated with dignity and respect. Why Focus on Youth? Focusing on youth is essential because early intervention can drastically alter the trajectory of a young person’s life. By providing the right support and education, we can help youth break the cycle of violence and empower them to build healthier relationships in the future. How You Can Help During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, consider taking the following actions: Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of domestic violence and share this information within your community. Knowledge is a powerful tool in prevention. Support Local Initiatives: Get involved with organizations like AFC and Project SHIFT. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in events, your support can make a significant difference. Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that support survivors and work to prevent violence in your community. Be There for Someone: If you know someone who may be experiencing domestic violence, offer your support. Sometimes, just being a listening ear can be incredibly helpful. Conclusion As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, let’s commit to creating a world where every individual can live free from fear and violence. By supporting initiatives like AFC’s Project SHIFT, we can provide vital resources and education to our youth, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and foster a future of hope and resilience.

Building the Foundation for a Better Future In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where poverty is a harsh reality for many, especially for those aged 18 or younger, opportunities for growth are scarce. As the fastest shrinking city in America, Pine Bluff's youth and young adults are significantly impacted by violence, with limited avenues for personal and professional development. The need to equip these individuals with conflict resolution skills, violence prevention strategies, and career preparation is paramount, not only to reduce crime and enhance public safety but also to provide a brighter future. This is where Ambassadors For Christ’s Growth Opportunities (GO) Project steps in. The GO Project, designed by Ambassadors For Christ (AFC), primarily aims to introduce and prepare justice-involved youth and young adults for the professional world. This is achieved through paid work experiences that pave the way for more equitable career opportunities. The project offers a comprehensive approach, encompassing vocational education in high-demand industries, leadership development, mentorship, and post-work experience placement into unsubsidized employment or further education. The GO Project, besides preparing young individuals for the world of work, has other crucial objectives. It aims to increase the education and employment rates among the youth of Pine Bluff, thereby instilling in them the confidence to lead a crime-free life. Another significant goal is to enhance the participants' conflict resolution skills and equip them with effective violence prevention strategies. In doing so, the project not only contributes to the personal growth of these individuals but also aids in making the community safer. AFC’s Growth Opportunities Project offers a host of services to assist at-risk youth. These include Crisis Counseling, Case Management, Mental Health and Therapy Services, Life Skills Training, and Conflict Resolution Training. Additionally, Employment/Education Counseling is provided to help youth navigate their career paths. Prevention Education, Health and Wellness Education, and initiatives to promote social connectedness also form an integral part of the services offered by the project. In a city like Pine Bluff, where opportunities are limited and challenges are many, projects like the GO Program by AFC are of immense importance. Through its wide range of services and its commitment to equipping the youth with skills and opportunities, the GO Project stands as a beacon of hope. It is through such initiatives that we can dream of a future where every young individual, irrespective of their circumstances, is equipped with the tools to forge their own path to success.