Runaways, parents can find help at Our House
By Fabvienen Taylor
JACKSON — Runaway youth run for a reason, according to a Catholic Charities official.
“They are either running away from something or running to something,” said Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson, director of Our House Runaway Shelter which is sponsored by Catholic Charities Inc.
“Nationally, 1.6 - 2.8 million youth run away each year,” she said. “From 2006-2007 at Our House we ministered to 166 youth and 521 family members.”
Sims-Johnson spoke during a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Our House Runaway Shelter, 924 North St., to celebrate November as National Runaway Prevention Month.
The press conference kicked off a public education campaign to increase the awareness of the issues facing runaways and to educate the public about the solutions and the roles they can play in preventing youth from running away.
She said 70 percent of the youth who come to Our House have been abused. Some of the issues they are dealing with are rejection, depression, suicidal tendencies, violence, drugs and problems with parents.
“Runaways can access Our House services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have 84 Safe Place sites in the Jackson area,” she said.
People in the community must use their eyes, ears and hearts to help runaway youth, Sims-Johnson said.
Our House provides emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, neglected and abused youth ages 12-17.
In addition to shelter, other services include counseling for individuals and families, health screening, emergency transportation and advocacy.
Public officials from local and state offices were on hand to sign a proclamation designating November as National Runaway Prevention Month in Mississippi.
Mildred and Robert Sandifer, parents of a 15-year-old runaway who was killed in 2006, wanted to let parents in particular know they can get help for their children who runaway.
Their daughter, Tawana Sandifer, sought shelter several times at Our House, they said. “I want to tell all parents and adults, don’t give up on our children,” said Robert Sandifer to a crowd of about 40 people and media representatives.
“When they run away they are crying for help but don’t know how to ask for it. You must ask for God’s help at all times.”
Sandifer had a message for youth thinking about running away. “Listen to your parents. Don’t run away. If you can’t talk to them, talk to someone else. Get some help. There are people out here who can help you.”
National Runaway Prevention Month was spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and the National Network for Youth (NNY).
Catholic Charities, the social service arm of the Diocese of Jackson, consists of 17 programs in Jackson.
Catholic Charities has an office in Natchez and one in Vardaman in Northeast Mississippi.
Each year they serve nearly 30,000 people in 65 counties.
Our House Runaway Shelter can be reached at 601-355-0161 or 1-800-273-7714.
“I want to tell all parents and adults, don’t give up on our children,” said Robert Sandifer to a crowd of about 40 people and media representatives.