SafeKids
We’ve developed a youth outreach and prevention initiative aimed at individuals under 18 who require immediate assistance and safety.
This collaborative community effort involves partnering with local businesses and organizations to designate Safe locations, ensuring prompt access to help for youth across Missouri.
Would you like your business or organization to be a part of our safety net of protection for youth?
Safe Locations in Franklin County are a youth outreach and prevention program that provides youth immediate help and safety. Some locations include fire departments, libraries, YMCAs, and other businesses.
Learn more about what we do
SafeKids Program
Epic Empowerment mission is to inspire youth and young adults facing economic, personal, and social hardships to take control of their future path. To do this, we lay the foundation for a secure environment, make connections with counselors, host families, community partners and business professionals, and build life-long skills so every generation has a future to nurture and grow.
Inspired by our mission, Epic Empowerment decided to develop a program to help youth, called the SafeKids Program.
The Safe Kids Program provides a safety net for unattended youth ages 14-18 who have no place to call home and may require temporary or long-term respite care with a host family, and puts them on a defined path toward high school graduation.
SafeKids is designed to help young people at risk of falling through the cracks realize their full potential. It also provides assistance with tutoring, student advocacy, reintegration, counseling and case management services. The program participants are required to be in school, or are actively working toward returning to school, to remain in the program.
SafeKids supports and expedites family reconciliation, if advisable. Referrals to the SafeKids Program come from many sources. Youth can self-refer to the program through our 24-hour hotline, report in-person to any of these Safe Spot locations, or be referred by friends, libraries, and local social service agencies.
If you are interested in becoming a host family for our SafeKids program, or you would like to refer someone that could benefit from this program, please contact us.
Why are Safe Locations important
Ultimately, safe spaces play an essential role in promoting mental health by providing a sense of belonging, validation, and empowerment. They are a valuable resource for marginalized communities or people facing mental health challenges and can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
What is the Safe Network For
All sites are there to call a designated help line, and a Safe Location worker can be sent assess the situation, provide assistance, and, if possible, pick up the youth and transport them to a shelter. Safe Locations are a great way for children and teens in our area to easily access immediate help when a situation has become dangerous.
Community Impact
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Sarah, a 16-year-old from Washington, found herself on the streets after her family faced financial hardships. Safekids provided her with shelter, meals, and educational support, helping her graduate high school and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
Sarah – Washington
Sophia – Villa Ridge
Sophia, 18, was trafficked in Villa Ridge and lived in fear. Safekids, in partnership with law enforcement, rescued her and provided counseling and legal support. She’s currently working with Safekids to educate others about the dangers of trafficking.
Lily, 17, fled an abusive home in Pacific and ended up homeless. Safekids not only provided her with a safe place to stay but also offered counseling to help her heal from trauma. She’s now pursuing a college degree in psychology.
Lily – Pacific
Zoe – Gerald
Zoe, 16, was trafficked after running away from home in Gerald. Safekids offered her a supportive environment, including therapy and education, enabling her to rebuild her life. She’s now pursuing a degree in social work to help others in similar situations.
James, a 19-year-old from Union, had no place to call home after aging out of the foster care system. Safekids connected him with job training and helped him secure stable housing, giving him the foundation to build a better future.
James – Union
Isabella – St Clair
Isabella, 20, had been trapped in a human trafficking ring in St. Clair. SafeKids comprehensive support, including legal aid and trauma counseling, helped her break free and rebuild her life. She’s now an advocate for anti-trafficking efforts in her community.
Olivia, a 20-year-old single mother from St. Clair, was homeless with her toddler. Safekids provided them with housing and childcare support, allowing Olivia to complete her education and find a stable job.
Olivia – St. Clair
Chloe – Union
Chloe, 19, faced family abandonment in Union when her parents divorced and left her without a support system. Safekids offered her a safe place to stay and guided her through the process of securing a part-time job and finding her own apartment. Chloe is now an advocate for youth facing similar situations.
Daniel, 16, ran away from home due to conflicts with his family. Safekids offered him a safe haven, and with their mentorship, he discovered a passion for art. He’s now pursuing a career in graphic design.
Daniel – New Haven
Kelsey – Union
Kelsey, 17, experienced abandonment when her family disowned her due to differences in their beliefs. Safekids provided Kelsey with a loving and accepting environment, access to support networks, and therapy. She’s now a strong advocate for family reconciliation and support for abandoned youth.
Ava, 15, ended up on the streets of Beaufort after escaping an unsafe living situation. Safekids not only provided her with shelter but also enrolled her in therapy to rebuild her self-esteem and confidence.
Ava – Beaufort
Mia – Pacific
Mia, 18, dropped out of school in Pacific due to family issues. Safekids provided her with a supportive environment and helped her complete her high school diploma through an alternative education program. Mia is now attending college and aspires to become a counselor to support others facing challenges.
Michael, 18, was living in his car after aging out of the foster care system in Gerald. Safekids provided him with transitional housing and employment assistance. He’s now working as an auto mechanic.
Michael – Gerald
Harper – Sullivan
Harper, 17, left school in Sullivan to escape bullying and academic struggles. Safekids offered her tutoring and emotional support to boost her confidence. Harper eventually re-enrolled in school and is now on track to graduate with plans to pursue a career in education.
Noah, 19, found himself homeless in Villa Ridge after losing his job. Safekids offered him job placement services and financial literacy classes, helping him become financially independent.
Noah – Villa Ridge
Millie – New Haven
Millie, 19, dropped out of school in New Haven due to family instability. Safekids provided her with housing, life skills training, and the opportunity to complete her GED. Millie is now employed and saving for college.
Emily, 17, was lured into human trafficking in Catawissa. Safekids intervened, providing her with a safe haven and counseling to help her recover from trauma. She’s now an advocate for raising awareness about human trafficking.
Emily – Catawissa