The Board of Trustees of the Oswald Supporting Organization of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation has approved a grant to Zepf Center for $30,000. These funds will support Zepf Center Safety Net—the only shelter serving runaway and homeless youth in Northwest Ohio.
The grant announcement arrived as Zepf Center staff prepared to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month—an annual observance focused on raising awareness about mental health issues, fighting stigma, and promoting local mental health resources. The grant will be used to continue shelter operations and provide temporary emergency shelter and counseling services to eligible youth who have run away, have been forced to leave their home, or are homeless. Safety Net operates 24/7, 365 days per year to ensure area youth always have a safe and secure place to stay.
“Last year alone, Safety Net completed intake appointments for over 300 youth,” said Manager of Youth Runaway and Homeless Services Charles Green. “These services are a unique lifeline for youth in our community and provide them a safe space to heal, learn, and grow.”
For youth who are unable or do not wish to stay at the 24/7 shelter, the program also hosts a drop-in center for youth ages 12-21. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon-5 p.m., youth can access showers and hygiene products, get a hot meal, do their laundry, and connect with community support resources.
In addition to the shelter and drop-in center, Zepf Center provides a wide range of youth mental health and crisis services. Through its integrated, person-centered care model, Zepf Center remains dedicated to creating hope and recovery for clients of every age.
“Each year, more than 1.5 million youth run away from home,” said Senior Director of Crisis Services Courtney Burrow. “At Zepf Center, we offer these youth a supportive environment where they can begin to rebuild stability in their lives. Through our Safety Net program and beyond, we provide critical resources including youth psychiatric urgent care, expanded full-time psychiatric staff, primary care, and crisis services through our new Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit.”
Zepf Center is accepting donations to fund programs like Safety Net as they continue to serve the surrounding community. To donate, visit zepfcenter.org/landing/donate/. For more information about available youth services, visit zepfcenter.org.