Any child who needs help goes to an area business displaying this sign.

The child can go to any clerk or the customer service desk and say they are looking for Safe Place. The manager or designated person will contact Safe Place in Knoxville. The staff at Safe Place will call a local volunteer. That volunteer will go to the area business and talk with the child. After talking with the child, assessing the situation, and identifying some options, the volunteer will contact Safe Place and a decision will be made as to the next step.

Some of the possible options are: medical assistance, transport to the shelter, counseling assistance, etc. 90% of the children seeking help are taken to the shelter.

The shelter notifies the child's parents about the child. The child may stay at the shelter from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the child's need.

The shelter can house from fourteen to sixteen, 12 to 17 year old, however they will find shelter for other age groups if necessary. The shelter provides around the clock supervision, appropriate activities, transportation to school, or in house schooling if necessary.

Safe Place currently operates in Knox, Blount and Loudon Counties. They are currently seeking volunteers to make it possible to operate in Anderson County.

The community volunteers (including the volunteers from area businesses) must complete a 6 hour training course, be 21 years of age, and fill out an application form which includes a back-ground check.

For information on becoming a volunteer, call 523-2689 and speak with Gregory Hughes, or call the CONTACT business office at 865-482-5040 for more information.