FRESNO (KMJ) — A center for young people in need in Fresno has received the highest praise from its parent organization.
The National Safe Place Network exists to help out young people who need a place to go. The main center in downtown Fresno is operated by Fresno's Economic Opportunities Commission – or E.O.C.
Today, they played host to Safe Place Network CEO Laurie Jackson.
"It has truly been embraced at a community level", says Laurie – explaining what makes Fresno's operation significant.
"So local government, as well as local businesses, as well as volunteer organizations, as well as E.O.C., all got together and said 'we value this and we're going to make this a seamless organization and we're going to make sure it's successful' ".
Her visit is a part of this week being named National Safe Place Week.
Designated 'safe places' across the valley are marked with a yellow diamond sign with 'safe place' on them – there are more than 250 spread across the county.
If a teenager or young person is being bullied or abused – then they're able to use a local 'safe place' to get protection.
