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Epworth Children & Family Services held a “Light the Night” tree lighting at its headquarters in Webster Groves, a symbolic event that was part of National Runaway Prevention Month.
The nonprofit’s campus at 110 N. Elm Ave. was decorated with 50,000 green and white lights in support of NRPM’s The Green Light Project, a campaign designed to shine the light on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth who often remain invisible.
According to a study from Voices of Youth Count and Chapin Hall, 4.2 million young people, aged 13 to 24, experience some form of homelessness – such as couch surfing, sleeping in the streets or staying in shelters – in the course of a year. Research has shown that family dynamics, including conflict over rules, divorce, blended families and teen parenting strongly impact youths’ desire to run away.
Epworth offers emergency shelter, residential and intensive treatment, in-home family therapy, transitional housing, psychological evaluation and testing, foster care services, prevention services and a 24-hour helpline. The agency is headquartered in Webster Groves, with offices in Normandy and University City.
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