The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has awarded a $12,500 grant to the Park Place Outreach Youth Emergency Shelter for operational and program expenses. Park Place Outreach operates the only shelter in Savannah and Chatham County that serves kids and teenagers ages 11–17, and all services are provided free, including a safe, secure place to stay along with meals and transportation to and from school. The staff also offers family counseling with follow-up visits after a resident returns home, as well as non-resident services that include an after-school tutorial and drop-in center, recreational services and after-care services. The Shelter, 514 E. Henry St., is open 24 hours a day and offers a safe and loving environment to homeless, abused and runaway kids and teenagers between the ages of 11 and 17.

“Thanks to Bank of America, troubled teens who have nowhere else to turn can count on Park Place Outreach for shelter, food, clothing and counseling,” said Executive Director Julie Wade. “The money will be used for operational expenses in providing residential and non-residential services to these youth as well as counseling services for parents.”

The grant will help bridge a gap created by the loss of federal grants that have funded the organization’s street outreach team. The program includes adult and teen counselors who go onto the streets to talk with homeless kids about the help available to them through Park Place Outreach.

“These kids need help, and Park Place Outreach offers emergency shelter and provides the support they need to transition back home, to move in with other family members or to receive foster care,” said Patrick O’Neil, Savannah market president for Bank of America. “This grant is part of our broader work to help individuals and families have more secure futures as we help drive sustainable growth in the Savannah economy.”