[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 106 (Thursday, July 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL SAFE PLACE WEEK

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a Senate 
resolution submitted by the distinguished Senator from Idaho. Senate 
Resolution 96 sponsored by Senator Larry Craig would designate the week 
of March 15 through March 21, 1998 as ``National Safe Place Week.''
  Project Safe Place is a creative approach to serving youth and 
families in crisis. I am particularly pleased to cosponsor this 
resolution on behalf of the first program started in my home State of 
Kentucky. Project Safe Place began in a firehouse in Louisville, KY in 
1983, providing a safe haven from various negative influences such as 
child abuse, substance abuse, and crime. Safe Places put distressed 
children and families in touch with the resources they need to keep 
them safe. This assistance often comes in the form of counseling and a 
safe and secure place to stay.
  Today, the Safe Place Program has spread to 34 States across the 
country. More than 6,000 business locations displaying the black and 
yellow Safe Place sign indicating that those in need can seek help from 
those inside.
  The Safe Place Program exemplifies the best in our local communities. 
Project Safe Place is about community businesses and volunteers working 
together to help the most vulnerable in our society. It is essential 
that we bring this valuable program to every community, because those 
in need feel more comfortable in turning to resources in their own 
neighborhoods and communities.
  By designating March 15 through March 21, 1998 as ``National Safe 
Place Week,'' we not only bring public awareness to this outstanding 
program, but recognize those volunteers and businesses who give so much 
to make our communities a truly safe place. I urge my colleagues to 
lend their names to this worthwhile legislation.

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