by June Portnoy

Did you know that one in seven kids from ages 10 to 18 will run away? Sixty-nine percent of runaways are ages 15 to 18. Forty-six percent of runaways will spend up to three days on the streets.

If you think this problem only happens in large cities or bad neighborhoods, think again. It’s happening right now throughout Bucks County. For just that reason, the Valley Youth House (VYH) Shelter was established in Warminster eight years ago. It’s a 13-bed runaway and youth shelter that provides a safe place for Bucks County teens between the ages of 13 and 17 to stay temporarily.

Every child who comes to this shelter is experiencing some form of trauma and/or their situation at home has reached a breaking point that has motivated them to reach out for support and guidance. Unlike many youth shelters, VYH offers a comfortable, home-like setting that helps these kids feel normal during a stressful situation at home. While there, kids are typically transported to and from their home schools. Group outings are also arranged.

“This is not a lock-down facility,” says Shane Burroughs, former counselor at the shelter. “It’s designed for kids who want to be there to make improvements and changes in their lives.”

Many of them need therapeutic interactions to learn how to make things better and more manageable at home. VYH provides individual, family and group therapy. The ultimate goal is the reunification of these teens with their family.

If the Valley Youth House name sounds familiar, it’s because it has been serving children and their families since 1973 when its first shelter opened in Bethlehem, PA. Since its inception, that shelter has successfully helped over 10,000 teens.

From VYH evolved The Synergy Project, a street outreach program offering assistance to runaways, homeless and displaced children who are 21 years of age or under. Many of them live in cars or couch hop from friend to friend. This is a three-year federally funded program started two-and-a-half years ago. The hope is that Synergy will receive another three years of funding when its current funds run out.

“The mission of Synergy is to get kids back on their feet again so they can become independent and self-reliant,” says Shane, founder and Street Outreach Program Coordinator.

Synergy supports Bucks County runaways and homeless youth on the street.  It patrols and searches for these kids. Social workers, counselors, food banks and other county agencies provide Synergy with referrals.    

“We initially assess these young people’s situation and then handle their greatest needs first,” says Shane. “Their most immediate need is usually finding a roof over their heads.”

Synergy also assists these young people connect with food banks, the welfare system and job opportunities. Its most important role is teaching them how to navigate through the system to find the resources they need most. Sometimes Synergy will drive kids to job interviews, put them in a hotel for a night or get them the medicine they should be taking for a chronic condition.

“Synergy supports kids at a time when they don’t know what their next step should be and don’t know how to move forward,” says Shane. 

If you know of a Bucks County youth in need of shelter, contact the Valley Youth House at 215-442-9760. For more information, visit www.valleyyouthhouse.org.

For information about The Synergy Project, call 215-990-3962 or visit www.facebook.com/synrgyprjct.

VYH accepts donations on-line. It is currently accepting non-perishable foods. Synergy is in need of new socks, new underwear and hygienic products, like soap and shampoo. Help give these kids a chance for a successful, happy future.

PHOTO CAP: Shane Burroughs