As part of National Safe Place Week, we want to share Jamara's story to show you just how important Safe Place is to youth in Guilford County. We've changed her name and used stock photos to protect her privacy, but Jamara's story happened right here in Greensboro. Jamara's story includes topics like domestic violence, drug use, physical violence, gang violence, neglect, and human trafficking. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being when watching. We ask you to share Jamara's story to increase awareness about Safe Place. Ask your employer if your workplace can become a Safe Place location for local youth. Be aware this isn't a problem that's confined to big cities, this happened in our backyard. We want you to know Jamara is safe now, and our mission in bringing awareness to her story is to help as many children like Jamara as possible. All week during #NSPWeek2021 we will be sharing more information about Safe Place, operated locally by Youth Focus. Please follow along with us this week and learn more about how you can be a part of the solution. If you're a teen in need of immediate help, text the word “safe” and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357). Within seconds, you will receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number for the local youth agency (which is Youth Focus). For immediate help, reply with “2chat” to text interactively with a trained counselor. Txt4Help is quick, easy, safe, confidential, and free.

Through your United Way donations, Open Door Ministries can provide programs that meet people in their moment of crisis and help them get back on the path to self-sufficiency.

The Downtown Greenway in Greensboro was already underway when the coronavirus hit and it has turned out to be quite the respite and economic boon. The Greenway draws visitors in with trails, greenways, public art, local businesses, and "the first grocery store to open in 30 years in downtown.” $8.5 million was invested in the project, but it has already brought in $215 million in revenue. The Downtown Greenway was created in partnership with the city and nonprofit Action Greensboro, and while it's currently being used with social distancing, it'll still be there when the quarantine is over.

"Born and raised in High Point. I never thought I was good enough... you become so lost and don't know where to turn. All I had were the clothes on my back and nowhere else to go. Leslie's House ministry wrapped their arms around me and gave me some hope. I was introduced to recovery. My life started to change. Leslie's House helped me. Now I need your help to donate to Adopt-a-Bed and help another woman like me."

"For about two years, Chatham Strings, an orchestra made up of donated violins, cellos and one viola helped incarcerated children explore creativity, teamwork and accomplishment. COVID-19 stalled the program in 2020, and then Thompson graduated from her program and moved to California. She hopes, however, that the impact has remained."

"A mentorship at a Greensboro YMCA is helping the youth by preparing them for college, while helping them find their direction and passions in life."

Rev. Drew McIntyre of Grace UMC takes you into Greensboro Urban Ministry for a look at how the agency began and what your support is allowing the ministry to do today.

"Definition Church...in Greensboro is housing a free food market where you can 'shop for your free items' on one side of the building and a free medical clinic on the other."