Nurses in Tyler recently received a free lunch organized by the local nonprofit Christy’s Safe Haven, as a gesture of gratitude for the care they provide year-round. The event served as a thank-you to healthcare professionals, who the organization identifies as key partners in its mission.
Christy Hawkins, the founder of Christy’s Safe Haven, stated that healthcare providers are crucial in delivering education to youth and families to help them maintain health. Hawkins specifically chose to honor nurses because of the organization’s work in teen pregnancy and STD prevention. This focus aligns with the direct role nurses often play in health education and preventative care within the community.
Christy’s Safe Haven offers several programs aimed at youth ages 10 to 20 across Texas. These services include counseling, mentoring, and an abstinence education program that teaches teen pregnancy and STD prevention. The organization facilitates these programs in schools and churches, as well as providing services on site. Beyond sexual health education, the nonprofit also offers substance use prevention, additional mentoring, a clothing closet, and other support services for young people.
The organization also runs a vocational program designed to equip students with valuable job skills and provide them with real paychecks. This program engaged 50 to 60 students, who were paid daily and were required to show up for work. Participants learned essential job skills, including how to fill out college and job applications and techniques for dressing for success. Christy’s Safe Haven partnered with local businesses to provide students with practical workplace training, and many students who completed the program left with certificates and jobs.
In addition to its vocational efforts, Christy’s Safe Haven operates a scholarship program for graduating seniors who have participated in its various initiatives. This year, the organization awarded scholarships to five students, supporting their further education.
Christy’s Safe Haven receives funding for its programs through a grant from Health and Human Services, supplemented by support from private donors. This combination of public and private funding helps sustain its wide array of services.
Founder Christy Hawkins shared that her personal experience as a teen mother was the impetus for establishing Christy’s Safe Haven. Her goal was to reach out to youth and help them make responsible choices. Hawkins considers herself a role model for the youth she serves, highlighting her journey from a teen mom to a business owner with a master’s degree, underscoring the importance of responsible decision-making.
