What Members Across the Country Say About NSPN
Members across the country contribute to the strength and heart of NSPN. Their voices reflect the connection, learning, and support that make this community meaningful. These testimonials highlight how NSPN equips, encourages, and stands alongside professionals and organizations serving youth and families.
Voices from the Network
Every membership story is unique. Yet members consistently share the same message: NSPN helps them feel supported, connected, and ready for the work ahead. These reflections—from practitioners, leaders, coordinators, and Advisory Board members—illustrate the real value of belonging to the NSPN community.
NSPN Supports Youth-Serving Professionals
“When you support youth care workers, you support youth—it’s that simple.”
— Erin Strohbehn
“NSPN helps us shift from despair to direction—and reminds us we’re not in this alone.”
— Youth Services Leader
“The staff is the heartbeat of NSPN. They meet needs before we know to ask.”
— Member Agency Leader
“Even with all the challenges, NSPN stays focused on hope, impact, and connection.”
— National Practitioner
“This is more than a place for youth in crisis—it’s a safe space for the people who serve them too.”
— Judith Clark
“NSPN doesn't wait for crisis to act—youth can access help before something happens.”
— Youth Services Professional
NSPN Strengthens Community Safety
“Safe Place is prevention and intervention. It’s where the story of safety starts.”
— David Mount
“Safe Place treats youth like resources, not problems—and that changes everything.”
— Judith Clark
“The Safe Place model is ahead of the curve—it shows up in RFPs even when it's not named directly.”
— Brigitt Nasby
“It’s not just about shelter—it’s a long-term connection to ongoing support.”
— National Practitioner
“It weaves a safety net—tying youth organizations together to be there when needed.”
— Youth Services Executive
NSPN Elevates National Leadership & Field Collaboration
“NSPN isn't just a network—it's a lifeline for providers and young people alike.”
— National Practitioner
“The diversity of NSPN’s members—those doing the real work—is a major strength.”
— Youth Services Leader
“The impact is real—NSPN is changing lives every day.”
— National Practitioner
“There’s no national blueprint like this. NSPN ties us together across the country.”
— Melinda Giovengo
Membership Builds Community, Confidence, & Connection
“NSPN has created a culture that is always willing to help in whatever way possible. From idea sharing to working with law enforcement, NSPN staff and Safe Place Coordinators are always willing to lend an ear and respond.”
— Youth Emergency Services, Omaha, NE
“As a small agency, NSPN membership has been cost-effective and incredibly valuable. The staff are always willing to offer technical assistance and brainstorm ideas—we highly recommend NSPN membership!”
— Member Agency Leader
Organizational Members See Real Impact
“The training provided, both e-learning and on-site, is a valuable resource to our programs and staff. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and engaging. The technical assistance for implementation after the training was also an incredible resource for our staff.”
— Synergy Services, Inc.
“We were awarded the Street Outreach Grant! We are SO excited about the lives that will be impacted. NSPN truly goes above and beyond and has been such a blessing to us.”
— Immerse Arkansas
“Our affiliation with NSPN has been more than a membership—it has been a partnership as we work together to address the needs of runaway and homeless youth.”
— Family Connection, Inc.
“We did get both BCP and SOP. We are thrilled. Thank you to NSPN for your help with calls, reviews, webinars, and support.”
— Youth In Need
“NSPN is a leader in the youth development field. We are grateful for their outstanding service to member organizations.”
— Haven House
“Safe Harbor was awarded Basic Center and Transitional Living. This is huge for our community. Thank you for the review assistance and support!”
— Safe Harbor Children’s Center
“This is such a relief—thank you so much for your review assistance. Please thank your team for us!”
— Compass House
“Safe Place places a resource directly in the hands of youth to access help on their own—without having to be part of the system. With support from NSPN, this program has transformed safety in our community.”
— Open Hands Youth Crisis Shelter
“Our agency has been able to utilize training resources for all staff through NSPN’s online learning and bring the knowledge back to our programs.”
— =Advocates for Bartow’s Children
