Pilot Flying J Gives Back with Donation to National Safe Place Network to Support Programs for Youth in Crisis

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) today announced an impactful gift from Pilot Flying J to support the expansion of Safe Place® and TXT 4 HELP, NSPN’s national program which brings together businesses and volunteers to help youth in crisis.  The donation was awarded as part of Pilot Flying J’s $2 million commitment to giving back in celebration of its 60^th anniversary this month.   

“Millions of young people face troubling issues such as abuse, neglect, homelessness and bullying which may lead difficult decisions to escape such dangers,” said Laurie Jackson, President/CEO of NSPN. “Through programs like Safe Place® and TXT 4 HELP, youth have access to immediate help and safety no matter what they are going through and no matter where they are located. Pilot Flying J is committed to strengthening the safety net for youth across the county and their generous contribution will make a lasting impact on the lives on young people.”

Safe Place is a national outreach and prevention program for youth in crisis. More than 20,000 locations across the U.S. display the yellow and black Safe Place sign, the universal symbol for help and safety for all young people. Partnering youth-friendly businesses and organizations, such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores, schools, public transportation vehicles, fire stations, and libraries, connect youth in need with the local licensed Safe Place agency.

NSPN’s TXT 4 HELP initiative is an extension of the Safe Place program, connection youth in need to help and safety via text messaging. Here’s how it works: youth can text the word “safe” and their current location (address/city/state) to 4HELP (44357). Within seconds, the user will receive a message with information about the closest Safe Place locations, as well as the number for the local youth shelter. Users also have the option to text interactively with a counseling professional for more help.

It is estimated over one million youth run away from home each year due to abuse, neglect, family conflicts and other issues. Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP are options for young people who feel they have nowhere to turn.

The Safe Place program helps more than 15,000 youth annually and serves more than 1,400 communities across the country. Additionally, more than 1 million youth are educated about Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP through community and school outreach efforts.

“A spirit of community and philanthropy was instilled in our company’s culture from the beginning,” said Meg Counts, community relations and events manager of Pilot Flying J. “To celebrate and thank our guests and team members for 60 years in business, we wanted to give back to the communities and people we serve. We are proud to partner with National Safe Place Network in support of their mission and programs to help our communities thrive. Together, we are truly able to fuel life’s journeys.” 

Pilot Flying J’s giving is focused on fueling those who serve by supporting military heroes and their families, and helping communities across the country improve the quality of life for people at home and on the road. To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 60^th anniversary giving, visit www.pilotflyingj.com/giving-back.

About National Safe Place Network

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) provides quality training and technical support for youth and family service organizations across the country. Along with being a leading membership organization offering tailored organizational development, training and professional development packages, NSPN also operates the nationally recognized programs Safe Place®, HTR³, and the Family and Youth Services Bureau’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC). To learn more, please visit www.nspnetwork.org.

About Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations in 44 states, Roadside assistance available at over 135 locations nationwide and growing as part of its Truck Care program, 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers, and 34 Boss Shops. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 72,000 parking spaces for trucks with Prime Parking at more than 400 locations, 5,200 deluxe showers and more than 6,200 diesel lanes with 5,200 offering Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 15 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com/ for more information.