It’s not often that a nonprofit organization is lucky enough to have long-term volunteers. Fortunately, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) has been working with John P., our December 2023 Volunteer of the Month, for more than 12 years! John finds that volunteering provides a “meaningful connection with the human experience.” He recognizes something special in helping those in need and wonders why more people aren’t drawn to the fulfilling world of volunteering.

Sam began on her journey with the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) at 16, much younger than the average age of volunteers. She learned about NRS’s volunteer program through her high school\’s list of after-school activities. This led her to sign-up for what she called an eye-opening 40-hour training that was so impactful that she still uses the training material to help guide her through difficult chats. Now, as a college student at Washington University in St. Louis, Sam continues to volunteer by talking to young people and concerned adults who reach out through NRS’s chat service.

As Advocates for Children in northwest Georgia celebrates the organization’s 40th anniversary, the team takes pride in their countless accomplishments, including client success stories, new and expanded programs and the purchase and renovation of their new headquarters where all prevention, education and advocacy programs are now under one roof.