NATIONAL STUDENT SAFETY PROGRAM 2015
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
WRENN HOUSE
Haven House Services was founded in 1973 to provide community-based services to at-risk youth and their families in Wake County. It was founded by Rev. Al Dimmock, a local pastor, who was volunteering in juvenile court when the court faced the case of a young girl who could not go home, was not appropriate for training school, and had no other options. It compelled Rev. Dimmock to create a place of refuge for young people experiencing difficult circumstances. This place became Haven House Services, which was incorporated in 1973. Initially a group home for girls, a group home for boys followed in December 1975. From there, a natural evolution of services began and today we have 12 community based programs serving over 3ooo youth and their families each year. One such program is Wrenn House, which opened its doors in 1981.
Wrenn House is the only homeless, runaway and crisis intervention program and shelter for youth in the Triangle. It provides a safe, legal, and responsible environment for youth who run away from home, who are homeless, or are otherwise in a crisis situation. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Wrenn House is available to any youth age 10 – 17, with priority given to youth from Wake County and Raleigh.
For 30 years, Wrenn House has served those experiencing crisis by providing a diverse range of services including: temporary shelter, counseling, case management, referrals, and a variety of life skills, all within a therapeutic and safe environment that promotes individuality and empowers youth and families. The program provides a safe haven to youth where they can find the freedom to realize their full potential, which is often minimized when involved in systems over which they usually have no control.
Young people come to Wrenn House voluntarily. The length of time varies from 1 day to 21 days. Young people staying at Wrenn House are expected to attend school. Transportation is provided to Wake County Schools. There is no cost for participants to receive services from Wrenn House.
NSSP 2015 conference participants are asked to bring monetary donations collected in their school community to the conference for presentation to the
Wrenn House on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at the conference location.