Horry County youth are the keys to our future so helping them succeed is a very wise investment.  Sea Haven for Youth is doing this by making a difference for children who grow up in less than ideal circumstances involving violence, poverty, neglect or abuse.

Sea Haven reaches out to youth that are in need of support emotionally and materially.  They have several wonderful programs that extend from emergency shelter, transitional living, street outreach and many locations where kids can get help fast.

The Emergency Shelter for youth from ages 13 to 18 is in a licensed residential home with 24-hour supervision.  The Transitional Living program helps ages 16 to 21 prepare to be on their own by teaching life skills.  The Street Outreach center provides support for homeless or runaway teens.

Many children do not have the opportunity to get help or don't know where to go for help.  Sea Haven is focused on this with a program called Safe Place that is a partner with the community, schools and local businesses.  There are many areas that display the Safe Place sign to show youth that they can just walk in and get immediate help.  Click here to see an event published several weeks ago about National Safe Place Week. 

There are so many ways to help our youth and it is amazing how much Sea Haven has done and is still doing.  Click here to read more about some other cool ways they are working in the community like combating hunger, school lunch awareness, mall outreach, food vouchers, pregnancy campaign, speaking in schools and church groups.

So now you may ask yourself, how can I help.  Here a few ways:

• Advocating for a service club to invite a Sea Haven staff as a speaker
• Hold a fundraiser
• Donate directly
• Coordinating fundraising opportunities for Sea Haven
• Purchase a tank of gas for youth to drive to and from work
• Arrange payment for cab fare
• Offer monetary donations

Sea Haven is in need of many other things like personal hygiene items, household items, food, blankets, backpacks, to discount or free passes for area activities.  They are a 501c-3 non-profit agency and a member of the Youth and Family Services Network so all donations are tax exempt.  It's quick and easy, just click here to donate.

Wouldn't it feel great to help a child in need, make them feel safe and not alone?  Help save our youth and invest in our future!  Contact Sea Haven for further information: 

• Facebook 
• Website
• Office/Shelter:  3892 Highway 9 East, Little River, SC 29566

Editor's note: This article was produced by an Horry-Georgetown Technical College student enrolled in the ENG 155 class, led by Dean Blumberg, in partnership with TheDigitel Myrtle Beach to bring awareness to area non-profits while providing hands-on experience.