by David Chapman
Staff Writer
One local nonprofit organization is getting ready for its extended close-up to the nation — and with it should come an increase in inquiries on a number of topics.
Robbie Smith, executive director of Safe Harbor Boys Home, spoke to Meninak members Monday about the details and anticipated work that should come with the May 30 debut of The Hallmark Channel movie “Safe Harbor” based on the founding and development of the program. Safe Harbor Boys Home takes in troubled boys ages 15–17 and develops them academically and vocationally using maritime skills and a Christian foundation.
“It really is all about the boys,” said Smith.
Smith went on to describe the careers of some of Safe Harbor’s graduates — firefighters, chefs, marines, social workers, members of the Coast Guard, business owners and politicians — and how helping shape the lives of the young men pays dividends to the individual and society.
“They lack hope, they lack character,” said Smith, referring to when the boys first are accepted into the program. “Then you see miracles spring forth.”
The success of the program, celebrating its 25th year in June, has led to the creation of the upcoming movie and though being in the spotlight will be a great experience, said Smith, it should also lead to an influx of calls regarding potential boys placement and training for similar programs across the country.
It’s a scenario they’ve envisioned, though.
“We’ve definitely been preparing our staff for the additional calls and the boys for potential new boys coming in,” said Smith. “I’d say we’ve been preparing for something like this for 25 years.”
Financially speaking, the nonprofit — but funded privately — has been doing well in spite of the down economy, though it has seen a small hit in donors.
“The economy is the economy,” said Smith. “We just continue doing what we do.”
For Meninak, getting an update on Safe Harbor falls in line with its efforts to increase its mentoring presence across the region. Safe Harbor is one of six local organizations the civic group has partnered with this year for its mentoring program and is also the only three-time winner of the group’s annual charity project.
“It was a special program and one that ties in directly with what we’re trying to accomplish this year with our mentoring program,” said Meninak President Bunky Johnson. “They’ve been recognized on a national level for the selfless service and I believe they have the same type of approach we’re trying — building a one-on-one mentoring relationship with young people to make a difference.”
Smith said she was grateful for Meninak as they’ve “always been great to us” while noting the need for community members, as like with other nonprofits, they comprise a large percentage of their mentoring and workforce.
Melanie Messer, Meninak mentoring committee chair, said response for volunteering from the organization’s members has been high and that within the next month, plans for implementing its members into the field, in places like Safe Harbor, should come to fruition.
“I think the great response just shows the importance of people wanting to make a difference,” said Messer. “It shows they want to change a life.”
As Smith noted in her introduction, changing the lives of young men like those at Safe Harbor does more than just influence the individual — it’s a good thing for curbing crime statistics, training good employees for business owners and even preparing them to be future husbands.
There will be no Meninak meeting Monday in observance of the Easter holiday. The next Meninak meeting is April 20 with guest speaker Tommy Douglas, chairman of The Players.
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