LIBERTY Safe House provides youths with a Christian atmosphere

The leader plans to expand the program in the area.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Dale Martin speaks with the fervor of an evangelist.
That's because the ordained minister who runs Safe House, a Christian-oriented facility for young people, has been an evangelist, as well as being involved in pastoring and youth ministry.
Since May, when Safe House opened next to Liberty Community Church on Tibbetts-Wick Road, an increasing number of youths have been gathering there.
The mission, Martin explained, is to provide a clean, safe place for kids to go instead of street corners where trouble breeds.
Some show up after school because their parents are working, some parents drop off their children and some kids just don't want to go home after school.
Safe House attracts 40 to 50 kids, from age 7 to college age, from a 4-mile radius.
Martin picks up some of them and takes others home. He needs a van.
On Saturdays, about 60 kids show up. This year, 250 of them attended five-day summer camps, said the 52-year-old Martin.
At Safe House, young people can have a snack, play video games on 13 large screens, play baseketball or air hockey, do their homework, or watch TV at the former bookstore. MTV isn't one of the cable channels that's shown.
Financial support
And it's all free, unless someone wants to pay for a soft drink out of the machine or chip in 35 cents for a hot chocolate drink.
It takes $12,000 a month to keep the doors open, Martin said, noting business people donate to the program.
A local store provides hot dogs and hamburgers that are grilled outside in nice weather because there is no kitchen.
Nearby, Pleasant Valley Church has made Safe House its mission with financial support. The majority of volunteers who work there have been involved in youth ministries.
The program, Martin said, was started about two years ago by Rev. Robert Denen, pastor of Liberty Community Church.
"This thing has just exploded," Martin said.
The house is open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
"Youth Events" from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays is geared toward strengthening the Christian foundation and features speakers, music, skits and videos made at the house.
The center is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Love and attention
On the last Friday of the month, the house holds "The Edge," a high-tech Christian program.
"The Edge" is also designed to provide a youth ministry to churches until they can establish their own.
There are also sleepovers that are supervised by adults, Martin said.
Although the house is Christ-oriented, those of other religions are welcome.
"We're not here to argue," Martin said.
Those who fight are told to leave and not to return until they're ready to behave.
"There's discipline but also love and attention," Martin said.
Martin said the program will be expanding. He's looking for sites on Youngstown's North and South sides and in Sharon, Pa.
Liberty Police Chief Anthony Slifka said the township is looking at Safe House to operate a juvenile diversion program for offenders who have already been through the criminal justice system.
yovich@vindy.com