When Syndi Taylor was 15 years old and a student at Sabino High School, she found herself needing a place to stay.
"I found myself in a bad situation at home. My parents were involved in a huge car accident that led to physical difficulties. Their medical situations brought additional stress into the family," recalled Taylor, 45, an advertising executive for the publication Bear Essential News for Kids.
Taylor, who was caring for three younger brothers, lived in a shelter for nearly three weeks and she and her family underwent counseling that led to her returning home.
"Open Inn was there for me," said Taylor. "I learned that I didn't have to accept the level of violence I was living. It wasn't normal, and this wasn't the way I was suppose to live. It helped me grow as a person and learn to live a safe life."
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Counseling and programs helped better life for herself, her brothers and her parents.
"Kids need to understand that things can get better. They really can, and every kid deserves a break. I am so glad Open Inn provides these services for families and teenagers who need support when they take that first scary step and ask for help," said Taylor, who joined the board of Open Inn earlier this year.
Taylor, along with other board members, staff and community leaders, invite the public to Open Inn's major fundraising celebration on Friday. It is set for 6:30 p.m. at El Parador Restaurant, 2744 E. Broadway. Tickets cost $50.
Open Inn, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter to runaways and homeless youths, is celebrating 35 years. It has a staff of 65 and an annual budget of $3.2 million, receiving federal, state and local funding, along with support from foundations, corporations and private donors.
Open Inn was founded in 1974 in Tucson and now is serving seven of the state's 15 counties. Some 12,000 people will receive support this year from its programs, including street outreach services, and educational, vocational and employment training.
"The recent economic crisis has forced community-based organizations like Open Inn to become even more creative in meeting the growing demand for services on ever-tightening budgets," said Nancy Panico, executive director for Open Inn.
"Today, we see not only the families that we've always served, but we're meeting a new group of Pima County's community members in need of housing and financial support.
"Plagued by high foreclosure rates and few employment opportunities, many young adults and families who were previously living on the edge going paycheck to paycheck are now finding themselves evicted and on the streets, sleeping in cars or camping in the national forests."
FUNDRAISER
• What: Open Inn, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter to runaways and homeless youths, is celebrating its 35th year and hosting a fundraiser. It was founded in 1974 in Tucson and now serves seven counties. Some 12,000 people will receive support from its programs this year.
• When: 6:30 p.m. Friday. Festivities for "An Evening in Rio" will include dinner, dancing and an auction.
• Where: El Parador Restaurant, 2744 E. Broadway
• Cost: $50 per person
• Information: Call 670-9040, Ext. 2126 or go to www.openinn.org
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