You Can Make it Better!
Over the past couple months an alarming number of young LGBT people across the country have taken their own lives, and in our city hate crimes against our community appear to be on the rise. At this time we must stand together and support each other. This past Saturday, our YES (Youth Enrichment Services) program hosted a youth dance offering young people ages 13-22 a chance to do this very thing. As I walked down 13th street on my way home from Women’s Event 13, I could hear the sound of music coming from the Center, and a smile came to my face.
When I entered the Center, I was so proud of what I saw. Over a hundred youth filled our first floor beaming with confidence and pride. The Center serves as a safe space allowing each of these young people a chance to be themselves without fear or judgment. I noticed several youth who appeared to be on first dates, and I realized that the Center is the place where these young people feel safe enough to be themselves – and even bring a date! Positive energy filled the Center that night and I was reassured that our community can overcome any hate or intolerance that we face…IF we support each other.
YES participants dancing during Summer Camp
As a Center donor, you can make this possible. Every dollar that you give ensures LGBT youth a place to go, not only for crisis-intervention, but for connection to community 365 days a year. YOU allow our LGBT youth a chance to develop into healthy adults. It gets better, but in truth, YOU CAN MAKE IT BETTER, today!
The Center wants our youth to know they are part of OUR community. To do this we are asking you to purchase a Center membership for a young person today! Your gift of $70 will pay for your individual membership and offer one young person a membership making them a proud card-carrying member of the LGBT community. A generous donor has offered a matching gift for this program, so every dollar you give today will become 2! Help us make this $35,000 goal today!
Glennda Testone
