youth services
Our focus on Youth
Adolescence is a difficult time for all of us. We recognize that there are certain challenges that are unique to LGBT youth population such as coming out during their primary or secondary education, the reaction of faculty and other students once they do come out, where they can find the support that they need within the school system and student body, and finding a place where they belong.
Often because of lack of support from family and friends, the school system, churches, and other significant societal structures, LGBT youth are left alone, ostracized and isolated and in many cases, on the streets or even worse. Some youth will not come out due to the repercussion that it may have in their lives.
Up to 30% of LGBT youth will attempt suicide at least once in their life, up to 55% in the transgender community alone.
The Coalition will focus our efforts on serving the LGBT youth population in the following ways:
1. The Shining Star Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to LGBT high school students who will be pursuing a college major pertaining to Social Service welfare.
2. Hold various LGBT youth centered events throughout the year ... Queer Carnevale, Rainbow Riverfest and more!
3. Serving as a school liaison to assist in developing Gay Straight Alliances in high schools throughout the region, to create awareness, bring about change and understanding at an early age and to prevent anti-gay bullying. This year, the Coalition will partner with Holyoke For All in the "Equali-T-our", promoting music benefits for schools who do not presently have a GSA.
4. Community Based Educational Forums
5. Provide information and referrals to dedicated LGBT 24 hour suicide hotline professionals
6. Community referrals for individual, group and family therapy
Get Involved
If you, your school, church, or other community group would like to get involved in our youth initiative, please contact us now.
Help us put these services into action. Donate now! Let's unite to build a better future for our community.
Adolescence is a difficult time for all of us. We recognize that there are certain challenges that are unique to LGBT youth population such as coming out during their primary or secondary education, the reaction of faculty and other students once they do come out, where they can find the support that they need within the school system and student body, and finding a place where they belong.
Often because of lack of support from family and friends, the school system, churches, and other significant societal structures, LGBT youth are left alone, ostracized and isolated and in many cases, on the streets or even worse. Some youth will not come out due to the repercussion that it may have in their lives.
Up to 30% of LGBT youth will attempt suicide at least once in their life, up to 55% in the transgender community alone.
The Coalition will focus our efforts on serving the LGBT youth population in the following ways:
1. The Shining Star Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to LGBT high school students who will be pursuing a college major pertaining to Social Service welfare.
2. Hold various LGBT youth centered events throughout the year ... Queer Carnevale, Rainbow Riverfest and more!
3. Serving as a school liaison to assist in developing Gay Straight Alliances in high schools throughout the region, to create awareness, bring about change and understanding at an early age and to prevent anti-gay bullying. This year, the Coalition will partner with Holyoke For All in the "Equali-T-our", promoting music benefits for schools who do not presently have a GSA.
4. Community Based Educational Forums
5. Provide information and referrals to dedicated LGBT 24 hour suicide hotline professionals
6. Community referrals for individual, group and family therapy
Get Involved
If you, your school, church, or other community group would like to get involved in our youth initiative, please contact us now.
Help us put these services into action. Donate now! Let's unite to build a better future for our community.
