There are many nonprofit organizations in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Each one is doing incredible work to support our community by helping those less fortunate, promoting the arts, providing education, and more.
During our nonprofit spotlight series, we’ll highlight information about a different local nonprofit each week. This week, we were thrilled to chat with ALSO Youth to learn more about their mission and how we can help. Here’s what they had to say.
Can you tell us a little bit about your mission and how you help to support our community?
ALSO Youth’s mission is empowering LGBTQ+ youth and their allies and creating inclusive communities. Our vision is for all people to live their lives with dignity, honesty, and pride regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our name is an acronym that reflects the four pillars of our organization: Advocacy, Leadership, Support, and Outreach.
Who do you serve and why?
ALSO Youth serves LGBTQ+ youth and their allies because LGBTQ+ youth need our help. According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide. 60% of LGBTQ+ youth report already having faced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. And 56% of youth report that they want mental health counseling but have no access.
Can you describe a few of your key programs?
We provide free support groups like gender identity peer support, parent/guardian support, and disabled youth meetups. We also offer free mental health counseling serviced with licensed therapists, which are provided at no cost to the youth or the youth’s guardians, and no health insurance is required.
When it comes to education, we do our best to make sure all youth have adequate support and opportunities. We offer scholarships annually. Additionally, we have a GED financial support assistance program that offers youth the opportunity to continue their education, should they have that need.
We also offer free training opportunities to local businesses and organizations. We have a library of training presentations, designed to increase knowledge and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Topics vary from “Exploring LGBTQ+”, which covers the terminology and culture of the LGBTQ+ community, to “How To Be An Ally”, which describes what being an ally means and offers people the tools to be the best allies that they can be.
Finally, we have two youth centers, one in Sarasota County and one in Manatee County. These centers are safe places for all youth to be themselves, feel accepted and affirmed in their identities, and build supportive friendships while engaging in activities like a bi-weekly book club, tabletop game night, talent & karaoke night, self-care & support crafts, and so much more!
What’s the best way our community can help?
To make a direct impact on today’s LGBTQ+ youth, you can volunteer with ALSO Youth. We have volunteer opportunities in the areas of youth programs and outreach services. We have committees that help maintain our budget, our marketing, and our annual events. And we have a board of directors that leads our organization’s strategic planning efforts. Our volunteer application can be found here: https://www.alsoyouth.org/get-involved/volunteer-application
Financial donations are always accepted as well. All the programs and services we offer are provided at no cost to the youth of the youth’s guardians or family. Donation information can be found here: https://www.alsoyouth.org/donate.
What else do you want us to know?
ALSO Youth was founded in 1992 due to concerns about the high rates of suicide amongst LGBTQ+ teens. Still today, LGBTQ+ youth face a myriad of challenges, some that we never thought they would have to.
These youth experience disdain and discrimination from not only their peers, but from adults in their schools, at their jobs, and even from law-making government officials. ALSO Youth has been around for 32 years, and we do our part to empower all youth so that they can feel comfortable and confident in their skin. We need your help and invite your support!
To learn more about ALSO YOUTH, visit ALSOYouth.org, follow us on Facebook, and feel free to contact us at info@alsoyouth.org.
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