What We Do
Programs.
Programming at IYG revolves around building community, developing leadership qualities, and increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Through this programming, our staff hopes to lessen the impact of stressors most commonly faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
Just a few of our regular programs include:
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Support and discussion groups
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Arts and crafts
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Sexual health education
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STI/HIV testing
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Educational support
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Rapid rehousing (Project Prism)
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Affinity groups
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Risk prevention
In addition to scheduled programming, youth also have the option of hanging out with like-minded peers! Board games, videogames, karaoke, arts and crafts, and dancing are just a handful of common activities.
Case Management.
One of the most important resources we offer to the youth is case management. Our case managers interview and evaluate youth to complete intakes and assessments. This helps to determine at-risk youth and the additional support they require such as connecting them to services provided by partner organizations for mental health, housing, and legal assistance. For youth experiencing homelessness, our case managers help them to navigate the system and obtain copies of their social security cards, state identification, and birth certificates. Many parents withhold these documents when they throw their child out of the family home. Without these documents, it is nearly impossible for youth to apply for services, enroll in school, apply for a job, or apply for the High School Equivalency exam.
Basic Needs.
One in four LGBTQ+ youth that comes out to their family is kicked out of their home. Many youth “couch surf,” stay with family/friends, or end up living on the street.
IYG offers a plethora of resources for these youth including:
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Laundry
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Shower
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Food pantry
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Rapid rehousing assistance
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Cleaning products
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Hygiene products
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Clothing
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Transportation assistance
IYG also connects youth to services provided by partnering organizations for housing, medical/mental health, educational resources, and legal assistance.
GSA.
IYG provides support to Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSA) in high schools across the state. Support comes in the form of information, networking, skill-building resources, and regular visits. IYG also helps student leaders and faculty advisors to startup, develop, and maintain GSAs in their own schools, as well as hosting an annual GSA Network Summit.
PARENTS.
IYG offers education and support to parents/guardians, family, and other caring adults. Meetups, online support, and both one-on-one and family counseling sessions are all available!
LGBTQ+ COMPETENCY TRAINING.
LGBTQ+ Competency Training is available for businesses, professional groups, educational programs, religious institutions, and other community groups.
The primary objectives of these trainings are:
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To understand and be aware of terms, phrases, and concepts needed when helping LGBTQ+ adolescent individuals in order to promote cultural competency.
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To understand key issues facing LGBTQ+ youth at large and how those issues may create barriers to care.
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To identify areas of strength and areas of improvement in how to best serve LGBTQ+ youth
For more information or to set up an LGBTQ+ Competency Training for your group, please fill out this form, and one of our Training Outreach Specialists will be in touch shortly.