The Inside Scoop
October 20222
Made possible by YOU!
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Thank you for reading Youth Pride, Inc.'s October edition of The Inside Scoop; the place for YPI updates in addition to local and national LGBTQ+ news! Within you will read about the award YPI is nominated for, our Equity Action Grant, the upcoming Halloween party, Dassault's Day of Service at YPI and more!
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YPI Nominated for an Option's Magazine Award |
Options Magazine is hosting their first annual Options Awards –– individuals will be able to vote on Rhode Island’s best queer and trans people and places until October 14th and the winners being announced at the Options Awards Party on October 18th at Mirabar.
There are tens of voting categories such as Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Hero Of The Year; Top Local Activist For Trans Rights; Best Local Ally; Best LGBTQ+ Bar; etc.
Youth Pride, Inc. has been nominated for Option Magazine's Best Rhode Island Non Profit. You can vote for us at the link below!
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YPI youth ages 5-18 are invited to our Halloween Party happening Thursday, October 27 from 3-6pm at our drop-in space at 743 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903. Youth ages 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
In addition to spooky snacks, karaoke, face painting, games, and music we will also have a costume contest! Awards will be given to Best Costume, Funniest Costume, Scariest Costume, and Most Original Costume.
Register for the halloween party at the link below!
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Equity Action Grant Allows Expansion of Clinical Services |
The Equity Action Fund offered through the RI Foundation supports projects that meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ communities in Rhode Island. This year, 12 nonprofits will split ~$78 thousand to fund new and existing LGBTQ+ programs and services; everything from advocacy to healthcare.
YPI is proud to be a Equity Action Fund recipient. This year we received $10,000 to increase our in-house clinical services for at-risk, vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to providing free individual counseling, our clinical services also include case management which allows our staff to connect youth to valuable resources such as SNAP, GED assistance, housing placement, and gender-affirming healthcare to name just a few.
If you're a youth 23 or younger and interested in our clinical services, you can email Andy Taubman, Director of Youth Services and LCSW, at Andy@youthprideri.org to make an appointment to discuss how we can help.
Read the full press release below. It includes information on the other 11 nonprofits who are receiving Equity Action funds and what projects they are supporting.
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Monthly Spotlight
Dassault Systèmes
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Dassault Systemes (DS) is a multinational software company that specializes in 3D design with an office in Johnston, RI. Each year the company hosts an annual Day of Service where employees from all DS locations volunteer in their communities at various nonprofits. This September, YPI was glad to partner with a group of DS employees for the fifth year in a row to get our space looking a litter brighter.
Five dedicated team members and five hours later and our main space and kitchen have a new coat of paint! We love how much new life the warm yellow and orange brings to our drop-in space. Thank you, Dassault Employees, for making this happen!
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New LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Peer Support Group |
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On September 26th LUNA Community Care held their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. LUNA Community Care is a RI based disabled workers cooperative that provides peer support, education, training, advocacy and community events centered around Neurodiversity and Disability Justice. Their vision as an organization is to improve the quality of life for Neurodivergent adults, and to promote a shift in the culture, attitudes and acceptance of Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in the community.
On Mondays LUNA offers a LGBTQIAA2S+ and Neurodivergent Peer Support Group from 4-5pm via Zoom. This peer support group is an identity based virtual group that allows participants to discuss their shared experiences, vent, give and receive support to/from one another, discuss challenges, and celebrate joy! There is a suggest $5 fee. The group is run by Sy Bedrick, LUNA co-owner and YPI Center Coordinator.
LUNA Community Care is located in Hope Artiste Village - 1005 Main St. Suite 8229, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Check out their other programs and services at the link below.
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Anti-Trans Panel Held at Cranston Library |
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Various local groups and nonprofits organized a protest at the William H Hall Branch of the Cranston Public Library on Monday 9/19. The library was closed for the day to allow for a panel discussion titled, What Your Kid Learn About Gender in School, and hosted by Chris Elston, a controversial anti-trans individual. About 25 individuals attended the panel. Over 250 individuals showed up to protest the meeting outside.
The articles below have more information about the panel and the protest including videos, quotes, and the library's response.
Pictured right: Rush Frazier, YPI's Executive Director, speaking at the protest. Photo taken by Daria-Lyric Montaquila.
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Mission:
Youth Pride, Inc. is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work and play.
Values:
LEADERSHIP: YPI is committed to creating the leaders of today. Youth voices drive our process, and we seek to develop the leadership skills necessary both within the organization and outside of it.
AFFIRMATION: YPI believes all youth must be affirmed for who they are and how they express themselves. We are committed to making that a reality in all of the environments in which young people live.
COMMUNITY: YPI believes building strong connections is essential to youth success and empowerment. We strive to create a caring, respectful and diverse community of young people and adults.
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Your tax-deductible donation helps YPI continue to do the important work we do in accordance to our mission. Your gift would be directly investing in our state's LGBTQ youth so that they may have a chance to share their gifts and light with the world. |
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Our Programs and Services |
Youth Pride, Inc. serves over 700 Rhode Island LGBTQ youth and their straight allies a year through a variety of programs and services. All YPI Center services and activities are free to youth and include a leadership development program, several support groups, a Spanish speaking group, and various social groups such as virtual Dungeons & Dragons.
Our center is home to a Basic Needs Pantry, open to youth in need of food, clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. To pick up a premade bag of items, click the Pantry button below.
In addition to free one on one counseling with licensed clinicians. we also provide case management services for youth facing challenging times. For more information on either of these services, email Andy@youthprideri.org
YPI also offers support to those who work with youth through policy and advocacy, and by providing professional development workshops and technical assistance to service providers and educators. Below is a button to our training request form.
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If you have a story you feel should be included in an upcoming newsletter, email Info@youthprideri.org |
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