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Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of WNY Inc

Buffalo, NY · EIN 222592319 · Form 990 · FY2024 · Small ($100K-$1M) · glyswny.org
revenue
$846K
expenses
$758K
net assets
$840K
employees
13
volunteers
75
program ratio
71%
mission · from form 990

The mission of GLYS is to strive to provide a supporting environment which enhances the personal growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth in Western New York. GLYS advocates for community awareness and acceptance for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

profile · synthesized from sources

Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of WNY Inc (GLYS) provides safe, affirming support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families across Western New York. The organization offers peer connection groups, family support, mental health pathways, and school-based education programs. Founded in 1983, GLYS focuses on reducing isolation and promoting resilience through trauma-informed, youth-centered services.

named programs · 6 · from sources

What they call their work

GSA Support for Schools
Consultation, resources, and guidance to help schools establish and maintain Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and inclusive environments
Parent/Caregiver of Trans Youth Support Group
Supportive space for parents and caregivers of trans youth to learn, ask questions, and connect with others on similar journeys
Pathways
Coordinated care network for TGNCNB youth and families in partnership with BestSelf Behavioral Health, managed by a dedicated case manager
Timothy J. Moran Drop in Center
A low-barrier, welcoming space where LGBTQ+ youth can connect with peers and access support in a safe, affirming environment
Trainings & Community Presentations
Educational workshops for schools, organizations, and community groups on LGBTQ+ identities, inclusion, and support best practices
Trans Youth Support Group
Peer support group for trans and gender-diverse youth to build community, share experiences, and receive affirmation
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency & Community Education 3 activities
    • Advocating for community awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth
      Engages in advocacy to promote community awareness, acceptance, and safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth in Western New York through education and engagement efforts.
    • Providing community education and training on LGBTQ+ inclusion
      Delivers educational workshops and presentations for schools, organizations, and community groups on LGBTQ+ identities, inclusion, and best practices for support.
    • Supporting school-based Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs)
      Provides consultation, resources, and guidance to help school-based GSAs create safer and more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students.
  • LGBTQ+ Community Support and Resource Centers 3 activities
    • Operating a coordinated care program for trans and gender-diverse youth
      Runs the Pathways program in partnership with BestSelf Behavioral Health, providing coordinated care for trans, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary youth and their families through a full-time case manager.
    • Operating a drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth
      Operates the Timothy J. Moran Drop-in Center, a low-barrier space in Western New York where LGBTQ+ youth can connect with peers and access support in a safe and affirming environment.
    • Providing family support and education programs
      Offers support groups and resources for families and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth, including a dedicated group for parents of trans and gender-diverse youth, to help them learn, connect, and support their children effectively.
  • Direct Mental Health Counseling and Support Services 1 activity
    • Delivering mental health support and referrals
      Provides subclinical mental health supports and facilitates access to culturally competent mental health clinicians through referrals for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
  • Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Services 1 activity
    • Facilitating peer support groups for LGBTQ+ youth
      Organizes youth-centered groups and peer support programs, including a dedicated group for trans and gender-diverse youth, to reduce isolation, build community, and foster resilience.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$846K
Contributions & grants$810K96%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$2K0%
Other revenue$34K
expenses
Total expenses$758K
Program expenses71%
Admin / overhead20%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$533K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.12M
Cash$544K
Investments$429K
Liabilities$283K
Net assets$840K
Liquid reserves15.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +106.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Jacob Kavanaugh Executive Director 40 $87K
board members · 14
  • Abigail Skinner — Board member
  • Amy Hequembourg — Board Member
  • Candice Fletcher-Pacheco — Board member
  • Darlene Maclay — Board member
  • Darren Brown-Hall — Treasurer
  • Derrick Gunter — Board member
  • Dominic Cottone — Board Member
  • Ed Drantch — Secretary
  • Khris Decker — Vice President
  • Michael Boucai — Board Member
  • Michael Kugel — Board member
  • Michael Wah — Board President
  • Neil Pawlowski — Board member
  • Rebecca Ashare — Board Member
relationships · 5

Who they work with

  • BestSelf Behavioral Health Partner — Partner organization in the Pathways program, providing coordinated care for trans, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary youth and their families.
  • clinicians Partner — Works with mental health clinicians to provide culturally competent referrals for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • community partners Partner — Collaborates with community partners to promote understanding and support for LGBTQ youth.
  • community partners Partner — Partners with community organizations to ensure coordinated, affirming support for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • schools Partner — Collaborates with schools to provide training and support for creating safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
strategies · 1

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Trauma-Informed, Lived-Experience-Guided Support
    methodology: trauma_informed_care
    By integrating trauma-informed care, youth development principles, and staff with lived experience, the organization produces more effective and respectful support for LGBTQ+ youth because these elements foster trust, safety, and relatability, leading to sustained engagement and personal growth.