What they call their work
What they do
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LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency & Community Education 3 activities
- Advocating for community awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ youthEngages 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+ inclusionDelivers 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.
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LGBTQ+ Community Support and Resource Centers 3 activities
- Operating a coordinated care program for trans and gender-diverse youthRuns 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+ youthOperates 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 programsOffers 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.
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Direct Mental Health Counseling and Support Services 1 activity
- Delivering mental health support and referralsProvides subclinical mental health supports and facilitates access to culturally competent mental health clinicians through referrals for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
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Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Services 1 activity
- Facilitating peer support groups for LGBTQ+ youthOrganizes 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.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Kavanaugh | Executive Director | 40 | $87K |
- 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
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.
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 Supportmethodology: trauma_informed_careBy 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.