True Colors Sexual Minority Youth and Family Services, a Hartford-based nonprofit agency which seeks to expand mentoring, social and recreational programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, has received two grants totaling $50,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
"True Colors, founded in 1992, works with other social service agencies, schools, organizations, and within communities to ensure that the needs of its clients are recognized and competently met," said Robin McHaelen, executive director. "Words just can't express our gratitude for the funding, which is a continuation of past support and very much appreciated."
The new grants, which are for general operating support, are from the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund and the Samuel Roskin Trust at the Hartford Foundation.
"Studies provide compelling evidence that the stigma associated with development of a sexual minority identity puts youth at significantly higher risk for truancy, homelessness, substance abuse, depression, sexual acting out and suicide," said McHaelen.
"These risk factors often lead them into contact with child welfare and juvenile justice systems that are ill-equipped to respond to their needs. Our programs, such as The Safe Harbors Project, can make a profound difference."
Other True Colors programs include youth leadership development, advocacy for youth and families at school, foster parent recruitment, training for social workers and educators, and a Spiritual Institute which focuses on the spiritual needs of LGBT youth. In addition, True Colors organizes the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youthconference in the country with more than 2,700 attendees. For more information about True Colors, visit our True Colors or call (860) 232-0050.
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for the 29-town Greater Hartford region, dedicated to improving the quality of life for area residents. The Foundation receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals and families, and in 2010, awarded grants of more than $29 million to a broad range of area nonprofit organizations, the largest amount granted in the Foundation's 85-year history. For more information about the Hartford Foundation, visit HFPG or call (860) 548-1888
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