My team
Why I'm running the Falmouth Road Race to support LGBTQ+ youth
As many of my friends and family know, I recently lost my amazing father to dementia and Alzheimer's. What many of you may not know is that prior to his illness, my dad was very involved in the Transgender/LGBTQIA+ community. Through deep self reflection, my dad realized that he identified as transgender in the early 2000's. He was excited, but scared, to explore this part of his identity.
The support he received in this community gave him the safety and courage to connect with a side of himself that he felt was missing for most of his life, and he formed lasting friendships with many of the people he met. He served in leadership roles in this community, mentoring and supporting others who were learning to navigate their true identities.
In an effort to channel my grief into something positive (while simultaneously honoring my dad's memory), I am running the Falmouth Road Race to raise funds for OUT Metrowest, an organization that offers free programming, education, support, and affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth in the community. This is something I am passionate about as a school nurse and educator, and something I know my dad would be thrilled to be a part of. Please consider making a donation to this wonderful group as part of my fundraising efforts!
Description
Please help me build communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.
For 15 years, OUT MetroWest has risen to meet the emerging needs of LGBTQ+ youth, launching new programs based on community demand. In 2015, our Nexus program was the first of its kind in MA for queer and trans middle-schoolers, filling a critical void. Since 2011, we have grown from a single weekly meeting for high schoolers to now offering multiple weekly programs for middle and high schoolers, monthly programs for elementary youth and young adults, community-wide events, and educating hundreds of individuals to build inclusive cultures in their own organizations.
Because LGBTQ+ youth deserve a community where they are welcomed and accepted, for exactly who they are.
Your support helps keep all of OUT MetroWest's life-affirming programs, resources, and events FREE!
- 20+ free programs each month
- more than 1,000 youth served over the past decade
- 375+ youth and families who attend programs and events each year
- over 30 cities and towns reached across Massachusetts
- At least one trained therapist at all weekly programs, supporting mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth
- Thousands of individuals trained in LGBTQ+-inclusivity -- making their own schools, organizations, and businesses stronger, more welcoming communities.
Our youth programs include:
- Nexus: weekly program for LGBTQ+ middle schoolers, in grades 6-8
- Prism: weekly program for LGBTQ+ high schoolers, in grades 9-12
- Umbrella: weekly program for transgender and non-binary youth, in grades 6-12
- Drop-In: unstructured time for youth to connect in our youth-centered space, for LGBTQ+ youth in grades 6-12
- Shine & Glow: monthly gatherings for gender-expansive and LGBTQ+ children, ages pre-K through grade 5, and their families
- Nova: monthly social gatherings for LGBTQ+ young adults, ages 19 - 29
- Aurora **NEW PROGRAM**: Monthly support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth
Learn more at www.outmetrowest.org
Thank you for helping me reach my goal!
Together we can give LGBTQ+ youth the support they need!
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 05 | Everett Houston | Undisclosed amount |
