Kaleidoscope Youth Center
This month, we are learning more about the organization Kaleidoscope Youth Center and how it works to support the LGBTQ+ community. This organization is one of the four nonprofits that will receive a grant from the Mama Bears Giving Circle in the second grant round!
About Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is the largest and longest-serving organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 – 24. They work to provide a safer place, programming, and leadership opportunities so that youth can be free to explore who they are and empowered to become their confident, truest self.
Their services include a Drop-in Center, community education and training, advocacy and civic engagement, health and wellness, and housing opportunities. The Drop-in Center at KYC is open weekdays for youth ages 12 – 20, as a safer and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies. Their Programming primarily focuses on social activities and discussions, leadership development, life-skills, mutual support, as well as, health and wellness education.
KYC is informed by the practices of restorative and transformational justice, intersectionality, anti-oppression, racial justice, and trauma informed/healing engaged care. They are committed to providing supportive and collaborative services that acknowledge that people are the experts in their own lives.
