Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program

A nonprofit organization

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$3,000 Goal

                                                                                      

Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program provides non-clinical group support to LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 12-20, in the highly diverse and underserved area of East Contra Costa County. We are the only program in our area providing LGBTQIA+ youth with critically needed support and connection to local culturally responsive resources, at no cost. Empowerment's staff are devoted to developing safe, confidential spaces at schools and in the community where youth can express themselves authentically, learn about the LGBTQIA+ community and history, and develop important skills for positive wellbeing and lifelong resilience.

As we are seeing an increase in hateful rhetoric and policies to strip the rights and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in our area and around the country, most of the youth we work with do not feel safe to disclose their queer identity to their families or at school, fearing harassment, rejection, and physical violence. A 2023 national survey by The Trevor Project found that only 1/3 of LGBTQ+ youth live in an affirming household and 46% of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-17 seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Our work to support and offer safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth is vitally important.

Every dollar donated to Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program during #GiveOUTDay will go directly toward providing safe, supportive services to LGBTQIA+ youth in East Contra Costa County. Thank you, on behalf of Center for Human Development and the LGBTQIA+ youth we serve.


Youth Testimonials:

"I love to come to this group because I know there are people here who understand what I am going through." ~AB

"Being in group is very supportive and fun because you can be surrounded by people who are alike." ~AM

"It's a great space to relax and make friends and learn about LGBTQ things." ~GA

"My experience in Empowerment was wonderful. I love it." ~FA

"Don't be embarrassed about sharing, it honestly helps a lot." ~EA

"You get to meet new people that are like you." ~MA

"It's a place to feel safe." ~JP

"If I didn't have Empowerment I'm not sure who or where I would be today. This program had helped me more than I can say." ~JP

"It's a good resource for any LGBTQIA+ (youth) in the area." ~ LJ

"I got to hear more 'about' other's problems and it helped me realize I'm not alone!" ~DJ

"It has helped me understand how to deal with my problems." ~JP

"It helped me be aware of some specifics of my own identity and made me feel less alone in my identity at school." ~JP

"I got to know new people and talk about my problem. I talk about what is happening in my life easier." ~AG

"I felt more relieved and supported than ever before. I loved it." ~AN

"I want others to know that Empowerment helped me like me for me and that it's okay to be gay." ~MA

"Empowerment has helped me to know more about my community and discover more about myself." ~AA


Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program

Tax id (EIN)

94-2520840

Categories

Health Community

Address

901 Sunvalley Blvd., Suite 220
Concord, CA 94520

Phone

925-687-8844

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