Youth Pride, Inc.

In the middle of a snowstorm in December 1992, four young people gathered at Brown University’s Sarah Doyle Women’s Center. Alongside one caring adult, they shared their stories- many for the first time. In that small room, they created something powerful: a sense of belonging. They called themselves The Way Out.

What started as a single meeting has grown into Youth Pride Inc., now serving more than 800 LGBTQ+ youth across Rhode Island every year.

Today, Youth Pride is often the first place a young person feels safe being fully themselves. It’s where they find community, access mental health support, and get the basic resources they need to get through the day- whether that’s a meal, clean clothes, or someone who listens.

The young people we serve come from every background, but many share one reality: they are navigating systems and circumstances that make life harder- poverty, housing instability, family rejection, or involvement in the child welfare system. For them, Youth Pride isn’t just a program. It’s a lifeline.

Through our drop-in center in Providence and virtual programming across the state, we provide:

• Safe, affirming spaces to connect and build community
• Free mental health counseling and crisis support
• Leadership development opportunities
• Access to essential items through our basic needs pantry
• Advocacy and support for more than 50 school-based Gender & Sexuality Alliances

But right now, the need is growing- and the resources to meet it are becoming more uncertain. For years, much of our work has been supported by state and federal funding. As that landscape shifts, we are turning to individuals like you to help ensure that no young person is turned away from the support they deserve.

Your gift today helps keep our doors open, our services accessible, and our community strong.

Because every young person deserves what those four youth created in 1992: a place to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Make your impact today.