Help Lady fetch funds to back LGBTQ Jewish youth!

Hello! 

My name is Lady Novich, and I am the full-time canine at JQY, a non-profit mental health organization that supports LGBTQ Jewish youth from historically unaccepting communities. My dad, Dr. Jeremy Novich, is the Clinical Director, and I feel so lucky to help him support JQYers. 

JQY is such a healing setting! When I first joined JQY a little over three years ago, I was nervous, uptight, and very scared of those around me. But, over the course of my time at JQY, I have become a much healthier and emotionally balanced dog. I love my human colleagues even more than I did last year (and I have even more of them now). I started helping my dad conduct one-on-one sessions with youth about two years ago. After completing many clinical courses, readings, observations, and receiving feedback from licensed mental health professionals, I have finally been promoted to become JQY’s first-ever Pawsitivity Coach. As a coach, I show affection to youth so they know they are loved in JQY’s safe, affirming, and joyous space. Individual sessions continue to remain my specialty. Facilitating large group discussions is an area I have room to grow.

Don't believe me? Check out these photos. Full video available at the bottom of this page.

Practicing sessions with staff members

Studying up

Fulfilling my responsibility of participating in weekly staff meetings—how thrilling! 🙄

Being a cute dog of a strikingly handsome dad is one thing. Everybody likes me. Strangers compliment me on the street so much that I started wearing sunglasses to gain some anonymity! But, many LGBTQ Jewish youth do not live in a world where they get such warm and loving attention. Many experience rejection, loneliness, and hopelessness. Trust me, I hear this from youth during their sessions, and while I don’t understand complex sentences, I understand their body language, and it says everything! 

(You’re probably wondering how I can both not understand complex sentences and also compose and type them myself. I have two words for you. Eilu ve’eilu. This is JQY’s philosophy that two things can exist in tension and both be true at the same time. Anyway, back to the content…)  

For those youth who don't get the love and support around their identity at home, JQY steps in with warmth, safety, clinical services, programming, and snacks! 

From back to front: Session office (clinical services), me (safety), welcome mat (warmth), pizza (snacks---my dog toy, do not eat). 

It's so special to have adults who are committed to being on each JQYer's team when they struggle being queer in their communities. 

Right now, LGBTQ Jewish youth are increasingly vulnerable amidst rising antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment and legislation. I try to protect JQYers, and while I’m a great guard dog, let’s be honest, I’m only 10 lbs. I’m a Miniature Pinscher, not a Doberman!  

I am so lucky to be part of JQY. I am proof of JQY’s transformative power for mental health and wellness. My story is a JQY story. 

JQY’s work is so special, and we are the only organization whose mission is to empower this Jewish LGBTQ youth from historically unaccepting communities. Please join me in supporting JQY today!

Donations of $36 or more entitle you to a personal meet-and-greet with me along with a photo op!!