NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON
Excuse us while we remodel…
We are currently undergoing a website redesign with our friends at Isenberg Projects.
For now, scroll down to learn more about Youth Pride’s programs, groups, and ways to get involved.
Come back and see us in June to check out our brand new look!
Help YPI Expand Services in 2022 and beyond!
We are set to pilot a new program in 2022 and we need your help. YPI’s Peer Navigator Program pairs LGBTQ+ and other marginalized young adults 18-25 years of ago with queer and trans folks who have experienced housing insecurity and previously have had to access public services. Through these pairings, housing insecure youth will receive funds to help stay in the home, Security deposit and help with first month’s rent, life skills, advocacy help, and other coaching.
Our 2022 individual donations goal is $100k. Please tune into our GoFundMe page to learn more and donate.
ABOUT YOUTH PRIDE
Youth Pride, Inc. is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work and play. Youth Pride Inc. is the only nonprofit in Rhode Island specifically dedicated to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ Youth 23 and under.
Youth Pride, Inc. primarily serves as a drop-in space. This means our youth are encouraged to utilize our space in whatever comfortable and respectful way they see fit. To avoid the community spread of Covid-19, many of our programs are happening virtually.
DROP-IN CENTER OPEN HOURS
Tuesday: 3-6pm
Wednesday: 2:30-8pm
Thursday: 3-8pm
PROGRAMS + SERVICES
DROP IN CENTER
Youth Pride, Inc. primarily serves as a drop-in space. This means our youth are encouraged to utilize our space in whatever comfortable and respectful way they see fit. Our space has several video game consoles and two laptops.
We have a Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify account that can be accessed on our main TV or laptops. The kitchen is always stocked with snacks and easy to prepare meals. In addition to the many board games donated to us by Hasbro, we have a library filled with hundreds of LGBTQ literature to be borrowed and tons of arts and crafts supplies.
BASIC NEEDS PANTRY
Youth Pride, Inc. hosts a small community pantry that serves over 700 youth each year. The pantry is open during the week for youth in need of food, clothes, toiletries, and/or school supplies. Youth can take these items for free on a weekly basis. Youth can always make an appointment to shop our Basic Needs Pantry for food, clothes, toiletries, and/or school supplies. We also have premade bags ready for pick up with customizable options.
LENDING LIBRARY
YPI is home to over 1,000 books that make up our library. Youth are welcome to browse or borrow from our collection while they are in the space. Our collection is composed of mostly Young Adult literature both LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ specific. Our library is situated in the back of our building, perfect for quiet, leisurely activities. Youth are often found working on homework, studying, reading a book, or listening to their headphones while in the library.
COUNSELING
YPI’s two counselors are available for one-on-one counseling throughout the week. This provides a chance to talk about anything and everything you may want someone to listen to or may need help coping with. All information in these counseling sessions is confidential unless a youth discloses intent to harm themselves or someone else, or they disclose they are being harmed or abused. One-on-one counseling is free to our youth. To set up a time for counseling:
SUPPORT GROUPS
Youth Pride has a wide range of weekly support groups and activities that take place in person, via zoom, and on Discord. From cooking and arts & crafts to LGBTQ+ Spanish speaking groups and Gender-Sexuality alliances, we invite you to learn more and get involved.
Gender Spectrum: Tuesdays 4-5 pm via Discord
Queer Gourmet: Tuesdays 6-7:30
In person The Way Out: Wednesdays 4-5 pm via Discord
13 and Under Social Space: Thursdays 4-5:30 pm via Zoom
Dungeons and Dragons: Tuesdays 5-7pm via Discord
Mindful Makers: Fridays 4-5pm via Zoom
Mostrando Orgullo/Showing Pride. LGBTQ+ Spanish Speaking Group for Youth From Spanish Speaking Cultures:
Wednesdays 5-6pm via Discord
Little Unicorns: Mondays from 6-7 via Zoom
Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
To learn more about our groups, or to sign up, please download the information sheet below, or send us an email:
VOLUNTEER
There are so many opportunities to volunteer with YPI from helping out with our basic needs pantry and clothes closet organization to lending a hand at public-facing events.
Adult volunteers at the center are invited to help out during the hours our youth are not in the space.
Interested in learning more?
DONATE
Your donation to Youth Pride, Inc. is tax deductible and helps us continue the life changing work that we do. With your help, YPI can continue providing one-on-one counseling, run support groups, administer free and confidential HIV testing, provide safer sex items, host social and educational events, facilitate professional development trainings, and serve as a safe space for LGBTQ youth to grow up feeling empowered and valued.
