Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring on my first visit? Are there costs for YPI programs/services?

You do not need to bring anything! All of our programs and services are free of charge.  Depending on your age, you may be given a guardian consent form to bring home and have signed by your next visit.

Do I drop my child off or do I stay?

Guardians of youth 10 and older are welcome to come in for a tour and to meet staff, but are asked to leave during drop-in. In close proximity to YPI, there is a wonderful coffee shop, White Electric, and a bookstore, Ada Books, on the same street. These are great places to check out while waiting for your youth if you want to stay close by.

I need recommendations for a counselor, who do you suggest?

When we’re asked for recommendations, we direct people to our health provider list. The providers on these lists have either reached out to offer their services, or have been recommended to us by youth who have had positive experiences with them. The providers are familiar with the LGBTQ community. Our recommendations are not an endorsement and you are encouraged to research any potential provider and be an active consumer in your health care.

Do you accept donations? When can I drop them off?

Yes, YPI accepts donations of clothes, food, toiletries, and school supplies. If you are donating clothes, please make sure they are appropriate for the season you are donating in (warm weather clothes in the spring/summer, cold weather clothes in the fall/winter) and that they clothes are age appropriate for young adults. Clothing donations need to be clean, and folded when donated.

You may drop off donations whenever we are open, please check our calendar. Emailing or calling ahead of time is appreciated! You will be asked to fill our a donation acknowledgment form when you drop off your donations, this is just a way for us to keep in touch with donors and properly thank you for your contribution. If you would like to fill out the donation acknowledgment form and bring it in with your donation, that is even better and can be downloaded here.

I want to send YPI a check. Who do I make it out to?

Please make checks out to ‘Youth Pride, Inc.’ and mail to 743 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02908.

Are you hiring? Do you accept interns?

If we are hiring, all positions will be posted on our Job Opportunity page as well as being shared on our email listserv and social media platforms.

YPI does recruit several interns throughout the year. If you are interested in interning for the academic school year, please email a cover letter describing your needs/hour requirements along with your resume to Info@youthprideri.org in the Spring. If you are looking to intern for the calendar year, please email your cover letter and resume in the Fall.

Do you have volunteer opportunities?

We currently do not host open volunteer hours, we strictly reach out to registered volunteers as opportunities arise. To sign up for our volunteer list, visit our volunteer page and fill our our forms!  Our largest volunteer event happens in June: RI Pride. So keep your calendars clear over the summer!

How does your Basic Needs Pantry work?

YPI is home to a Basic Needs Pantry that supplies youth with food, clothes, toiletries, and school supplies free of charge. Youth can utilize the pantry once a week and take what they need for their household for the week (7 day period). Youth will be asked for their name and how many people are in their household.

How do I make an appointment to see a counselor?

We have clinians in our space for individual counseling on Tuesdays from 3-8pm and Wednesdays from 5-8pm. Youth can formally request an appointment by talking to a staff member or emailing Info@youthprideri.org. Youth may also informally ask a clinician themselves while in the space when they have time available to meet; that day of or in the future. The latter is preferred and encouraged!

How do I become a Board Member?

YPI welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about our mission to apply to be a member of our Board of Directors. Whether you have expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, education, or simply a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, we want to hear from you!

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the YPI Board of Directors, please submit an application here. We will review your submission and contact you about next steps.