SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Encircle, a
pioneering non-profit that provides community resource houses to
LGBTQ+ youth and their families, today announced a major new
expansion backed by a group of leaders representing tech, sports,
and entertainment. Together, they are supporting Encircle's efforts
to build new partnerships among a broad coalition of allies and
advocates to provide programs, mental health services, support
groups, and safe spaces to young LGBTQ+ people and their families
throughout the U.S.
Studies show that despite facing much higher rates of depression
and attempted suicide, many LGBTQ+ youth nationwide struggle to
access therapy and mental health services. Since its founding in
2017, Encircle has served over 70,000 individuals and funded
thousands of family and youth therapy sessions, providing a
lifeline to those facing suicidality, isolation and depression,
helping them build local community and forge a path forward. It's
been an especially urgent need during the pandemic, which has cut
off many more young people from their friends and other support
systems outside the home.
Encircle, whose motto is "no sides, only love," was created with
the goal of bringing together families and communities, to enable
LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. To further that vision and reach even more
people, today Encircle is launching a new "$8 Million, 8 Houses'' capital campaign, which
will establish eight new Encircle homes in four states:
Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. Encircle already has three Utah homes in Provo, Salt Lake
City and St. George, and a
fourth under construction in Heber.
To jumpstart the campaign, Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz
owners Ryan and Ashley Smith will
contribute $2 million, and Imagine
Dragons' lead singer Dan Reynolds
and his wife, recording artist Aja
Volkman will donate Dan's childhood home--valued at
$1 million--in Las Vegas. In addition, Apple will donate
$1 million and contribute products
that promote digital connection, creativity and education. Apple
CEO Tim Cook, Ryan and Ashley Smith, and Dan Reynolds and Aja
Volkman will also serve as honorary co-chairs of Encircle's
new campaign, supporting the non-profit's expanding efforts to
build community, acceptance and understanding for young LGBTQ+
people and their families.
"All LGBTQ+ people should feel safe and supported enough to be
open about who they are with their community and themselves," said
Cook, who has visited the organization's Provo house. "Encircle is helping to bridge
divides and bring people together — sending a powerful message that
the greatest thing you can aspire to become is who you truly are.
It's my hope that every young person who feels alone or unsupported
can find connection and community at this incredible
organization."
"Ashley and I have seen the amazing work Encircle does to
benefit LGBTQ+ youth. We're grateful for the opportunity to
contribute to their mission of creating more inclusive communities
and providing much needed hope and support to youth," said
Ryan Smith. "Encircle is an
incredible example of the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that
motivates people to create a better, more accepting world. Working
with Tim Cook, Apple and Dan and Aja
on the '$8 Million, 8 Houses'
campaign to improve the experience of LGBTQ+ youth is just the
beginning. Encircle's innovative and loving approach is a model
that can and should be adopted globally."
"Encircle is about bringing young LGBTQ+ people and their
families together, by including the community and strengthening the
bonds that connect us," said Dan
Reynolds and Aja Volkman.
"Being a part of this organization means so much to both of us —
and we know the house Dan grew up in will be a loving and
supportive home to every young LGBTQ+ person who crosses the
threshold."
"We are extremely grateful that these global leaders see the
vision of the profound work we are doing for LGBTQ+ youth and
families throughout our communities," said Stephenie Larsen, CEO & Founder of Encircle.
"Studies repeatedly have shown that LGBTQ+ youth across the country
struggle with depression and suicidality far more than their
heterosexual peers, and the pandemic has made that sense of
isolation so many feel harder than ever before. We strive to give
these kids a positive and loving environment that builds support
within their communities where they can realize their full
potential, and it works - we have not lost a single youth to
suicide. This incredible support makes our nationwide expansion
possible and will improve countless LGBTQ+ lives - reminding them
that they are perfect, just as they are."
"Encircle is a visionary organization. We cannot overstate the
impact they are having on the lives of young people who struggle
daily with acceptance and inclusion," said Utah Governor Spencer
Cox. "We are grateful for the impact Encircle has had in our
communities and are excited to see their leadership and vision
expanding nationwide. The commitment Tim, Ryan and Ashley, and Dan
and Aja have shown to the LGBTQ+ community by supporting this cause
is inspiring. I will do everything in my power to share that same
sense of love and commitment with LGBTQ+ youth everywhere."
For more information about Encircle or the campaign, please
visit: www.encircletogether.org.
About Encircle
Serving LGBTQ+ youth since
February 2017, Encircle: LGBTQ+
Family and Youth Center, has functioned as a welcoming presence to
LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Founded in Utah, Encircle is taking their innovative
program to Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada in its initial expansion with the goal
of implementing the program nationwide. With the purpose of
addressing the loneliness and high rates of suicide frequently
experienced amongst LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, the nonprofit
offers love and support. This is accomplished through providing
individual and family therapy, support groups, and a safe space to
young LGBTQ+ people throughout the U.S. Learn more about Encircle
at www.EncircleTogether.org.
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SOURCE Encircle