Since 1994, OUT Boulder County has educated, advocated and provided services, programs and support to Boulder County’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities.
Since 1994, OUT Boulder County has educated, advocated and provided services, programs and support to Boulder County’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities.
A grantee of the Community Foundation, OUT Boulder offers a number of programs, including a new support program for LGBTQ homeless and foster youths.
“It all started with Home O’ Hope, and the recognition that LGBTQ youths weren’t thriving in foster care, and how many homeless youths were reaching out for support,” says Mardi Moore, Executive Director. When Mardi and Home O’ Hope founders SE Rafferty and Amy Winchester realized their common goal, OUT Boulder County was granted seed money to launch the support program, specifically for LGBTQ youths.
“The first thing we did was take a close look at the biggest risk factors for youths who are housing insecure,” adds Martha Ratliff, Youth Program Coordinator and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). “We needed to identify housing resources that would offer a safe place for LGBTQ youths where they feel welcome, and where they don’t have to hide who they are.”
“Another concern is substance abuse and addiction,” continues Martha, who also works part-time with the Boulder County Community Substance Abuse Program. “We’re working to make connections throughout the county to identify available resources, including treatment centers, for the young people we serve.”
Additionally, on March 15, the program launched a homework group, providing access to LGBTQ-identified volunteer tutors. The group meets from 3:30-5 p.m. every Wednesday at OUT Boulder County’s Longmont office (463 Main Street). “First and foremost, it’s a safe space to hang out, get a warm meal, and connect with tutors, housing resources, healthcare providers and more.”
OUT Boulder County further facilitates connections to Workforce Boulder County to help at-risk youths get hired; and collaborates with Women’s Health and the Boulder County AIDS Project to help meet the specific health needs of LGBTQ homeless, foster and otherwise at-risk youths.
“The program is in its development stage,” says Martha. “My biggest goal is to hear from these young people themselves what their biggest needs are – from basic needs, like food, clothing and toiletries, to wigs and makeup for trans youths, bus tickets for transportation, as well as their emotional needs.”
According to Mardi, 40% of youths struggling with housing insecurity nationally are LGBTQ. “In Boulder County, our numbers are similar to national numbers, although they’re pretty well hidden,” she says. “We want to prevent homelessness and the need for foster care, and we also want our kids to be successful. But we don’t want to duplicate services, which is why we’re interested in collaboration.”
OUT Boulder County’s current partners also include the Longmont Public Library, Longmont Children Youth and Families, the OUR Center, and schools and school districts. Together, we accomplish more than we do alone.
We’re enhancing the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning people in Boulder County. Make a difference. Join us!
