12.30.19

Grantee Spotlight: TYES-CO

Grantee Spotlight: TYES-CO

“It can be scary, at first, for parents and families of younger children who are gender expansive to figure things out. […] TYES is a place to go for quick access to important resources, and to connect with other parents who’ve ‘been there’ – and who are willing to share knowledge from their own experiences with their children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers.”

Since we last checked in with TYES (Trans Youth Education & Support) – a grantee of your Community Foundation – the statewide, all-parent-volunteer-run network has made tremendous strides in its capacity to help parents and primary caregivers support their gender expansive children and youth.

 
“This year, we achieved 501(c)(3) status,” says Alisha Blackburn, founding board member of the 12-year-old organization. “Getting our tax-exempt status is something we’ve always wanted to do, to better build out our services.” 
 
TYES further established a full board of directors in 2019 – the group plans to host a meet-and-greet in First Quarter 2020 – along with a formal structure to better support its work, including peer-to-peer support among parents of transgender children who face unique challenges in school, healthcare, overall safety, and more. 
 
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“We’ve held our first board retreat to make plans for 2020, which include reaching out to more families in rural areas of the state, as well as families of color,” adds Alisha. 

 
TYES’ social and educational opportunities take many forms in different locations across the state – from an annual family camp (now in its fifth year), to hikes, picnics, water park outings, fashion shows, and other creative events that support families with gender expansive children and youth. Alone the popular family camp serves some 130 individuals every summer; the camp has operated at-capacity for three years running. 
 
“It can be scary, at first, for parents and families of younger children who are gender expansive to figure things out,” Alisha explains. “Internet searches may or may not provide accurate and helpful information. 
 
“TYES is a place to go for quick access to important resources, and to connect with other parents who’ve ‘been there’ – and who are willing to share knowledge from their own experiences with their children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers.”
 
Indeed, TYES helps families connect to medical, mental health, educational, and other trans-competent resources. TYES also has a lending library for families, and schedules guest speakers on relevant topics throughout the year. Additionally, Alisha says there are plans in the works to offer community education around what it means to raise trans kids. 
 
“We collaborate with everyone,” she concludes. “And our board was formed in a collaborative model that best supports families in finding the information, resources, and understanding they need – and that brings communities together.”
 
In our Boulder County TRENDS Report, learn more about LGBTQ+ progress in our community and in our state – and the long road ahead.