Help Us Save the YouthConnect Program
The Hudson Pride Connections Center’s YouthConnect program has lost 85% of its funding, leaving the organization unable to provide critical services to help support the needs of LGBTQ youth when they need it most. YouthConnect is Hudson County’s only program dedicated to providing direct services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 13-19.
In response to the center’s loss of major funding, Jersey City’s Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop has reached out to Jersey City residents and asked that they contribute to the Youth Sustainability Fund to keep the YouthConnect and Hudson Pride Connections Center doors open. “The YouthConnect program is a critical part of keeping youth safe and healthy in our community. LGBTQ youth are especially vulnerable…we need to keep programs like YouthConnect open and well-supported.”
Councilman Fulop said.
Thanks to Councilman Fulop’s efforts, the organization has a small safety net in the form of a $10,000 lead gift from local donors. “We need to come together to keep all of our youth safe, so every little bit helps”, said Fulop.
Nancy Caamano, Executive Director of the Hudson Pride Connections Center, says, "We're thrilled that Councilman Fulop has taken such an immediate action to the loss of funding for YouthConnect, but our work is not done. His support is a tangible response to the challenges faced by most nonprofits during this recession. We are grateful for his leadership during these difficult times and hope that many others will join us by giving to our Youth Sustainability Fund."
Hudson Pride Connections Center asks that all members of the Jersey City community join us in raising the additional dollars that YouthConnect needs to continue providing services to LGBTQ youth by donating to this Fund. Half of new HIV infections occur amongst people under the age of 25 making it absolutely necessary that we keep YouthConnect going.
The Hudson Pride Connections Center provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth to interact with their peers as well as a place to interact with, learn from, and be mentored by LGBT adults. The YouthConnect program provides academic tutoring, empowerment workshops, job development assistance, computer access, meals, a social support group, HIV testing and prevention education, and much more. Street outreach also helps provide community education and safety awareness.
Make a Tax deductable donation to the Youth Sustainability Fund today!
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For more info contact: Nancy Caamaño, Executive Director at 201.963.4779 x112 or nancy@hudsonpride.org |
PRESS RELEASE |
YouthConnect
About YouthConnectThe YouthConnect program is open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 13-19.
Participants are provided a regular social support group, which is a safe space for youth to interact with other LGBTQ youth. The group is led by trained peer staff and features social time, computer access, dinner, empowerment workshops, harm reduction information, job development assistance, academic tutoring, and HIV testing and prevention education. Street and community outreach also serves to distribute harm reduction materials and information to this population.
YouthConnect Mission Statement
YouthConnect exists to create a safe and empowering environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth through education, empowerment, advocacy, and support.
HOURS
Young people who want to join the YouthConnect program should come by the office in person during the following times:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3pm – 5pm
Fridays: 3pm – 8pm
DIRECTIONS
Come to The Hudson Pride Connections Center and ask folks at the front desk for the YouthConnect Program -- they will point you in the right direction.
CONTACT
For more info about the YouthConnect program contact Tyree Oredein at
201.963.4779 x155 or tyree@hudsonpride.org
