 |
|
Kaleidoscope Youth Center is the only organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and program updates!
Founded in 1994, Kaleidoscope is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The mission of Kaleidoscope Youth Center is to work in partnership with young people in Central Ohio to create safe and empowering environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth through advocacy, education and support.
Our vision is to promote and support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBTQ youth as they transition from adolescence into adulthood.
We stay true to our mission by intentionally partnering with young people to create and implement programs and services that enhance the lives of LGBT youth in five core areas: (1) Leadership Development & Life Skills, (2) Support, (3) Health & Wellness Education, (4) Safe Social Activities, and (5) Community Outreach and Education.
The Youth Center includes a living room, pool table, a David Bohnett Cyber Center, a group room, a comfortable drop-in area, a resource area with information on topics ranging from safer sex and substance abuse to nutrition and community resources, a kitchen featuring hot food and other snacks, and creative arts gallery.
For the past three years, Kaleidoscope has been able to develop additional programs offering self-esteem, health and wellness programs and assistance with Gay Straight Alliances in Columbus City Schools, and Franklin county schools, along with those in contiguous counties..
Kaleidoscope Youth Center utilizes proven “youth development” strategies in its after-school program. As has been true since its inception, Kaleidoscope continues to advocate for policies that help LGBTQ youth with regard to safe schools, mental health, personal development, and other important areas.
As a youth service agency serving the Central Ohio area, Kaleidoscope Youth Center has become a well-respected community-based organization providing direct services to youth, training and education to youth service providers, and important information relating to sexual orientation and gender identity issues to the community at large. From peer-to-peer programs to HIV prevention and education, to after-school programs, and peer counseling services; Kaleidoscope assists LGBTQ youth in the transition to healthy, productive adults and provides them with the necessary tools to become leaders in the greater community. | |
|
| |
