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Photo courtesy of Encircle
IDAHO FALLS – Encircle, a non-profit organization that provides community resource houses for LGBTQ + youth and their families, announced on Thursday its plans to create a home in Idaho Falls.
The ad is part of Encircle’s “$ 8 million, 8 homes” campaign to build new homes in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The organization already has three homes in Provo, Salt Lake City and St. George and a fourth under construction in Heber, Utah.
Encircle, whose motto is “no side, only love,” was created with the goal of bringing families and communities together to enable LGBTQ + youth to thrive.
Stephenie Larsen, CEO and Founder of Encircle, partners with big names to expand her dream. Ryan and Ashley Smith, Founder of Qualtrics and owners of Utah Jazz, will donate $ 2 million to the cause and Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds and his wife, artist Aja Volkman, will donate the house million dollar childhood dream in Las Vegas. In addition, Apple will donate $ 1 million and deliver products that promote digital connection, creativity, and education.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds donate to help Encircle grow. | Hello america
“All LGBTQ + people should feel safe and supported enough to be open about who they are with their community and themselves,” said Cook, who visited the organization’s Provo home. “Encircle helps bridge the gaps and bring people together – sending a powerful message that the greatest thing you can aspire to is who you really are. I hope every young person who feels alone or without support can find connection and community in this amazing organization.
Since its inception in 2017, Encircle has served over 70,000 people and funded thousands of therapy sessions for families and youth. This has been an extremely urgent need during the pandemic, which has cut off many more young people from their friends and other support systems outside the home. Studies show that despite much higher rates of depression and suicide attempts, many LGBTQ + youth across the country struggle to access therapy and mental health services.
“Ashley and I have seen Encircle’s incredible work benefiting LGBTQ + youth. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission of creating more inclusive communities and providing much needed hope and support to young people, ”Smith said in a press release. “Encircle is an incredible example of the entrepreneurial spirit and motivation that motivates people to create a better, more tolerant world.”
In addition to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas, new Encircle homes are planned in Boise, Logan, Ogden, Lehi, Phoenix and the Mesa / Gilbert area of Arizona. Further details on each location will be released at a later date.
“Encircle aims to bring LGBTQ + youth and their families together, including the community and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” said Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman. “Being part of this organization means so much to both of us – and we know that the home Dan grew up in will be a loving, supportive home for every young LGBTQ + person who crosses the threshold.
Larsen added, “We are extremely grateful that these global leaders see the vision of the deep work we do for LGBTQ + youth and families in all of our communities … can achieve their full potential, and it works – we don’t. have not lost a single young person to suicide. This incredible support makes our national expansion possible and will improve countless LGBTQ + lives – reminding them that they are perfect, just the way they are.
You can find more information about Encircle and the campaign here.
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