12/6/2023 0 Comments Beckers angels restA new strategic plan outlines goals of 1) increasing youth service, 2) building internal capacity through technology, 3) securing a permanent (rather than leased) home for our youth housing programs. Our board of directors, executive leadership, staff, and volunteers, are dedicated to the mission of preventing, reducing, and eradicating homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth. LnFY is uniquely positioned to provide safety and shelter for LGBTQ+ youth in a safe and affirming environment. Obviously, our 12 beds are not enough to meet the demand for emergency sheltering of youth, let alone meet the demand for wrap-around support for independent living. As “the LGBTQ+ capital of the South” and coupled with the current legislative environment, Atlanta draws increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ youth from neighboring Southern States. LGBTQ+ youth makes up 7% of the total US youth population and comprise 40% of all homeless youth. LnFY has a long history of collaboration and partnerships with other organizations to help ensure that its youth receive the best possible care. At LnFY, youth not only experience an environment that affirms, understands, and reflects their lived experience but also uplifts the voices of those often muted, discarded, overlooked, and/or misunderstood. Many of our youth experience physical and sexual assault, a lack of true understanding of their individual situations, and an inability to express themselves authentically, all of which hinder their ability to leverage the supports available to get back on their feet. While many services are technically open to LGBTQ+ youth at other agencies, threats to their physical and emotional safety prevail. In contrast to other organizations, LnFY offers emergency sheltering for 12 youth up to 90 days (as of Jan 2023). ![]() The Youth Center, centrally located in the Lost-n-Found Thrift Store, is open 7 days a week and the home for street outreach, case management, life-skills programming, and Drop-In services (food, laundry, showers). LnFY programs align with the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the Atlanta Continuum of Care. The LnFY Care Team comprises qualified social workers adhering to professional best practices in serving LGBTQ+ youth with transparency, discipline, and compassion. Our program offering has expanded to include dedicated Street Outreach, life-skills programming (digital and financial literacy, and nutrition), and a Job Readiness and development program. LnFY provides 5,400+ bed nights a year to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, as well as providing the essential tools and training for survival outside our four walls. By the time, founding members transitioned out of the organization in 2018, the organization had grown to include a youth center with drop-in service support, emergency sheltering, educational programs, case management, and transitional housing for those needing longer-term support. ![]() What began as a volunteer effort delivering meals and care packages thru street outreach, quickly evolved, and the first paid staff was hired in 2012. This grassroots organization has emerged with the core values of inclusivity, diversity, respect, stabilization, wellness, and love of community. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University and worked for years selling Steve Penley paintings. Half of the sales of David's works will go to Lost-n-Found Youth, a nonprofit founded in 2011 to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth ages 18 to 25. LnFY has grown to include a youth center, emergency shelter, educational programs, case management, and transitional housing. With an annual operating budget of 1.8 million dollars, LnFY provides at-risk LGBTQ+ youth with meals, showers, warm beds, and essential training for living independently. Buyers of David’s art will receive a tax deduction of 50% of the price. ![]() Like David, his art was quirky, sometimes funny, and original. David was a longstanding Atlanta artist and dear friend of Jules, Corky, and mine. Several paintings by David Nielsen are included in SALON STYLE 2023.
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