Announcing SHINE – A Safe Space Initiative for LGBTQ+ Youth

[Miller, Christine (SMD 1A05)]

Good Morning,

Since our LGBTQ+ youth have been an important topic conversation - both those who are connected through schools and strong networks of support and the (too) many that have been left without those critical supports - please note that Covenant House has opened a new, low-barrier shelter in Deanwood. Please take a minute to check out their great work.

Best,

Christine 

ANC 1A Commissioner| Single Member District (SMD) 1A05

1a...@anc.dc.gov | Twitter: @MillerANC1A05

https://www.facebook.com/MillerANC1A05/

Please visit or join the ANC 1A Education & Youth Committee Google group: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/anc1a-education-committee

---

From: Covenant House Greater Washington <communicati...@ccsend.com>
Sent: Monday, October 4, 2021 10:26 AM
To: Miller, Christine (SMD 1A05) <1A...@anc.dc.gov>
Subject: For Immediate Release: Announcing SHINE – A Safe Space Initiative for LGBTQ+ Youth

 

You don't often get email from communicati...@ccsend.com. Learn why this is important

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the DC Government. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know that the content is safe. If you believe that this email is suspicious, please forward to phis...@dc.gov for additional analysis by OCTO Security Operations Center (SOC).

Covenant House Greater Washington to Launch SHINE, a New Safe Space Initiative for LGBTQ+ Youth SHINE Program Director Taylor Chandler Walker, left, Chief Operating Officer Lauren Puryear, and human resources director Darren Cook at the new, low-barrier shelter for LGBTQ young people in the Deanwood neighborhood of D.C. (Ash Rahimi/Covenant House) The Washington Post Click here to read The Washington Post article, "Covenant House opening new low-barrier shelter for LGBTQ youths" For Immediate Release October 4, 2021 Contact: Marlena Tracy Chief Development & External Affairs Officer mtr...@chdc.org Washington, DC - Covenant House Greater Washington is pleased to announce SHINE – a new safe space initiative created specifically for LGBTQ+ populations. The program will provide emergency shelter, crisis stabilization, and short-term housing options to young people in the Greater Washington region.   SHINE, a program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and or questioning, intersex, asexual and/or allied (LGBTQ+) consists of 24 beds, case management services, and an array of support from various community-based organizations currently working with LGBTQ+ youth. These trauma-informed services were created with the goal of positive youth development and are culturally appropriate and specific to LGBTQ+ youth.   “We are very excited to launch a program that serves LGBTQ+ young people who experience homelessness at a rate 120% higher than that of their peers,” says Covenant House Greater Washington CEO, Angela Jones Hackley. "We have done a great deal of work with the community to make this happen, and SHINE is a program that our amazing LGBTQ+ young people will benefit from, and most importantly, something that will create lasting impact in their lives."   Services provided within the program will work to provide housing stability, promote self-esteem, increase social connectedness and resilience, and decrease risk for suicidal behaviors and self-harm. All services are housed within a setting that provides safety, support, and allows youth to be their whole-selves within the space; not having to compartmentalize their various identities to fit in or feel safe.   Additionally, SHINE will provide social and emotional support for LGBTQ+ youth who may be particularly vulnerable to or at elevated risk for violence, by connecting LGBTQ+ youth to needed services identified through individual assessment. Self-esteem and resilience are promoted among participating youth through the development of leadership skills, event planning, and opportunities for community engagement.   SHINE will be led by newly hired Covenant House Greater Washington Program Director, Taylor Chandler Walker. Taylor is a former sign language interpreter and crisis management consultant, published author and national speaker on Intersex & TGNC Equity, Access and Rights. She created and facilitated Project GROWTH, a workforce development grant through DHS for TGNC youth, 18-24, homeless or at risk while at Us Helping Us, Inc. Taylor is also part of the Marketing Team with Capital Pride Alliance and Capital Trans Pride. She sits on boards with the DC Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, FLUX AIDS Healthcare Foundation, HealthHIV, Capital Pride, LGBT Budget Coalition, and the National Trans Visibility March Opioid Awareness.    About Covenant House Greater Washington For over 26 years, Covenant House Greater Washington (CHGW) has served as the region’s leading non-profit throughout the area in protecting, supporting, and transforming the lives of youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness, disconnection, and exploitation. CHGW has provided a safe harbor and wrap-around supportive services to one of the area’s most vulnerable populations. The programs and services offered to young people help them to get back on track in achieving housing, career, and economic stability.   For more information on SHINE and other Covenant House programs, please visit us online at www.CovenantHouseDC.org   ### DONATE NOW

Covenant House Washington | 2001 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020 Unsubscribe 1a...@anc.dc.gov Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by communi...@chdc.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!