Description:
Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the safety and empowerment of central Ohio’s LGBTQ youth. KYC’s advocacy efforts and innovative positive youth development programs educate, support, and engage LGBTQ youth ages 12-20 and those that care about them.
Programs and Services:
Established in 1994, KYC provides positive youth development programming that focuses on building resilience and reducing risk factors for LGBTQ youth ages 12-20. Their programs engage young people through a safe setting and relevant programming; support youth who are struggling with identity issues, family discord, mental health problems, or the challenges of adolescence; educate youth and the community about LGBTQ issues; and advocate for safe and inclusive spaces throughout the community. The staff, volunteers, and participants work together to cultivate a safe and supportive community at the Center on E. Town Street in Columbus, OH. Programming at the Center falls into five key areas: social and behavioral health; holistic health and wellness; life-skills development; identity affirmation and community building; and leadership development, empowerment, and advocacy. Daily activities change on a regular basis based on input from the youth participants. One of the most popular programs at the Center is Genderscope, a youth discussion group for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and questioning youth. Events including Other Prom and marching in the Columbus Pride Parade provide fun, safe, and positive venues for youth planning, organizing, and leadership. KYC also supports a network of 92 GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) clubs operating in schools across Ohio where students anywhere along the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity are welcomed, and a culture of support and inclusion is developed. KYC’s GSA Network Coordinator provides guidance and support to student club advisors and officers, linking clubs together for mutual assistance. GSA members learn about determining a group’s mission, setting goals, project planning and implementation, team building, and leadership. Additionally, KYC does provide training to youth-serving professionals to help individuals learn basic terminology, LGBTQ experience, risk factors, how to promote success, and how to create safe and affirming environments and services. KYC also advocates for individual youth within the school, and other settings, by request.
Address:
603 E. Town Street, 43215
Phone:
614.294.5437