KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH CENTER INC
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Mission Statement
Kaleidoscope Youth Center is the only organization in Ohio dedicated solely to the success of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Ally youth ages 12-20.
About This Cause
Kaleidoscope’s programming focuses on building resiliency and reducing risk factors for LGBTQA young people ages 12-20. KYC engages young people in inclusive, affirming, and empowering positive youth development programming. Our staff, volunteers, and participants work together to cultivate a safe and supportive community in which our participants can thrive. Regularly scheduled activities include daily community-building group sessions and weekly asset-building programming facilitated by youth-serving professionals. Our programming includes health and wellness education, life-skills development, coping skills development, creative arts expression, and positive social activities. We also offer a variety of leadership development opportunities and annual pro-social events throughout the year. Kaleidoscope's programming is holistic, empowerment-based, and focused on the development of assets and resiliency. We seek to employ best practices and evidence-based curricula and programming whenever possible. A cornerstone of our programming is the cultivation of safe social space to support young people’s wellbeing and success. This space supports the effectiveness of our programming and the positive engagement of our participants. Our programming 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. Through this dynamic variety of programming, we seek to meet the needs of diverse young people with diverse needs and interests. KYC also serves youth involved in or wanting to create Genders & Sexualities Alliances (GSAs) in middle and high schools in central Ohio. GSAs are organized like other student clubs, and are spaces where students anywhere along the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity are welcomed, and a culture of support and inclusion is developed. GSA members determine the goals and areas of focus for their GSA, with the support of an advisor. KYC currently serves over 94 Ohio GSAs and provides opportunities for them to serve one another through the Ohio GSA Network. Direct assistance from the GSA Network Coordinator, including consultation, resources, site visits, training, and workshops not only increase the strength and efficacy of GSAs, but provide queer and ally youth opportunities for learning about determining a group’s mission, setting goals, project planning and implementation, team building, and leadership. As the Ohio representative of the National Association of GSA Networks, KYC is provided well-developed resources and two hours of professional consultation a month on supporting local GSAs and continued development of the GSA network.