ODYSSEY YOUTH CENTER
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Mission Statement
Odyssey Youth Movement promotes equity for LGBTQ+ youth in the Inland Northwest through youth-driven programs and community education
About This Cause
For 30 years, Odyssey Youth Movement has offered programs that provide LGBTQ+ young people with the necessary skills and support systems needed to combat homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of social oppressions that would hinder them from developing into healthy, happy, adults. Odyssey programs fall under three tracks: Health and Wellness, Safe Schools, and Advocacy and Education • Odyssey provides services and programs to support the health and wellness of hundreds of LGBTQ youth through its drop-in center, case management program, and support groups. Odyssey’s drop-in center is for youth 13-18. There is always food and basic need items available and programs that help increase and maintain resiliency of LGBTQ youth. • LGBTQ youth in middle school and high school report not feeling safe in school or connected to the school community. This increases drop-out rates. Odyssey has a Safe Schools program that provides training for educators, counselors, and school administrators. Odyssey’s Safe Schools program includes a regional Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) school club network that provides middle school and high school students the support needed to increase the number of GSAs in Spokane. Research shows that LGBTQ students attending schools with a GSA club feel an increased sense of safety and connectedness to the school community, which increases on time graduation rates. Odyssey’s Safer Schools program also provides training for school staff and administrators on creating safe and affirming schools and classrooms for all students. • 40% of homeless youth in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ. This is reflective of a breakdown in community. To shed a light on the LGBTQ homeless youth epidemic, Odyssey has a homeless youth prevention program. The goal of the program is to reduce and prevent youth homelessness through collaboration, training, coaching, research, and outreach. Odyssey is partnering with child welfare to ensure all social workers working in child welfare and foster parents receive training on supporting the well-being of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care. Odyssey staff trains hundreds of social workers and foster parents in Spokane and the surrounding area. Odyssey also partners with local homeless youth programs in Spokane to connect homeless youth with resources and provide basic need items. Odyssey believes that, through collective efforts, we can ensure safety for all youth and provide them support in reaching their full potential to grow into healthy, happy, adults.