The Attic Youth Center launched a new Youth Leadership Council program this summer, with financial support from the Carole Landis Foundation for Social Action.

The new Youth Leadership Council is a program for and by the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) youth they serve. Each of the 10 selected youth (ages 15-21) will be receiving a sizeable stipend to acknowledge their commitment to the training and volunteer service. They will learn skills in self-development, how to address an audience, create a power point presentation, how to handle an unfriendly audience, and other valuable skills that can transition to employable qualities as they finish school and apply for jobs in the community. They will also attend some training sessions from the Bryson Institute. Bryson Center delivers dynamic interactive, educational workshops and trainings on best practices for working with LGBTQ+ youth.

The Attic Youth Center’s mission is to create opportunities for their youth to develop into independent civic-minded adults within a safe, affirming and supportive environment.

They provide comprehensive programs and services five days a week, such as access to food (hot dinners each night), healthcare, and housing. Kids can come after school or drop in any time to discuss personal problems, get help with homework, participate in group discussions on subjects such as learning a mindfulness practice, respond to bias, and negative attitudes displayed towards them at school and in their neighborhoods. The Center supports youth experiencing homelessness.