2017 Issue 6 Nov/Dec - Focus Mid-South Magazine

community
Metamorphosis Project
Plough Corporation gives $125k Capital Grant; completes
OUTMemphis’ funding goal for LGBT youth emergency shelter
by Robin Beaudoin | images courtesy of OUTMemphis
OUTMemphis is pleased to
announce it has successfully
secured the funds needed to
construct the Youth Emergency
Shelter, the cornerstone of
its Metamorphosis Project.
The construction goal was
met following the award of
a $125,000 Capital Grant
from the Plough Foundation.
Combined with previous
donations from foundations
and individuals, including a
$125,000 challenge grant
from the Assisi Foundation,
and year-long fundraising for
the project by Mystic Krewe
of Pegasus, this gift enables
OUTMemphis to move forward
with construction of the
shelter itself. The group can
now direct fundraising efforts
from construction towards
securing the dollars needed to
provide vital support services
for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer youth.
The Metamorphosis Project
Youth Services Center will
provide emergency shelter for
LGBTQ homeless young people
who cannot be housed by any
other existing organization.
During the day, the Youth
Services Center will function as
a drop-in center for youth, both
LGBTQ and straight.
It will serve as a central
location for a wide range of
services. Young adults, 18-24
years old, will have access
to food, clothing, personal
care supplies, mentoring, job
and educational placement
assistance, life skills classes,
mental and emotional health
services, and other needed
support.
Combined with a Rapid
Rehousing program, the
project will provide all the
tools necessary for young
LGBTQ people with the tools
to move from the street to
independence.
When open, The
Metamorphosis Project Youth
Services Center will be the only
homeless shelter in Memphis
designed around the unique
needs of young people. “For
years, OUTMemphis has
provided many of the services
that our young people needed
but what we couldn’t provide
was housing,” said Stephanie
Reyes, OUTMemphis’ Youth
Services Manager. Reyes said
it’s so difficult to be rejected
by one’s own family. “We call
it getting kicked out when you
come out... This is our dream
coming true for helping LGBTQ
youth on the street.”
This expansion of the
community services via
Metamorphosis Project is one
of many plans in the works
of the OUTMemphis board of
directors. Future plans include
moving the OUTMemphis
community center to a
larger space, with hopes of
expanding meeting spaces
and programming to meet the
needs of a growing community.
All community members
are encouraged to donate
and become involved with the
welfare of these projects.
OUTMemphis Mission: OUTMemphis
empowers, connects, educates and advocates
for the LGBTQ community of the Mid-South.
OUTMemphis Vision: LGBTQ individuals live in
a world where everyone has equal rights, and
is safe, respected and celebrated.
Details about the Metamorphosis Project:
outmemphis.org/metamorphosis-project/
Will Batts, Director: wbatts@outmemphis.org
Stephanie Reyes, Youth Services Manager:
sreyes@outmemphis.org
outmemphis.org
Page 48 / focusmidsouth.com / NOV+DEC 2017 / Joyful Noise