Pennrose’s Post

ANNOUNCING: New Local Impact Grant program to strengthen our local LGBTQ communities. The OFC Local Impact Grant program provides unrestricted funds to eligible San Francisco families to strengthen our communities. We will be awarding funds for LGBTQ families in need that do not have to be paid back, and can be used toward rent and utilities. Applications are accepted from May 1, 2024 until June 1, 2024. REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for a grant, you must meet the following requirements : > Must be a family comprised of adults and children > One or more members of family must identify as LGBTQ > Must live in San Francisco > Have proof of financial need for grant Click the link below to apply! https://buff.ly/3UA1Hpl #Local #ImpactGrants #SFResidents #LGBTQ #OurFamilyCoalition #OFC #PoweredByCommunityInspiredByLove #Support #Education #Advocacy #Equity #FamilyJustice #SocialJustice #LGBTQFamilies #Service #Community #Thrive

At Inatai Foundation, we understand the critical role public resources like libraries play in our communities. Unfortunately, when libraries are threatened, it's often those furthest from justice who are punished: people of color, LGBTQ communities, and those with limited income. In Columbia County, Proposition 2 threatened to shut down the county’s only library, all because a few disagreed with its collection of books on gender, sexuality, and race. Neighbors United for Progress stepped up to fight for their community and won. We are proud to have supported Neighbors United for Progress and celebrate the legal victory. We know it won’t be the last fight against homegrown and out-of-state forces that target overburdened communities by infiltrating elected bodies, spreading disinformation, and oppressing those committed to racial justice and equity. As people across the state have shown, these forces are no match for the joy and determination collective efforts bring to this work. https://buff.ly/40bDk3F

If your employee resource group (#ERG) has Q1/Q2 budget to spend, I invite you to support local LGBTQ serving organizations- particularly those focused on youth. The brutal beating and death of Nex, a 16 year nonbinary child, was preceded by anti-LGBTQ legislation, anti-trans school district policies, anti-trans school policies, and the firing of vocally LGBTQ supportive teachers from their public school. That’s 4 levels of systemic supports that not only failed to protect Nex, but were actively weaponized against and/or stripped away from them and their peers. I’ll continue giving to Twin Cities- based organizations below to ensure that Queer youth have access to identity affirming support. I encourage you to comment with additional orgs in your area where ERGs or individuals can donate or volunteer: Family Tree - community clinic PFund Foundation - scholarships RECLAIM - mental health access Avenues for Youth - for unhoused youth Out in Tech - career mentorship

For a few reasons, LGBTQ youth are at high risk for homelessness. Of the roughly 1.6 million young people who experience homelessness each year, up to 40% identify as LGBTQ . According to a 2013 Child Trends article, these young people are also more likely to experience homelessness at a younger age than other unsheltered youth. Rejection from family is a common reason. About 50% of teens report getting a negative reaction when they come out, while 1 in 4 get kicked out of their homes. Without safe, stable options, these rejected kids often end up on the streets and vulnerable to violence, criminal activity, and other serious outcomes. #morecommonthanyouthink #endhomelessness #lgbtq #lgbtq #youthhomelessness #endthestigma #winterwalk 📃 Source: "10 Facts About Homelessness in the United States" Human Rights Careers

While Maryland has been a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ legal rights, there's still so much work to be done as old problems worsen and new ones arise. We've known that LGBTQ Marylanders are disproportionally low-income and have unique, unmet healthcare needs. Yet, government complacency has led to a lack of material investment in our community, negatively affecting healthcare quality and access to other essential community resources. Now, with anti-LGBTQ laws on the rise in other states, people are flocking to Maryland for its progressive policies. The influx of people strains already stretched resources, highlighting the challenge of providing sufficient services for all. We're hoping our leaders provide solutions to secure more for the LGBTQ community for years to come, with a particular force on boosting support in the state's Western and Eastern rural parts. Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of location, every LGBTQ individual is safe and has access to the resources they need.

Sometimes, LinkedIn feels like Facebook. I know this post may seem like I am dipping into that channel, but I believe it is important to share the following (professionally, that is) for those who read this and are concerned about the trajectory of K-12 history and social studies education. #lgbtq #historyunerased #ushistory #socialstudies #representationmatters https://lnkd.in/eutG7rY9

Navigating high school is a challenging journey, especially for LGBTQ teens who may face unique pressures and challenges. It's crucial to create an understanding and supportive environment where they can feel safe and accepted. Recognizing the specific needs of LGBTQ teens in high school helps in fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community Creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ teens in high school is vital for their mental and emotional well-being. If you're a teen facing these pressures or know someone who is, remember that AOC Outreach Services is here to help. Reach out to us for support and guidance in navigating these challenges. #lgbtqteens #highschoolchallenges #inclusiveeducation #safespaces #openconversation #lgbtqsupport #counselingaccess #peerledgroups #diversityeducation #antibullying #mentalwellness #communitysupport #aocoutreach #teenwellbeing #navigatinghighschool

Financial planning is crucial for everyone, including the LGBTQ community, who often face unique challenges when it comes to securing their financial future. Despite progress in LGBTQ rights, many individuals in the community still lack adequate financial advice and planning. It is important for LGBTQ individuals to seek out financial advisors who are knowledgeable about the specific needs and concerns of the community, such as estate planning for same-sex couples and navigating workplace benefits for transgender individuals. By creating a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account long-term goals, retirement savings, and emergency funds, members of the LGBTQ community can work towards financial security and independence. Additionally, advocating for equal access to financial services and resources can help address the systemic barriers that have historically hindered financial success within the community. Financial Planning is for all, regardless of Gender, Ethnicity and Sexuality. #Financialplanningforall #lgbtqia #pensionplanning #estateplanning

What will it take for stewards to change the way they allocate resources and create equitable regional systems for health and well-being? Belonging and civic muscle are both vital conditions and critical factors for success in virtually every other kind of endeavor to enhance equitable health and well-being. Learn how ReThink Health stewards in Palm Beach County, Florida, are fostering belonging among all individuals and organizations in their community to improve health and equity here: https://lnkd.in/gqSXWM5k #Belonging #CivicMuscle #FocusOnEquity [Image description: A circular graphic depicting the relationship between vital conditions and urgent services sits atop a yellow, collage background. The collage is made of photos of people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ people. White block text inside of a dark yellow banner reads "Cultivating Belonging and Civic Muscle to Advance Equity". Smaller yellow text reads "#FocusOnEquity". communitycommons.org is listed at the bottom.]