GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Bldg. 7 Ste.

15 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-425-7804 www.glbtays.org Why Support GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services? Case for Support GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc., exists to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to youth and young adults. The group of beneficiaries we serve makes GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services unique and worthy of tremendous support. Young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities struggle with homelessness, bullying, AIDS/HIV infection, drug abuse, suicide, and sexual exploitation. If these youth survive into adulthood, many continue to struggle with these issues and find it difficult to continue their education and find meaningful employment. Additionally, due to a lack of experience with healthy relationships, many find themselves struggling with interpersonal relationships and social skills. We believe social skills, continuing education, and employment are vital keys to personal success and participation in a thriving community. Through the supportive services offered by our agency, we strive to improve the lives of youth and young adults and help them transition into adulthood to become successful members of our society. We are unique in North Alabama because we are the only non-profit agency specifically addressing the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. We are also one of the only agencies in the region working to prevent homelessness among youth and young adults who do not have a history of involvement with social services. All program services are available regardless of an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity. Physical support is provided through the Huntsville Host Home Program. This program and the people behind it share a deep commitment to our communities, our youth, and social change. This is accomplished through a transformative and intimate process of sharing their homes and their lives. Youth in the program will have the chance to build trusting relationships and create stronger communities. Emotional support is provided through support groups and mentor services. The agency provides support groups for youth ages 18 and younger and adults of all ages. These groups are designed to address the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, as well as their supportive friends and family members. Spiritual support is provided through our support groups and mentor services and through the personal interaction of our program volunteers with beneficiaries. The agency seeks to maintain a diverse volunteer group that is representative of the spiritual beliefs of the entire community. We are also committed to being positive advocates for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. We accomplish this goal through the use of social media, and the cultivation of a united voice on issues such as bullying, AIDS/HIV infection, drug abuse, suicide, homelessness, and the sexual exploitation of youth. Representatives of the agency speak at local universities, community events, and with local news media whenever possible.

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Bldg. 7 Ste. 15 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-425-7804 www.glbtays.org Services are possible because of incredible volunteers. These volunteers support others who struggle because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Since founding the organization, Robinson has dedicated himself to the mission of the agency without a salary. We are working to find funding so that this valuable program may continue. GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services began in November 2009, after James Robinson, founder and executive director, began a personal search for deeper meaning in his life. After surviving years of drug abuse he recognized that his struggle lay in the fact that he was living a closeted life as a gay man. There is a saying, "The closet kills," and Robinson was slowly killing himself through drug abuse. Recognizing a greater purpose in his life, he set out to support youth and young adults who are struggling with issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Robinson knows that many of these youth face rejection by their families and homelessness. When you donate to support GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services you will know that you are making a significant difference in the lives of youth and young adults who may be struggling with issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as possible homelessness, bullying, AIDS/HIV infection, drug abuse, suicide, and sexual exploitation. As a donor you are partnering with us to develop a community where social skills, continuing education, and employment are emphasized as vital keys to personal success and are available on a non-discriminatory basis. You are contributing to the development of a community free of prejudice, discrimination, and the fear of personal attacks and other forms of violence and hatred and to a community where the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people are priorities.