“My first time at TOY last night was unforgettable, the people there were kind and there was free Chinese food and games and a friend was watching Supernatural and there was a computer room and I played with a dance ribbon thing and some kids were playing on an Xbox and they shared so well and someone had a ukulele. I sat on a couch and realized that someone woke up in the morning and decided to care about the kids who are different and maybe don’t fit in at other places and they created a welcoming space with real unbiased information on the walls and a huge shelf of games and buttons with our pronouns. Someone woke up and decided to love total strangers and I almost cried sitting there, I didn’t want to leave. Thank you TOY for loving me, I think I love you too.” – Center Youth
“Time Out Youth built up my self-esteem from a very low place of isolation and fear – of people finding out this ‘horrible secret’ that I had been ashamed of – and transformed it into something wonderful. I became a whole person through Time Out Youth.” – Center Youth
“I would like to personally thank you for the creation of a small place in this world where there is an overwhelming blanket of comfort and unity. It is a long walk home sometimes, but even longer when you are afraid that the person you present to your family will not be accepted. I know that the hope and strength of character that your space has instilled in me now rest in the marrow of my bones, and I will carry it with me in my long journey.” – Center Youth
“Danielle is a wonderful therapist. From the very beginning she was able to establish a safe space that I immediately responded well to. I never had any doubts that she understood what I was trying to say. A good therapist is patient, and listens to their patients needs. An excellent therapist is a person that connects with others, not only patient but invested, not only someone who listens but one who shares thoughtfully and acknowledges the good habits along with the negative trends. I would place Danielle in the later category, as I always looked forward to her input and our talks helped me process some very deep issues I was going through.” – Center Youth
Patrick is a Black, trans masculine young person who has been struggling with mental health challenges and has not been accepted or supported by his family. With nowhere to go after his car was impounded and having just lost his service dog, he went to the housing department at TOY for help. Earnest and endearing, we all fell in love with his spirit and wanted to do everything we could to support him.
Because of Patrick’s unique needs, he was put on a waiting list for permanent housing but because of turnover at the housing agency, the holidays, and his own personal setbacks he was not able to move in until over six months after his original request. TOY’s housing department got him emergency shelter and in his darkest times, gave him resources to get on disability and Medicaid, encouraging him to keep going every step of the way. When life got hard, Patrick could lean on our counseling team for free mental health sessions. He started working and stayed active in our online virtual spaces, where he could find a sense of connectedness in groups like Melanin and MagiQ, Space Aces, and Tea Time.
Patrick could turn to TOY to get help with showers, laundry, and food. He was given access to our Life Essentials Closet, a place to get hygiene products and goods provided by donation and community members like you. These small items made a difference in helping Patrick feel refreshed and taken care of. He prepared meals from our Second Harvest pantry. He used our kitchen space to stay nourished and enjoyed laughs with friends. Patrick visited his old high school and discovered that TOY had gone there to provide one-on-one training for faculty and a GSA had opened. He began to see how things were changing for the better in the community and held on to hope.
The programming that TOY provided, along with therapy, community, opportunities for leadership, and meaningful connection gave him something to look forward to and to hold on to until he was finally placed in housing last month. While he was waiting, he had something to wait for – he went to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Theater to see shows with TOY, participated in movie and game nights, joined us on a trip to Carowinds during our CampOut summer camp, painted with community artists, and joined us for many community meals making friends and memories along the way. Patrick’s story is not unique. Many LGBTQ youth of all races, nationalities, and genders struggle every year to survive but interventions with housing, therapy, and programming make a huge difference.
Now Patrick has transitioned out of Time Out Youth’s system. He is successfully living on his own and making the most of all the lessons that he has learned. We are grateful to our youth for choosing to grow up with us. They make our work worthwhile. We invest in the future of LGBTQ youth by providing support, community, and unconditional acceptance.