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Arbor Circle receives federal grant to serve LGBTQI+ children, youth and families

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The Bridge of Arbor Circle is a safe, no cost shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness or considering running away (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)


By Taylor Greenfield

Arbor Circle Director of Development


One of eight awardees in the nation, Arbor Circle has received a three-year grant totaling $1.2 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant will be used to promote wellbeing for LGBTQI+ youth within Kent and Ottawa counties.

This work is a continuation of a 2017 initiative in conjunction with True Colors United (formerly The True Colors Fund), led in collaboration with Arbor Circle and other community organizations. The goal is to create responsive strategies that will advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ youth and young adults.

Meeting a significant need

(Courtesy photo)

The need for this ongoing focus on the health and wellness of LGBTQI+ youth is significant, as risks for these youth continue to be elevated both nationally and locally.

The Trevor Project reports that nationally, LGBTQ youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide as their non-LGBTQ peers. Locally, a January 2023 Trevor Project study found that 45% of LGBTQ Michigan youth considered suicide in the past year.

Additionally, local data from the Kent County Continuum of Care (2022) shows that nearly 27% of all Runaway and Homeless Youth in Kent County identify within the LGBTQ community.

With these funds, Arbor Circle will engage LGBTQI+ youth and their families and caregivers in counseling and support programs aimed to reduce behavioral health risks.

“We are humbled by the opportunity to continue seeking the answer to the question first posed by our work with True Colors United,” shared Susan Sheppard, Arbor Circle’s Vice President & COO. “How might we ensure all LGBTQ+ youth in West Michigan live in a safe, secure community?”

Arbor Circle’s community-based building on Leonard Street NE in Grand Rapids (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)

Community partnerships

This project will also bring together systems and community organizations that engage with youth and families to support increased acceptance and understanding. Training on successful interventions and awareness of available services will also be offered.

Collaborations and partnerships with local organizations include: Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Out on the Lakeshore, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), Ottawa Intermediate School District (OISD), and the West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC).

“We are pleased to partner with Arbor Circle on this work to support the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth in our community,” shared Jennie Knight, Executive Director of Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium. “Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked, component of healthcare, and this grant will help us to address this need.”