NY Life awards large grants to LGBT outreach organizations

The New York Life Foundation has announced grants totaling $150,000 to two organizations offering safe places to learn and grow and educational enhancement opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Foundation made a $50,000 grant to the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center and a grant of $100,000 to The Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) serving youth throughout New York City and Newark, New Jersey.

“We are pleased to be announcing our support for these two fine organizations during Gay Pride Month,” said Chris Park, president, New York Life Foundation. “Both organizations offer a safe haven where young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, can realize their full potential – academically, socially and emotionally.”

“We are deeply appreciative of the support from the New York Life Foundation,” said Glennda Testone, executive director of the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center. “On behalf of our young people, we will put this grant to good use developing leadership skills and positive self-expression within the context of a supportive community.”

The grant to the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center supports leadership initiatives within their Youth Enrichment Program which provides free after-school, Saturday, and summer programs and activities focusing on the healthy development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people, ages 13-21, who live throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

[SOURCE]