Lorde-Rustin organization awards $20,000 to Atlanta’s CHRIS Kids

Atlanta’s CHRIS Kids received this month a $20,000 grant from the Lorde-Rustin Giving Circle to assist LGBT youth of color.

The grant, awarded through a competitive selection process, was awarded on April 8.

“After hearing the personal and emotional story of one of the young men helped by CHRIS Kids, members of the Lorde-Rustin Giving Circle knew we needed to do something to help,” said Richard Moultrie, executive director of the Lorde-Rustin Giving Circle, in a statement.

The Lorde-Rustin Giving Circle, named for iconic LGBT and civil rights activists Bayard Rustin and Audre Lorde, is managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Lorde-Rustin Giving Circle and the community,” said Kathy Colbenson, CEO of CHRIS Kids, in a statement. “This gift allows us to help ignite each youth’s power to their best benefit.”

Members of the Circle raised $50,000 during its inaugural 2013 grant-giving cycle for awarding two grants. The fund’s mission is to raise money to support non-profit organizations dedicated to helping at-risk youth in the metro Atlanta area, including Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and Henry counties.

CHRIS Kids has been operating for more than 30 years, serving at-risk youth including LGBT youth, who reside in foster care and are part of the juvenile justice system.

It’s annual Premiere Party is set for June 7 at Mason Murer Fine Art.