“We do a lot with the assistance of volunteers, but the reality is we still don’t have enough, and we never have,” says Terence McPhaul, YouthPride executive director. “We want to encourage people to really take a look at what we do. … We are much more than safe space.
| Evolve! Friday, April 9, 6-10 p.m. at Bill Lowe Gallery 1555 Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309 www.youthpride.org |
“We are a safe, supportive development center and we want people to know the vast array of services we offer, and certainly suicide prevention is our most important,” McPhaul says.
“Evolve” is scheduled for April 9 at the Bill Lowe Gallery. DJ Travis Roache will provide music, and attendees will enjoy free appetizers and drinks.
“We couldn’t have picked a better location,” McPhaul says. “The Bill Lowe Gallery is absolutely fabulous and has some of the best artwork in the city. It’s just a really fun time for people to be able to connect.”
“Evolve” is also the name of YouthPride’s counseling program, which is led by Tana Hall, a licensed professional counselor. Counseling is provided free of charge to YouthPride members and their families, and demand is high.
“We believe that our counseling program is the best suicide prevention that we can provide,” Hall says.
YouthPride operates with an annual budget of about $300,000. The agency cites 4,500 visits per year from more than 1,100 individuals.
Last year’s “Evolve” party raised $18,000.