Organization Spotlight: Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Kaleidoscope Youth Center
As told to us by Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, Development & Marketing Associate
Mission, Vision & Population Served
The mission of Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is to work in partnership with young people in Central Ohio to create safe and empowering environments for LGBTQ and Ally youth through advocacy, education, support, and community engagement. Our vision is for youth across the spectrums of sexual orientation and gender identity to live healthy, whole lives with acceptance and freedom from oppression.
Kaleidoscope’s programming focuses on building resiliency and reducing risk factors for LGBTQ+ young people ages 12-20. KYC engages young people in inclusive, affirming, and empowering positive youth development programming. Our staff, volunteers, and participants work together to cultivate a safe and supportive community in which our participants can thrive.
The Center primarily serves youth from Columbus and surrounding communities, while the GSA Network spans the state. Youth from more than 48 zip codes participated in KYC programming during calendar year 2015.
During 2015, KYC’s after school programming served 413 youth who made a total of over 4,000 visits to the Center to participate in programming.
Kaleidoscope serves hundreds of additional youth through the Ohio GSA Network, a program providing education, consultation, events, and organizing for our local Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) network and youth-serving professionals.
Involvement with AFP
Kaleidoscope has become more involved with AFP over the last few years as we have dedicated more time and resources to fundraising. AFP has been a great resource as I evolved into the position of Development and Marketing Associate, the first development position established at KYC. I completed the Fundamentals of Fundraising Course in 2015.
Special Events
Kaleidoscope moved to a new, bigger facility this year, opening our doors on February 29. We will be opening our doors to the community for a second housewarming celebration on Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 7pm – 9pm. Kaleidoscope will also be celebrating the Columbus Pride holiday by marching in the parade, hosting a Teen Tent, and participating in the festival, all on Saturday, June 18.
Left to Right: Michelle Jordan, MSW, LSW (Center Program Coordinator), Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, JD (Development & Marketing Associate), Amy Eldridge (Executive Director), Michael Eblin (Prevention Specialist), Danielle Boyd, MSSA (GSA Network Coordinator)
Posted June 2016