Photo courtesy of Encircle
IDAHO FALLS – Encircle, a nonprofit organization that provides community resource houses for LGBTQ + youth and their families, announced plans on Thursday for a home to be established in Idaho Falls.
The announcement is part of Encircle’s “$ 8 million, 8 houses” capital campaign to build new homes in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The organization already has three homes in Provo, Salt Lake City and St. George, with a fourth under construction in Heber, Utah.
Encircle, whose motto is “no sides, just love”, was created with the aim of bringing families and communities together to allow LGBTQ + young people to prosper.
Stephenie Larsen, CEO and founder of Encircle, is partnering with some big names to expand her dream. Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith will contribute $ 2 million to the cause and Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds and his wife, artist Aja Volkman, will donate Dan’s childhood home , valued at $ 1 million, in Las Vegas. In addition, Apple will donate $ 1 million and contribute products that promote digital connection, creativity and education.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds are donating to help Encircle expand. | Good Morning America
“All LGBTQ + people should feel safe and supported enough to be open about who they are with their community and with themselves,” said Cook, who visited the organization’s Provo home. “Encircle is helping to bring divisions together and bring people together – sending a powerful message that the biggest thing you can aspire to become is who you really are. It is my hope that every young person who feels alone or without support can find connection and community in this incredible organization. ”
Since its founding in 2017, Encircle has served more than 70,000 people and funded thousands of family and youth therapy sessions. It is an extremely urgent need during the pandemic, which has isolated many more young people from their friends and other support systems outside the home. Studies show that despite facing much higher rates of depression and suicide attempts, many young LGBTQ + people across the country struggle to access therapy and mental health services.
“Ashley and I saw the incredible work that Encircle does to benefit LGBTQ + young people. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its mission to create more inclusive communities and provide the much needed hope and support for young people, ”said Smith in a press release. “Encircle is an incredible example of an entrepreneurial spirit and motivation that motivates people to create a better and more receptive world.”
In addition to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas, new Encircle homes are planned for Boise, Logan, Ogden, Lehi, Phoenix and the Mesa / Gilbert area of Arizona. More details about each location will be released later.
“Encircle’s goal is to bring together LGBTQ + young people and their families, including the community and strengthening the bonds that connect us,” said Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman. “Being part of this organization means a lot to both of us – and we know that the home Dan grew up in will be a home of love and support for every LGBTQ + youngster who crosses the threshold.”
Larsen added: “We are extremely grateful that these global leaders see the vision of the deep work that we are doing for LGBTQ + youth and families in all of our communities … We strive to give these children a positive and loving environment that builds the support in their communities where they can realize their full potential and it works – we haven’t lost a single young man to suicide. This incredible support makes our national expansion possible and will improve countless LGBTQ + lives – reminding them that they are perfect, just as they are. “
More information about Encircle and the campaign can be found here.