Our Founding
When Encircle Founder Stephenie Larsen heard about the alarming number of suicides among LGBTQ+ young people in her community in Provo, she decided to take action. Larsen said, “While driving downtown, I found this house with two rainbow-stained glass windows, and I knew that this was the place.”
Encircle Provo: Stephenie & Mitch Larsen Home
Encircle Provo, the first LGBTQ+ center in the city, opens on Valentine’s Day, 2017. “This house may look small, but it’s going to do big things. This pebble is going to hit the water and make ripples—circles—circles upon circles encircling families and encircling LGBTQ+ kids for years to come,” said Barbara Young, founding Board Member and Encircle Champion.
Music Festival Sparks Growth
After visiting Encircle, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds, held the first LOVELOUD Festival benefiting several LGBTQ+ nonprofits, including Encircle. We were later featured in the HBO Original Documentary Believer.
First Encircle Summit
The Summit included workshops, performances and discussion groups for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community and discussions for parents and supporters. “I’m really impressed at the lengths they’ve gone to make everyone feel welcome, even if they are just figuring things out,” said BYU student Sarah.
Encircle Salt Lake City: John Williams Home
Philanthropist, DC native, Encircle board member, and donor of the Encircle St. George and Salt Lake City homes Brad Clark said, “I envision a world where LGBTQ+ young people thrive. I believe Encircle’s unique approach and dedication to building homes where no one else will is what will drive its inspiring mission forward. We need Encircle homes everywhere.” With no debt, mortgage, or rent—Brad’s gift guarantees our Encircle homes will serve our communities forever.
Encircle Therapy
After 2 years of outsourcing, Encircle launches its own therapy arm, Encircle Therapy. Offering therapy in the homes allows for a full circle approach to mental health care. Encircle Therapy will continue to be a world-class mental health provider for LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
Our Biggest Summit Yet
Emerson, Miles McKenna and several other stars joined 2000+ LGBTQ+ young people, parents, allies, educators, and business leaders for a day of workshops and fabulous entertainment.
Encircle St. George: Kim & Terry Turner Home
Philanthropist and Encircle champion Brad Clark donated this home to Encircle. Following the donation, hundreds of community members donated time, products, and professional labor to make this home a reality.
Encircle Therapy Scholarship Program
LGBTQ+ individuals who participate in the Encircle Therapy Scholarship Program will gain access to life-saving LGBTQ+ specialized therapy that they otherwise would not be able to afford. The program's main objective is to reduce the financial barrier to gain access to therapy for those experiencing poverty.
Encircle Heber: Collin Russell Home
Encircle Heber officially opened its donors in Wasatch County. LGBTQ+ young people and their families in Wasatch and Summit counties now have access to life-affirming therapy and other programs to help them thrive.
Our First Only Love Gala
Encircle held its first Only Love Gala to celebrate its many supporters throughout the state of Utah. The night was filled with great entertainment, as well as wonderful donors, sponsors, and all around champions who came together to support our mission of helping LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
Kristin Chenoweth Headlines
Our Only Love Gala 2025 brought together Encircle families, staff, donors and community partners with Kristin Chenoweth as headliner thanks to Encircle champion Ron Gunnell. With Kalen Allen as emcee, a performance by Toph, and an appearance by some Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, it was a magical night for everyone.
Encircle Ogden: Young Caring For Our Young Home, built with love by Nilson Homes
Encircle Ogden opened its doors in September of 2025. LGBTQ+ young people and their families are in great need of support in Ogden, and we’re incredibly grateful to our generous donors who made it possible for us to provide that support.
