Encircle Breaks Ground In Ogden, Utah
(From Left to Right) Weber State University President Brad Mortensen, U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, Ogden Advisory Board Vice Chair Lori Fleming, Ogden Advisory Board Chair Kathryn Hueth, Mayor Caldwell of Ogden, President of Nilson Homes Jed Nilson, Encircle’s Chief Operating Officer Jacob Dunford and CEO/Founder Stephenie Larsen.
On March 25, 2021 Encircle broke ground on its newest home in Ogden, UT that will serve as a resource center for LGBTQ+ youth and families.. This home is the first of Encircle's new campaign to build eight new homes across four states.
The new resource center, an orange structure with the look of an urban brick brownstone, will be located at 2458 Washington Blvd. and is expected to be completed later this year or early next year. It will serve LGBTQ+ youth and families in Ogden and in Weber County.
"I think that sometimes LGBTQ youth grow up not feeling that they're loved or supported by their community," Encircle CEO Stephanie Larsen said at the groundbreaking. "They feel shame sometimes around who they are. And Encircle's mission is to help them realize that they're beautiful just how they are and that they have bright futures."
Studies show that despite facing much higher rates of depression and attempted suicide, many LGBTQ+ youth nationwide struggle to access therapy and mental health services. Since its founding in 2017, Encircle has served over 70,000 individuals and funded thousands of family and youth therapy sessions, providing a lifeline to those facing suicidality, isolation and depression, helping them build local community and forge a path forward. It’s been an especially urgent need during the pandemic, which has cut off many more young people from their friends and other support systems outside the home.
18-year-old Ogden resident Bliss and her friend Vivian celebrating at the ground breaking of the Ogden Encircle home.
18-year-old Bliss V. from Ogden said, “It has always felt like the LGBTQ+ community have been removed from Ogden. In a way, the only place you can engage with the community was in Salt Lake City. Having an Encircle Home opening in Ogden feels like a big step in the right direction. I can't wait to have a place where I can find community and feel right at home!”
Jed Nilson, President of Nilson Homes graciously offered to help Encircle build the Ogden location. “Encircle creates an environment, a home-like environment, where LGBTQ+ youth can feel loved and be surrounded by people who love them. They’ll come after school and just be able to hang out and be friends. I am so proud to have our company build this home.”
Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell said the Encircle facility will be a good fit in Ogden. “Ogden’s one of the most diverse communities along the Wasatch Front. This blends hand-in-glove with what we’re about,” He noted how grateful he was the area was getting resources for this community and he knows how needed it was considering a family member attempted suicide years ago because they didn't know where to access resources for LGBTQ individuals. “There was no access to resources back then. They had nowhere they could be accepted, ask questions and get validation, I cannot wait for this incredible resource to open.” he said.
Encircle’s location in Ogden will serve up to 10,000 LGBTQ+ youth and families every year.
Encircle announced its campaign to raise $500K from the local Ogden community at the ground breaking. Funds will go towards completing the building, daily programs, subsidized therapy and support groups held at the Encircle home in Ogden. You can learn more, chip in or start a fundraising page here.
About Encircle
Serving LGBTQ+ youth since February 2017, Encircle: LGBTQ+ Family and Youth Center, has functioned as a welcoming presence to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Founded in Utah, Encircle is taking their innovative program to Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada in its initial expansion with the goal of implementing the program nationwide. With the purpose of addressing the loneliness and high rates of suicide frequently experienced amongst LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, the nonprofit offers love and support. This is accomplished through providing individual and family therapy, support groups, and a safe space to young LGBTQ+ people throughout the U.S. Learn more about Encircle at www.EncircleTogether.org.
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