Encircle News

Encircle Heber Continues to Champion LGBTQ Youth and their Families

Encircle Admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Heber City teenager Ferris Judd describes coming to terms with being transgender as realizing he wanted to be one of the hicks in a “hick town.”

Encircle opens Ogden facility aiming to serve LGBTQ+ youth, families

Encircle Admin — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Encircle has officially opened its new LGBTQ+ youth and family resource center in Ogden, marking the organization’s fifth location in Utah. The nonprofit provides safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their families through support groups, mental health services, creative programs, and community events.

A Message from our Executive Director on National Coming Out Day — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, October 11, 2024

Dear Friends of Encircle,

Today we celebrate National Coming Out Day, a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. This day is not just about those who choose to come out—it’s about honoring the journey, the struggle, and the strength of the LGBTQ+ community. Coming out is a deeply personal experience, often met with both fear and hope, but it’s also a time of resilience and self-acceptance. It’s a day to embrace one another with compassion and recognize the bravery it takes to be true to oneself in a world that isn’t always ready to accept it. By standing together, we not only amplify these voices but also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

For the past three months, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director at Encircle, and it has been a truly life-changing experience. Being part of an organization that works tirelessly to support and uplift LGBTQ+ youth and families has opened my heart even more and deepened my understanding of what it means to create safe spaces and a sense of belonging. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience, love, and courage of those we serve, and I feel profoundly grateful to be part of a team that is making such a tangible impact. This role has reinforced my belief that when we show up for each other with compassion and understanding, we can build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and loved for exactly who they are.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an organization like Encircle that provides the support and community to youth that I wish I had when I was younger. Today, I want to be vulnerable and share a personal part of my journey—the letter I wrote to my family ten years ago when I came out to them. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work still lies ahead to ensure that every person feels accepted and loved for who they are. I hope that by sharing my story, I can offer a sense of hope and solidarity to anyone who might be struggling with their own.

Dear Family & Friends,

First off, I need to apologize to you. I am sure you have noticed I have been distant, much more distant than I wanted to be. The truth is that I didn't know how to talk to you about this. I wanted to, but I didn't know how. I didn't even know how to talk about this to myself, and I didn't want to take the risk of losing your presence in my life.

Let me start from the beginning. For many years I didn’t quite know how to verbalize what I am about to tell you. In truth, I didn’t have the courage to. So I did what I thought was best: I suppressed it, and I got really good at doing it. I thought I’d be able to do it throughout my whole life. What I never realized was that these suppressed feelings had been slowly snowballing within me, and it wasn’t until about a year ago that I found myself completely fragmented after being violently hit by this avalanche of emotions.

I think I began to wonder if there was something “wrong” with me when I hit those early teenage years and realized that all of my friends were virtually obsessed with girls while I was… well, not. I remember when I had my first contact with a Playboy magazine and realized that those images were doing things for my friends that were not happening for me. I didn’t give that too much thought, though. Back then, I would always just try to convince myself that I was “OK.” I had to rationalize things somehow, so I forced myself to believe that everyone was different, and people just reacted differently to certain things.

I have always been into spirituality. That’s an imperative in my life. I joined the LDS church because I wanted to. Even before I joined the LDS church, I was the most active Catholic in my family. I attended mass every Sunday because I wanted to, even if I had to do it alone. I joined prayer groups, participated in church activities, and did pretty much everything I could to nourish and strengthen my connection with God. I loved the rituals, the songs, the prayers, the lessons… If I could be any archetype, I would probably be the “bowing boy.” I honestly believed that my membership in the church would help me suppress these feelings that I can no longer deny.

Quite frankly, I have always been attracted to men. On some level, though, I believed that if I did everything right, if I were an example of “religious conduct” and lived every single commandment I knew, then I would be “earning my points” to get this big burden taken away from me. It was when that didn’t happen that my world came tumbling down. Admitting to myself that yes, I have always experienced homosexual feelings was very, VERY hard. At times I felt as though I were completely submerged in water. It felt like my lungs were failing. I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I was desperately trying to pop my head out and gasp for air. I had practically no one to turn to. At least I didn’t think I did. I was scared. More than anything, I was scared of people’s eyes and the judgment I would find in them. I didn’t feel like I could be understood.

I got to a point in my life where I realized that I didn't have a firm sense of self anymore. For many years I had been told exactly what to think and how to feel about the world around me. I got used to having my mind made up for me, suppressing myself, quieting my voice, and finding “comfort” in silence. Sustaining a fabricated, presentational self does not come without serious consequences. I found myself struggling with a lot of guilt, fear, anxiety, self-doubt, faithlessness, and much self-loathing. I felt fragmented, and in the midst of this mayhem of emotions, I couldn't help but feel disconnected. I was disconnected from my sense of self, disconnected from God, and disconnected from those around me.

People don't understand how emotionally draining this process really is. This is NOT a choice. I didn’t choose to feel this way. In fact, I have spent my whole life trying not to. At one point, I started thinking that maybe it would be better if I were just not here anymore. Maybe the pain of death would be less than the pain of inflicting so much suffering and embarrassment upon my family and myself.

Flirting with suicide is the darkest, gloomiest place I have ever been to emotionally. Here I was, on the verge of terminating my own life, while those around me had no idea! That’s when I knew I needed to reach out and seek help. I had to talk about it, and I had to talk about it out loud.

It was during this period of deep darkness and silent depression that I started hating my own lying. I wanted to get to a place where there wouldn’t be any more lies left. It was a lonely journey. Many were the days when I felt heavy-hearted, and my heavy-heartedness stabbed at me mercilessly. I was overwhelmed with an isolating sense of unworthiness that physically troubled my breathing and hurt my bones. I felt detached from my own life.

I found myself desperate for healing and yet traumatized by the very thing that for many years had been the "balm." Homosexuality is something that goes way beyond physical attraction. The attraction factor is definitely a fundamental part of it, but it is the emotional connection that makes everything different, and THAT is what is oftentimes misunderstood. It is the ability to be fully present in a relationship, the ability to both give and receive genuine love that changes everything.

I am in a relationship with Matt Bryce. He is a tremendous man and one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. We have gone through very similar experiences. Matt was in several church programs for several years, but after much suffering, depression, and loneliness, he, too, realized that orientation is inborn and can't be changed. He has been an incredible blessing in my life. I have never been this happy. It feels really good to have found real love and companionship.

I know this is A LOT to take in all at once, I really do! But I needed to tell you. I needed to let it all out and share everything with you. I don’t expect anyone to accept this overnight. It took me more than 27 years to accept myself as I am, so I certainly don’t expect you to accept this after just 10 minutes. Being vocal about this isn’t always easy, but I don't want to lie to you. I don't want to feel like an actor anymore. It is too painful. Sustaining an emotional lie is excruciatingly exhausting. I do love you very much, and I wanted to be as honest as I possibly can.

I am sorry if this is too much information to digest, and I'm sorry I didn't have the courage to tell you sooner. I am doing it now, though, because you matter to me and because, if you also want to, I want our relationship to continue to be a part of my life. I look forward to hearing back from you and addressing any questions you may have.

With much love,

Alex Cutini

According to research from The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth with supportive adults in their lives are far less likely to attempt suicide than those without such support. At Encircle, we create safe spaces and foster a nurturing environment to provide the support these young people urgently need.

This National Coming Out Day, we are asking for your help to support these LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and their families by donating today! Your contributions will directly impact youth and young adults by providing them with warm meals, mental health resources, and most importantly, a safe space where they can be their most authentic selves.

Thank you for your continued support, and for being an incredibly valuable part of the Encircle family.

Sincerely,

Alexandre Cutini
Encircle Executive Director

Donate Today and Support LGBTQ+ Youth

Meet Alexandre Cutini, Encircle’s New CEO — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMT

We are excited to introduce Encircle’s new Executive Director, Alexandre (Alex) Cutini. Our board of directors hired Alex from his recent role as Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Alex brings with him a wealth of experience in relationship building, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and a strong passion to serve the LGBTQ+ community, making him an invaluable addition to our team.

A lex's professional journey has been marked by a consistent dedication to fostering strong, meaningful connections and driving impactful change. His tenure at Goldman Sachs was characterized by his innovative approach to leadership and his ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving common goals. As co-head of the Goldman Sachs LGBTQ+ network, Alex executed projects to foster education, inclusion, and community partnership for th e nearly 3,000 employees at the Salt Lake City office. This experience, combined with his dedication to the community, makes Alex uniquely qualified to lead Encircle into its next chapter. His forward-thinking leadership style and compassionate approach align perfectly with our core values and, under his guidance, Encircle will continue to thrive and grow.

Originally from Brazil, Alex made Salt Lake City his home 10 years ago with his husband, Matt. Alex enjoys travel, and as a certified yoga instructor, Alex loves sharing his passion for self-care and fitness with the community.

“Encircle’s mission to create safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their families is at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our programs, and ensuring that our services remain accessible and impactful,” Alex said. “I understand the struggles that many of our LGBTQ+ youth are facing today because I have been through them myself. I deeply empathize with their feelings, and I want to be the caring and supportive adult that I so desperately needed when I was their age.”

Please join us in welcoming Alex Cutini to the Encircle family. Together,we look forward to a future filled with progress, inclusivity, and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. Alex’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly drive Encircle’s growth and success, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will bring to our organization and the communities we serve.

A Sincere Thank You and Best Wishes to Jordan Sgro — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends of Encircle,

We have a bittersweet announcement to share with our Encircle family. Jordan Sgro, our exceptional CEO, will be embarking on an exciting new journey as she joins her mentor and former Encircle board member, Becky Pickle, at the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation as AVP of Operations in July.

Shortly after Encircle’s founding in 2017, Jordan began her role as the Chief Program Officer, creating life-changing programs for LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and their families. Five years later, she took on a larger role as COO, and was named our new CEO in January 2023.

Jordan began her career when Encircle opened our flagship location in Provo, and was instrumental in adding four additional homes. Under her leadership, Encircle Heber opened its doors in 2023, and Encircle Ogden is on schedule to open later this year.

As CEO, Jordan’s work with Encircle has been nothing short of transformative, as she has managed the organization through financial ups and downs, and prepared us for a new chapter of growth and sustainability. Her passion for our mission has been evident in everything she does, and her commitment has inspired everyone around her to strive for excellence.

The positive impact she has had on our community is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward . It is truly wonderful to see Jordan continue her journey in a field she is so passionate about, and we have no doubt that she will achieve great things in her new role.

Thank you, Jordan, for your hard work, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Your dedication to our cause has left an indelible mark, and we are forever grateful for the time, energy, and love you have poured into this organization. We wish you all the best in your new adventure and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will accomplish at the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation.

Our board of directors has been actively working to fill the Executive Director position at Encircle, and we are pleased to announce that Alex Cutini will be stepping into the role of Executive Director at the end of June. Alex joins us from his role as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. He brings a wealth of experience in relationship building and a strong passion to serve the LGBTQ+ community. We are confident that Alex’s vision and leadership will continue to guide Encircle’s growth and success.

As we move forward, I want to thank everyone in our Encircle community for your ongoing commitment to creating a world where LGBTQ+ youth and young adults thrive.

Sincerely,

Mike Ostermiller
Encircle Board Chair

A message from Jordan Sgro

It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to work with Encircle and play a small part in helping LGBTQ+ youth in our community. I am so grateful to our founder, Stephenie Larsen, for her vision and passion for helping LGBTQ+ youth and families, and for creating this incredible organization. I will continue to support Encircle’s mission and believe they have a bright future ahead. I’m excited to see all the good things Encircle will continue to do!

Tim Cook, Ryan & Ashley Smith, and Dan & Aja Reynolds to headline Fundraising Dinner benefiting Encircle on Wednesday, October 13 — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Encircle, a pioneering non-profit that provides mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth and their families along with community programs, today announced it will host a fundraising dinner headlined by the co-chairs of its capital campaign, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, and Imagine Dragons' lead singer Dan Reynolds and his wife, recording artist Aja Volkman.

Nevada State Governor Sisolak, UFC Champion Forrest Griffin & Reynolds Family Join Encircle Kick-Off in Vegas to Support LGBTQ+ Youth in Nevada — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Stephenie Larsen- Encircle CEO, Steve Sisolak -Governor of the State of Nevada

On Monday, June 14th, Encircle hosted a community event to kick off their first out-of-state location in Las Vegas, Nevada. Encircle was joined by Nevada State Governor Steve Sisolak, UFC Champion Forrest Griffin, and various community leaders and neighbors.

Governor Steve Sisolak stated, “There is no shame in being who you are, and there is no shaming in loving who you love. This organization saves lives. Someone is going to walk through these doors, and a life is going to be saved. On behalf of the state of Nevada, I will commit to you, whatever we can do, to help [Encircle] out.” The Governor presented the Encircle Team with a certificate of recognition for the life-saving services they will bring to the LGBTQ+ community in the State of Nevada.

Las Vegas native and international rock star, Dan Reynolds and wife, Aja Volkman, purchased his childhood home near Sahara Avenue and Jones Boulevard and donated it to Encircle to become it’s first out-of-state location. Encircle will serve LGBTQ+ youth and families throughout larger Las Vegas. The Reynolds Family is excited the home will continue being a blessing to everyone who walks through the door.

Dan Reynold’s father, Ron Reynolds said, “Dan called early in the morning, and he said 'you can say no, but I just had this dream, and I woke up.’ I spoke to my wife, she cried and told us... we get emotional about it too, he said what if I bought your home and I donated it.”

Stephenie Larsen- Encircle CEO, Reed Harris- UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Development & Marketing, Forrest Griffin- UFC Champion, and Tim Fellow- Encircle CFO

"We’re working on getting it zoned correctly and then if that happens, we will renovate this house and make it beautiful; a place that reflects the value and the beauty of these youth," explained Encircle CEO and Founder, Stephenie Larsen. She continued, “I think that sometimes LGBTQ+ youth grow up not feeling that they're loved or supported by their community, they feel shame sometimes around who they are. Encircle's mission is to help them realize that they're beautiful-just the way they are.”

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.

UFC Champion Forrest Griffin commented, “Encircle Las Vegas will be a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families to come and find support. Every LGBTQ+ kid deserves to grow with the support of the community they live it. My message to these kids would be that they will always have my support.”

Encircle saw over 100 community leaders and neighbors show up to the event Monday night. This will be the first of many events held at the Reynolds Encircle Home in the coming months. It is anticipated that the Reynolds Encircle Home will open to the public for services in Spring 2022.

Christine & Ronald Reynolds with Stephenie Larsen, CEO & Founder of Encircle

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.

To learn more about Encircle and what we offer, please visit encircletogether.org.

General Inquires: info@encircletogether.org

Media Contacts: encircle@methodcommunications.com

Encircle Breaks Ground In Ogden, Utah — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

(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.

Donate To Encircle Ogden

General Encircle Inquires:

info@encircletogether.org

Media contacts:

encircle@methodcommunications.com

Recent Study Finds 13% of BYU Students are LGBTQ+ — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

A study published this month, conducted by Dr, Jared Klundt and Dr. David Erekson, surveyed more than 7600 undergraduate students at BYU; 13.2% identified as LGBTQ+

Over the last several years, college students have received attention in the press and in academic editorials discussing the increasing demand for mental health services in university settings. The need is especially acute among LGBTQ+ students, who are often more vulnerable to mental health concerns.

A study published this month, conducted by Dr. Jared Klundt and Dr. David Erekson, surveyed more than 7600 undergraduate students at BYU; 13.2% identified as LGBTQ+

The study examined religiosity, mental health outcomes, and sexual minority identity at BYU using structural equation modeling. All undergraduates were invited to participate, and 7625 students participated, with 996 students indicating a sexual orientation other than “strictly heterosexual.”

Dr. Jared Klundt, one the researchers of the study and the current Clinical Director of Encircle said, "One of the reasons we started this research was because of how often we saw patients who felt like they were the only queer person at BYU. That crushing isolation made every aspect of their experience more difficult, and our hope was to identify ways to reduce that pain. One aspect we were able to identify was that feeling loved and accepted by their family, friends, peers, and community significantly reduced nearly every one of the mental health concerns we examined, including anxiety, depression, and suicidality."

The study found that the LGBTQ+ students were more than 2x as suicidal as their straight peers.

Dr. David Erekson, Assistant Clinical Professor at BYU said, “It is sometimes assumed that there are not many LGBTQ+ students on college campuses like BYU. This study highlights that there are as many LGBTQ+ people at BYU as at any comparable campus in the country. Our hope as researchers is that this study reminds campuses everywhere that LGBTQ+ students are likely present in every classroom, and that helping these students feel accepted as part of the campus community can make a big difference.”

Encircle’s location in Provo, UT. Since opening, Encircle has served over 70,000 individuals and funded thousands of family and youth therapy sessions, providing a lifeline to LGBTQ+ people facing suicidality, isolation and depression.

Today at BYU and at campuses across the country students and allies are celebrating “Rainbow Day” proudly wearing rainbow in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Rainbow Day is sponsored by Color the Campus, a student-run Instagram account. It is a day for students to wear rainbow clothing to show love and support for LGBTQ+ students and faculty at all CES schools, according to the movement’s Instagram.

Stephenie Larsen CEO of Encircle said, “This recent study says one thing very clearly — the LGBTQ+ students at BYU are not alone. 13.2% of BYU is LGBTQ+ and we love 100% of them.”

Encircle offers subsidized therapy to LGBTQ+ people ages 12 and up, with a free initial consultation that allows you and our therapists to assess the proper treatment and direction to help you thrive. Learn more at www.EncircleTherapy.org

Link To Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110475

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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.

Donate to Encircle

National Expansion of Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Youth Centers Supported by Apple, Ryan Smith and Dan Reynolds — Encircle | An LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Resource

Encircle Admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Apple, Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, and Imagine Dragons' Dan Reynolds and his wife Aja Volkman commit initial funds to open 8 new Encircle homes in 4 states

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 25, 2021 -- Encircle, a pioneering non-profit that provides community resource houses to LGBTQ+ youth and their families, today announced a major new expansion backed by a group of leaders representing tech, sports, and entertainment. Together, they are supporting Encircle's efforts to build new partnerships among a broad coalition of allies and advocates to provide programs, mental health services, support groups, and safe spaces to young LGBTQ+ people and their families throughout the U.S.