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

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