Side by Side VA

Our Mission & History: Side by Side was founded in 1991 as ROSMY (Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth) and we are dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia's LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish. We are the only organization in Central Virginia that works to support the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

Our Goal: Help us celebrate Pride by supporting Side by Side and LGBTQ+ youth in Central Virginia. In June are hoping to raise $15,000 from as many unique donors donating at least $10 to help us win some much needed prize money from the Horizons Foundation for Give OUT Day 2020!

COVID-19 & Why We Need You Now

1. Our Work Continues - Side by Side has continued to provide support groups, mental health counseling, training for schools and educators, and case management for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults during the pandemic. In fact, 18 new youth have joined support groups already and we see more and more coming to us for support every week. Whether in-person or virtually, Side by Side continues to offer life-saving support for youth and young adults in our community.
   
   
2. We Have Lost Revenue - Like many non-profits we have lost revenue from in-person fundraising events and have seen a decrease in individual giving. While Side by Side is in a strong place financially, we need your support now more than ever to continue our vital services. We are asking our community, who are financially stable in these uncertain times, to dig deep and give where they are able to ensure LGBTQ+ youth and young adults continue to have a safe haven of support in Central Virginia.
   
   
3. What's Coming - The economic fall out from COVID-19 is immense and will have a long lasting impact on the young adults we serve. We are growing our capacity to serve more LGBTQ+ young adults 18-25 who experience homelessness or housing instability. We have already grown our Rent Assistance Fund to keep our young people stably housed and with your continued support we will be able to answer the call to support more young people.

Your Donation Makes a Difference - Every donation of $10 or more from a unique donor helps us inch closer to winning prize money from the Horizon's foundation. Your $10 donation could mean $10,000 for LGBTQ+ youth in Central Virginia!