Youth Pride, Inc.

Youth Pride, Inc. started as a support group for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Greater Rhode Island in December of 1992. In the middle of a snowstorm, four youth and an adult facilitator held their first meeting at Brown University’s Sarah Doyle Women’s Center. They shared their experiences, built a community, and named themselves. This small weekly group grew quickly, soon overtaking the Women Center’s living room with dozens of young people sitting on laps, tables, and every part of the floor. To meet the needs of this rapidly growing group, “The Way Out” became Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) and received its tax-exempt status as a not-for-profit organization in 1994. One of YPI’s main discussion groups is named “The Way Out” in honor of the original group.

Youth Pride, Inc.’s mission is to meet the unique, ongoing needs of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults through direct service, support, advocacy, and education.

YPI’s drop-in center is located in Providence and serves over 1,000 youth aged 5-24 annually. The youth we serve are from every racial, ethnic, religious, socio-economic, and ability group, and the majority are from families who earn less than the federal poverty line or who are part of the child welfare system. We are a critical community resource where LGBTQAI+ youth and their families can build community and access essential services.

We host in-person programming, including support and social groups for LGBTQAI+ youth and leadership training opportunities. We also distribute over 10,000 pounds of goods through our basic needs pantry to ensure that all youth have access to food, clothing, and toiletries. We also work with over 60 Gender/Sexuality Alliances across Rhode Island and provide our youth with free mental health counseling, crisis intervention, case management, referral, and advocacy services. 

We have historically relied on state and federal funding to support essential programming. We are looking to increase individual and sustaining donations so we may expand our services to help the most vulnerable. We rely on our passionate staff, volunteers, and dedicated supporters like YOU to be there for our youth every day.

Make an impact today and help us continue our mission!