Apple is teaming up with Encircle, a nonprofit that provides community resource houses to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Apple will be donating $1 million and contributing products that “promote digital connection” to the organization, while Apple CEO Tim Cook will serve as an honorary co-chair.
Encircle’s motto is “no sides, only love,” and it was created with the goal of “bringing together families and communities, to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive.”
Encircle operates houses in Utah that offer a variety of services to LGBTQ+ youth, including programs, mental health services, support groups, and safe spaces. The organization has served over 70,000 individuals since its founding in 2017. Stephenie Larsen, CEO & founder of Encircle, says that the organization has not lost a single youth to suicide:
We are extremely grateful that these global leaders see the vision of the profound work we are doing for LGBTQ+ youth and families throughout our communities.
Studies repeatedly have shown that LGBTQ+ youth across the country struggle with depression and suicidality far more than their heterosexual peers, and the pandemic has made that sense of isolation so many feel harder than ever before. We strive to give these kids a positive and loving environment that builds support within their communities where they can realize their full potential, and it works – we have not lost a single youth to suicide. This incredible support makes our nationwide expansion possible and will improve countless LGBTQ+ lives – reminding them that they are perfect, just as they are.
The nonprofit is today launching a new “$8 Million, 8 Houses” campaign, which will establish eight new encircle homes in four states: Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. These eight houses will join Encircle’s existing three homes in Utah, located in Provo, Salt Lake City, and St. George, as well as a fourth under construction in Heber.
Three powerhouses are giving a lifeline to millions of #LGBTQ youth with @encircletogether. @RobinRoberts sits down exclusively with Apple CEO @tim_cook, @Imaginedragons Dragons front man @DanReynolds and @utahjazz owner @RyanQualtrics. pic.twitter.com/8W5MAChcq9
-------------------------------- We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home. - Australian Aboriginal proverb
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