$275,000 Contribution from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Makes New one•n•ten Youth Center Possible
Phoenix, Ariz. (PRWEB) September 13, 2017 -- The LGBTQ nonprofit youth organization one•n•ten has announced a $275,000 gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to complete build out on a new youth center. The Youth Center will serve as a hub of activities and support efforts to help youth ages 14-24 deal with challenges they may face from their families, their communities, their own self-discovery and other societal difficulties.
“Renee and I support one•n•ten’s steadfast efforts to break down prejudices and bring greater acceptance to our entire community,” said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “The new youth center will be a safe harbor and place of inclusion for LGTBQ youth who, far too often, experience a higher risk of rejection, violence, depression and homelessness.”
The new 5,000-square-foot space is located in the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness (The Center) in downtown Phoenix on a light rail stop, making it easily accessible to even more youth in the Phoenix Metro area. The Center has become a refuge for the LGBTQ community in the past few years, housing a number of organizations that offer complimentary services and support. A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new space is set for September 20 at noon. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is expected to be on hand for the grand opening.
Many of one•n•ten’s administrative offices and several of the organization’s other services have also relocated to The Center, including its Q High program which serves LGBTQ teens seeking alternative settings from more traditional high schools.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Linda Elliott, executive director for one•n•ten. “Support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has allowed us to build a special place for our youth to gather, find their self-confidence and get the support they need to be vibrant, contributing citizens. It is a huge, huge gift.”
A long-time supporter of one•n•ten, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has granted nearly $900,000 to the organization over the past several years. Previous gifts include a $500,000 grant to support one•n•ten’s youth housing services and another $50,000 for the organization’s annual Camp OUTdoors! program.
“We are happy to continue our support for one•n•ten and its efforts to help create a world where LGBTQ youth are embraced for who they are, and empowered to become thriving adults and community leaders,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons.
The new Youth Center, which is expected to be completed in early September, will host daily programs and support services and serve as a safe “hang out” for at-risk youth and young adults. To learn more, visit onenten.org.
About Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest times of theirs lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. Driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, roots or economic status – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has exceeded $120 million in giving over the past five years. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media, or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.
About one•n•ten
Founded in 1993, one•n•ten is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ youth. We provide youth aged 14 to 24 with tools to improve self-esteem by providing access to social programs that promote self‐acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices. one•n•ten provides a comprehensive set of programs and services, including supportive youth centers, housing programs, employment programs, Q High, athletics, arts and music, and partnerships with national LGBTQ organizations. one•n•ten is building a world where all LGBTQ youth and young adults are embraced for who they are, actively engaged in their communities and empowered to lead.
Rhonda Bannard, Inspired Connections, +1 602.370.3560, [email protected]
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