Photo courtesy of Encircle
IDAHO FALLS – Encircle, a nonprofit that provides community resource homes to LGBTQ + boys and their families, announced plans Thursday to establish a home in Idaho Falls.
The announcement is part of Encircle’s ‘$ 8 million, 8 homes’ capital campaign to build new homes in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The organization already has three homes in Provo, Salt Lake City and St. Louis. George with a fourth under construction in Heber, Utah.
Encircle, with the motto ‘no sides, just love’, was created with the aim of bringing families and communities together to make LGBTQ + boys thrive.
Stephenie Larsen, CEO and founder of Encircle, is working with some big names to expand her dream. Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith will contribute $ 2 million to the case and Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds and his wife, recording artist Aja Volkman, donate Dan’s orphanage to the value of $ 1 million, in Las Vegas. Apple will also donate $ 1 million and contribute products that promote digital connectivity, creativity and education.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds donate to expand Encircle. | Good morning America
“All LGBTQ + people need to feel safe and supportive to be open about who they are with their community and themselves,” said Cook, who visited the organization’s Provo home. ‘Encircle helps to bridge divisions and bring people together – sends a powerful message that the greatest thing you can strive to become is who you really are. It is my hope that every young person who feels alone or does not support, can find connection and community with this amazing organization. ”
Since its inception in 2017, Encircle has served more than 70,000 individuals and funded thousands of sessions for family and youth therapy. This was an urgent need during the pandemic, which cut off many more young people from their friends and other support systems outside the home. Studies show that many LGBTQ + youths nationwide struggle to access therapy and mental health services, even though they experience much higher levels of depression and suicide attempts.
‘Ashley and I saw the amazing work that Encircle is doing to benefit LGBTQ + youth. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission to create more inclusive communities and provide the necessary hope and support to the youth, ”Smith said in a news release. “Encircle is an incredible example of the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that motivates people to create a better, more accepted world.”
In addition to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas, new Encircle homes are planned for Boise, Logan, Ogden, Lehi, Phoenix and the Mesa / Gilbert area of Arizona. Further details on each location will be announced later.
“Encircle is about bringing young LGBTQ + people and their families together, by engaging the community and strengthening the bonds that bind us,” said Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman. “Being part of this organization means so much to both of us – and we know that the home in which Dan grew up will be a loving and supportive home for every young LGBTQ + person who crosses the threshold.”
Larsen added: ‘We are very grateful that these world leaders see the vision of the in-depth work we do for LGBTQ + boys and families in our communities … We strive to give these children a positive and loving environment that provide support within their communities where they can reach their full potential, and it works – we have not lost a single juvenile to suicide. This incredible support enables our nationwide expansion and will enhance countless LGBTQ + lives, reminding them that they are perfect just the way they are. ”
More information about Encircle and the campaign can be found here.