The Pride Foundation has awarded a $3500 grant to fund the Sexual Minority Youth Living Empowered (SMYLE) Small Peer Support Group Program

http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=12231717

March 30th, 2010 -
A huge supporter of Vista Youth Center, The Pride Foundation has awarded a $3500 grant to fund the Sexual Minority Youth Living Empowered (SMYLE) Small Peer Support Group Program. Founded in late 1985, the Pride Foundation just celebrated it's 25th anniversary. They have graciously given grants to Vista every year since our opening.

SMYLE will complement Vista's existing programming: Growing up Safe, Sober, Healthy, and Happy; Family Fridays; and Pride Foundation-sponsored Queer History offerings, with two small peer support groups featuring goal setting, journaling, and both general and sexual minority-specific life skills topics.

Sexual minority and allied youth and young adults, aged 14 through 21, who live in the Greater Tri-Cities and surrounding region will engage in activities such as strenghts-based individual exploration and expression, peer support and goal setting. Other topics that will be included:
self-care and development
healthy dating & protected sex
self and community empowerment
prevention of dating violence and other domestic and family violence
prevention and intervention regarding substance abuse and chemical dependency
peer suicide prevention skills, and information and resources regarding self harm

SMYLE's activities will be delivered right at Vista, in a safe and supportive environment.