Congratulations Graduates! Today we are very proud of twenty two HMI Youth Members who completed their High School Equivalency with us this month. Thank you to all of the families and friends who joined us to celebrate and honor this achievement.
Each young person who comes to HMI comes with their own unique story. They bring their history, their present, and their hopes for their future. No matter why they didn’t finish traditional high school, we are proud to welcome them in, encourage them, and support them in all the ways they may need. Sticking with the program, going to classes, studying for exams, is a commitment that we are proud of our students for making. For some of these graduates reaching this day has taken years.
Beyond the exam itself, we know that students need a support system, a community, a home, and the basic needs and sense of safety that make it possible to commit to their studies. From meals to health services, to job training, HMI is here for every young LGBTQ+ person and their allies. With some looking to continue their education with and others heading into jobs within their fields of interest. We believe you deserve to thrive, and you’ve proven it tonight.
Nights like this remind us how lucky we are to serve LGBTQ+ youth and to have donors, agencies, and foundations standing with us these forty years. Thank you to the incredible staff and volunteers who make these milestones possible. And thank you to the families and friends who help each young person live their lives with dignity and safety.
We’ve Got a Lot to be Proud of This 2018 Pride Season