[NEW YORK, N.Y. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit social services agency and leader in LGBTQ youth programming, is proud to host, in collaboration with New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, HMI GOES CITYWIDE FOR LGBTQ YOUTH Champion City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, the New York City Council LGBT Caucus, and community partners,
The 2nd Annual Staten Island LGBTQ Youth Summit at the Ralph R. McKee Career & Technical Education High School at 290 St. Marks Place in Staten Island. on Saturday, April 22nd from 10:30am – 4pm.
This free event is part of a series of borough-specific LGBTQ youth-targeted summits designed to reduce isolation and increase LGBTQ youth’s access to vital community services. These summits are a key part of a strategic citywide LGBTQ youth initiative “HMI GOES CITYWIDE for LGBTQ YOUTH” designed to bring comprehensive mental health and support services to young people (ages 13-24) across the five boroughs. An ASL Interpreter will be available on premise throughout the day.
“HMI is thrilled to co-present this 2nd Staten Island LGBTQ Youth Summit in partnership with Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, HMI GOES CITYWIDE FOR LGBTQ YOUTH initiative Champion Council Member Carlos Menchaca, and the LGBTQ Caucus of the City Council. LGBTQ young people, in every borough, and wherever they are, should have access to resources and opportunities for success, which starts with creating supportive spaces in which they can find community. – HMI CEO, Thomas Krever
The Staten Island LGBTQ Youth Summit will include information and resources about community services available to youth and will feature youth-led workshops, music, art, and opportunities for networking and making connections. The event will provide free food and Metro Cards for youth ages 13-24. Quite a number of these youths have experienced high-stress situations that have caused them many issues, resulting in them needing as much mental help as possible. There is an added benefit to this, as it can help them with career choices as they progress, learning to calm their minds and support their bodies, they may want to look into getting online yoga certifications so they too can carry on these teachings to other LGBTQ youth who need help in areas such as this.
“The recent actions in North Carolina and in Puerto Rico to roll back the rights of the transgender community are yet another reminder of the importance of protecting our LGBTQ youth. That’s why the City Council is proud to partner with HMI for the Staten Island LGBTQ Youth Summit,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Their innovative and multipronged use of mentorship, direct services, and referrals, provides our city’s young people with a safe and honest environment in which to thrive. As we fight against the assailing of LGBTQ rights around the country, the value of sharing best practices in an open forum cannot be overstated, and I thank HMI for all they do to keep this conversation going.”
“Our city has taken significant steps forward on LGBTQ issues in recent years, but I know that too many young people in our city still struggle with issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. This upcoming youth-led summit provides a safe space here on Staten Island to discuss these issues and access the many resources offered in our city. I am proud to co-sponsor this event, and I encourage Staten Island youth to attend.” – Council Member Debi Rose
“Last year, the Hetrick-Martin Institute (“HMI”) held a series of LGBTQ Youth Summits in all five boroughs. I am so excited that this year HMI is returning to Staten Island to continue to work with local community based organizations in the borough. Staten Island is often the borough with the least visibility when it pertains to LGBTQ issues so I am very happy to see organizations coming together to make this summit happen. We know that our LGBTQ young people live, hang out, and work in the borough of Staten Island and we will work very hard to ensure that the community’s voice is heard whether it’s through this summit or other forums. I’m proud to join HMI, the LGBT Caucus, and Councilwoman Debi Rosie in sponsoring this month’s LGBTQ Youth Summit.” – – LGBT Caucus Chair, Councilwoman Rosie Mendez
Staten Island Summit Partners include (accurate as of 4/4/2017): New York City Department of Education, The Pride Center of Staten Island, Staten Island University Hospital, and NYC Commission on Human Rights.
Interviews and images available upon request.
