STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborating with Organizations to Expand Access to Affirming, Youth-Centered Services

HMI partners with schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to implement trauma-informed, affirming models of care for LGBTQIA+ youth. Through long-term collaboration, we support institutions in building inclusive practices, strengthening service delivery, and reaching young people more effectively.

Our Partnership Focus Areas

Mental Health

HMI partners with organizations to integrate trauma-informed, affirming mental health practices into their programs and services. We provide training, consultation, and systems-level guidance to help teams build emotionally supportive environments where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, seen, and able to access culturally responsive care.

Education

HMI collaborates with schools and education-based organizations to strengthen inclusive policies, staff capacity, and student supports. Our partnerships focus on creating affirming learning environments, preventing harassment and discrimination, and ensuring LGBTQIA+ youth feel respected, supported, and empowered to thrive academically.

Healthcare

HMI works with healthcare providers to implement inclusive, youth-centered models of care for LGBTQIA+ young people. We support organizations in strengthening access to affirming services, improving provider cultural competency, and building systems that promote both physical and emotional well-being.

Homelessness

HMI partners with shelters, housing providers, and community organizations to address the disproportionate rates of homelessness among LGBTQIA+ youth. Our work focuses on prevention, affirming shelter practices, staff training, and family-based interventions that prioritize safety, dignity, and long-term stability.

Economic Empowerment

HMI collaborates with workforce development programs, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand access to career pathways and economic opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth. Our partnerships help young people build skills, navigate barriers to employment, and move toward long-term stability and success.

Transgender and Gender-Liberated Youth

HMI partners with organizations to develop inclusive policies, practices, and programs that support the safety, dignity, and self-determination of Trans and gender-liberated youth. Our collaborations center affirming care, equitable access to opportunity, and environments where young people can live authentically and without fear.

Partnerships in Practice

HMI partners with the Harvey Milk High School, a NYC Department of Education school, to provide students with in-school college counseling and full access to HMI’s programs and services. This collaboration ensures young people receive consistent, affirming support across both academic and community-based environments.

Let’s Work Together

HMI collaborates with schools, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and public agencies to design and implement affirming, youth-centered systems of care. Our partnerships range from embedded services and program co-design to staff training, technical assistance, and long-term strategic collaboration.

To learn more about working with HMI or to start a conversation, contact Spencer Olson, Program Manager, LGBTQIA+ Partnerships.