True Colors is an organization that works to better the lives of sexual and gender minority youth. Youth mentoring is one of the ways we do that. Youth mentoring programs have had a profound effect on the quality of life for disadvantaged, single-parent or otherwise ‘at-risk’ identified children  everywhere.  Nationally, the well-known mentoring program, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, found that mentored children were significantly less likely than their peers to use illegal drugs or alcohol, skip school or be welfare dependant as adults.  In addition, these children were significantly more likely to graduate from high school and from a college or university.

The True Colors One-On-One Mentoring Program seeks to expand the quality of life benefits of mentoring to an additional group of at-risk youth – Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.  LGBT youth meet all of the requirements for inclusion in an “at risk” or “high risk” category.  All too often, youth who are (or who are perceived to be) LGBT are met with harassment and violence at home, at school, and in the community at large.  The social isolation and stigma attached to sexual minority status leads to significantly higher rates of substance abuse, suicide attempts and completions; truancy; school drop-outs; running away and homelessness.  For a variety of reasons, existing programs – virtually without exception – overlook or ignore the needs of LGBT adolescents.  Understanding the issues that these young people face can create an environment where they can benefit from the adult caring and support that is at the heart of mentoring.  

Here is where YOU come in. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING A GIFT CERTIFICATE. Each year at the holidays we seek to offer youth, not stuff, but memories - the chance to spend time with their mentor and take in a show, go to a movie, go bowling, go out to dinner - some activity they might not otherwise be able to afford. Your gift is a gift that keeps on giving-it is an opportunity for our mentors and their mentees to be able to share a special memory together—and no one can take away a memory.  We also appreciate gift charge cards if you choose. It is through donations like yours that our program can continue to thrive and our participants allowed to be active in sharing special moments together!

To make a donation or for more information, contact Kemora Herrington at 860-649-7386 ext. 203.