Welcome to OUTreach Resource Centers, a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth across Utah. Since our founding, we have been committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where young people can find acceptance, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for successful futures.
Our Mission
OUTreach Resource Centers was established with a clear mission: to provide educational, health, and enrichment interventions for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-23. We believe that every young person deserves access to supportive resources, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Our work focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in Utah communities, including disproportionate rates of homelessness, mental health concerns, and educational disruption. Through comprehensive support services and community partnerships, we create pathways to stability, wellbeing, and opportunity.
Our Growth and Impact
What began as a single center in Ogden has expanded to multiple locations across northern Utah, including centers in Logan, Tremonton, Brigham City, and Clearfield. This growth reflects both the urgent need for LGBTQ+ youth services in these communities and the remarkable support we’ve received from volunteers, donors, and community partners.
Each center serves as a hub for resources, support groups, educational programs, and social activities designed to meet the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Our expansion has allowed us to reach young people in rural and suburban areas who previously had limited access to affirming services.
Through our research partnership with Brigham Young University, we’ve documented the significant impact of our programs on youth wellbeing, housing stability, educational achievement, and mental health outcomes. These findings have informed both our program development and broader advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ youth.
Our Programs
OUTreach Resource Centers offers a range of programs designed to address both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing:
Safe and Sound Host Home Program
Our innovative approach to addressing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness connects young people experiencing housing instability with trained host families who provide temporary safe housing. The program also offers family reconciliation services, helping to address the root causes of youth homelessness while creating pathways to stable housing.
Educational Support and Career Development
We provide homework assistance, GED preparation, college application support, and employment readiness training to help youth overcome educational barriers and prepare for sustainable careers. These services are particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth who may face discrimination in educational and employment settings.
Mental Health Services
Our mental health programming includes support groups, individual counseling, and crisis intervention resources designed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. These services address the elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in this population while building resilience and coping skills.
Youth Leadership Development
We believe in empowering youth to become advocates for themselves and their communities. Our leadership programs build public speaking skills, community organizing capabilities, and policy advocacy knowledge that allow youth to participate in creating more inclusive environments.
Our Community Partnerships
OUTreach Resource Centers thrives through collaborative relationships with diverse organizations and individuals. These partnerships allow us to leverage complementary strengths and resources to address complex challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth.
Our partners include educational institutions, healthcare providers, religious organizations, businesses, arts organizations, and online communities. Each partnership brings unique resources and perspectives to our work, creating a comprehensive support network for youth.
We’re particularly proud of our inclusive design collaboration, which has created physical environments that support youth wellbeing, foster community connections, and promote healing from trauma and rejection.
Our Commitment to Transparency
OUTreach Resource Centers is committed to responsible stewardship of community resources and transparent operations. Our recognition by the Better Business Bureau Charity Review reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of nonprofit management and accountability.
We believe that transparency builds trust with our stakeholders and ensures that resources are directed effectively toward our mission. Our financial reports, program outcomes, and organizational policies are regularly reviewed to maintain this commitment.
Join Us
The work of supporting LGBTQ+ youth requires a community-wide effort. We invite you to join us in creating more inclusive, affirming environments where all young people can thrive.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about our programs and services, please contact us. We look forward to connecting with you.
For more information about LGBTQ+ youth support resources nationwide, visit GLSEN, a leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive schools for all students.
This page honors the historical work and partnerships of OUTreach Resource Centers. This is a legacy archive and does not claim to represent current operations or affiliations. All trademarks and organization names are property of their respective owners.