Encircle, a non-profit organization geared toward LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, opened a new home in Ogden on Sept. 6. The event included a ribbon cutting ceremony and various speakers.
Encircle is an organization that provides community and resources to young LGBTQ+ people and their families. “We are here to enable LGBTQ+ young people to thrive,” said Ana Chavarri, the associate vice president of programs at Encircle.
The Ogden home offers various types of services, including friendship circles, music nights, brunches and therapy sessions. All services provided are free to the public except for the therapy sessions.
For those seeking therapy, Encircle works with some health insurance providers, including Medicaid. Encircle also offers a therapy assistance grant for those who qualify.
“We have the Encircle Therapy Assistance Grant, and that is basically a scholarship that we give to someone who applies and meets the requirements to get therapy assistance,” said Chavarri. “They get about six months’ worth of therapy with us, and it’s a way to make sure that people have access to mental health resources.”
Encircle is currently taking new clients for therapy, and more information on how to apply can be found on their website, encircletogether.org/therapy.
Chavarri said that Encricle wants to provide an affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth.
“When you look at the data for Utah, youth responded that actually 50% of them do not feel that their home is an affirming space, and also 50% of them do not feel that their schools are safe. And so that’s exactly what Encircle is here for,” Chavarri said.
Alex Cutini, the CEO of Encircle, said that they aim to provide a space for people to feel a sense of belonging.
“A lot of times, as a young person, you want to fit in. But by definition, fitting in requires that you change parts of who you are, bend and change your shape so that you can fit in a particular box or mold,” Cutini said. “But belonging just requires that you be who you are.”
Cutini said that Encircle can provide a space for family and friends of LGBTQ+ people to learn more about their loved ones and their experience.
“People are very hard to hate close up,” said Cutini. “The more that you lean in and you get closer to these people, the more you can understand them, understand where they’re coming from, and then see the humanity in them.”
The Ogden home features photos of successful LGBTQ+ individuals throughout its music room. The wall is named the “Heroes Wall.” Chavarri said that Encircle wants the wall to act as a reminder to LGBTQ youth and their families that they can overcome the challenges that come with coming out.
“Look at all the possibilities. You have a bright future ahead of you. You really can do anything that you set your mind to,” Chavarri said.
The home is open to the public Monday through Friday from 3-8 p.m.. For those looking to get involved, volunteering and donation opportunities can be found on Encircle’s website.
