Photo courtesy of Encircle
IDAHO FALLS – Encircle, a nonprofit that provides community homes for LGBTQ + youth and their families, announced plans for a home in Idaho Falls on Thursday.
The announcement is part of Encircle’s “$ 8 Million, 8 Homes” capital campaign to build new homes in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The organization already has three homes in Provo, Salt Lake City and St. George with a fourth under construction in Heber, Utah.
Encircle, whose motto is ‘no sides, only love’, was created with the goal of bringing families and communities together to help LGBTQ + youth thrive.
Stephenie Larsen, the CEO and Founder of Encircle, has partnered with some of the big names to expand her dream. Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith will contribute $ 2 million to the cause, and Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds and his wife, recording artist Aja Volkman, will be Dan’s $ 1 million childhood home in Las Vegas. donate. In addition, Apple will donate $ 1 million and contribute products that promote digital connection, creativity and education.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, and Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds donate to help grow Encircle. Good morning America
“All LGBTQ + people should feel safe and supported enough to be open about who they are with their community and themselves,” said Cook, who visited the organization’s Provo home. “Encircle helps bridge divides and bring people together – it sends a powerful message that the best you can become is who you really are. I hope that any young person who feels alone or unsupported can find connection and community with this incredible organization. ”
Since its founding in 2017, Encircle has helped more than 70,000 people and funded thousands of family and youth therapy sessions. It was a very urgent need during the pandemic, which cut many more young people off from their friends and other support systems outside the home. Studies show that despite much higher rates of depression and suicide attempts, many LGBTQ + youth across the country struggle to access therapy and mental health care.
“Ashley and I have seen the great work Encircle is doing for the benefit of LGBTQ + youth. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission to create more inclusive communities and provide much-needed hope and support to young people, ”Smith said in a release. “Encircle is an incredible example of the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that motivates people to create a better, more accepting world.”
In addition to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas, new Encircle homes are planned for Boise, Logan, Ogden, Lehi, Phoenix and the Mesa / Gilbert area of Arizona. Further details about each location will be released at a later date.
“Encircle is about bringing young LGBTQ + people and their families together by involving the community and strengthening the bonds that connect us,” said Dan Reynolds and Aja Volkman. “Being part of this organization means so much to both of us – and we know that the home Dan grew up in will be a loving and supportive home for any young LGBTQ + person who crosses the threshold.”
Larsen added, “We are extremely grateful that these world leaders see the vision of the profound work we do for LGBTQ + youth and families in our communities … We strive to provide these children with a positive and loving environment that builds support. within their communities where they can realize their full potential, and it works – we haven’t lost a single youngster to suicide. This incredible support enables our nationwide expansion and will improve countless LGBTQ + lives – reminding them that they are perfect, just the way they are. “
More information about Encircle and the campaign can be found here.