OutFront Kalamazoo Launches Annual Fundraising Campaign to Meet Growing Need for Programs and Services in 2022
KALAMAZOO, MI November 19, 2021 – OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, kicked off their annual fundraising campaign today, inviting individuals and businesses to be part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the community and improve the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Using the theme “FORWARD together,” the campaign will run through December 31, 2021, to generate support for the continuation and expansion of OutFront’s programs and services in 2022.
“For nearly two years, so much of our lives have been on hold. Now, as the pandemic recedes and daily life discovers a new version of normal, OutFront Kalamazoo must find new solutions to the real-life issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth and adults in our area,” said Amy Hunter, Executive Director of OutFront Kalamazoo. “We must do more than maintain the status quo. We must engage the community in advocacy. We must innovate and expand our outreach. We must keep moving FORWARD.”
Many in the LGBTQ+ community continue to face disproportionate challenges
due to the pandemic. Discrimination remains prevalent in employment, housing, and education. LGBTQ+ youth and elders combat social isolation. Transgender individuals face harassment and violence. The demand for support services and resources is greater today than at any time in OutFront Kalamazoo’s 35-year history.
As an example, recent years have seen an increase in the number of LGBTQ+ youth that are homeless; turned away by their family due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Once out of their homes, LGBTQ+ youth are at an even greater risk of violence, trafficking, mental health issues, and emotional or physical abuse. OutFront Kalamazoo has worked collaboratively to address this need and expects to expand its efforts in the year ahead.
“Progress is made when we keep working to educate, to advocate, to celebrate, to serve,” continued Hunter. “Every gift makes a difference and helps ensure forward movement in advocacy, programming, support services and housing for the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can build a community that works for everyone.”
Campaign contributions can be made online at outfrontkzoo.org/forward.
OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.
