Vibrant Emotional Health Awarded Grant to Launch Support Program for Families with LGBTQI+ Youth

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant will fund a new program focused on providing peer-led support to families, parents, and caregivers raising LGBTQI+ community youth

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NEW YORK, NY (November 27, 2023) – Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), one of the nation’s leading mental health organizations and the nonprofit administrator of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), announced today that it has received a $424,999 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to increase access to mental health support for LGBTQI+ youth and their families and caregivers in Queens, New York.

“Vibrant is committed to ensuring those who need mental and emotional support receive the essential care when, where, and how they need it,” said Lisa Furst, Chief Program Officer of Vibrant Emotional Health, “Opening the doors of mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth and their families is not just an act of inclusion; it’s a beacon of hope, a promise of resilience, and a testament to our work at Vibrant to strengthen our efforts to address the needs of LGBTQI+ youth and their families.”

Vibrant secured this grant as part of SAMHSA’s initiative to support projects aimed at addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQI+ youth. The newly funded Vibrant program will provide aid and resources to LGBTQI+ youth, parents, and caregivers. This will be a first-of-its-kind initiative in Queens, New York, selected due to its large, diverse population and lack of programming on this important issue.

Vibrant will model this three-year project after its existing Family and Youth Peer Support Programs (FYPS). The primary goal of these programs is to reduce the isolation and stress that youth and families undergo when a young person is experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties, opening the doorway for personal empowerment. With this program, Vibrant will take a crucial step toward addressing the critical needs of youth in LGBTQI+ communities and their families.

Vibrant has hosted numerous projects to provide behavioral health and support services to members of the LGBTQI+ community and their families. Vibrant and SAMHSA announced the launch of the LGBTQI+ subnetwork on July 3, 2023, following a successful pilot line from September 2022. Building upon the important work of the 988 Lifeline, this program will enable Queens youth and families to access the local resources they need to thrive.

To learn more about Vibrant Emotional Health, visit vibrant.org.

About Vibrant Emotional Health

Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional well-being. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, Veterans Crisis Line, and NFL Life Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help nearly 5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives each year. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. And follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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