As a teacher at a tiny rural high school where we are constantly having to worry about what books are read and can’t even have our own GSA club, the need for an organization like I’ll Be Your Rock is huge! I attended the second annual Pride Fest they put on this summer and the smiles on my students’ faces was priceless! I know first hand how many of these kids feel depressed and alone and even afraid at school and this organization is fulfilling a huge need we have to give these kids a safe place with support and the unconditional love they all need! So proud of the work they are doing to make our rural communities more inclusive, accepting and loving places for all!
This organization is a support group for LGBTQ youth in rural communities. It was started in Vermontville Michigan which is about as white, conservative, Christian and rural as communities get. My friend Christine started it after struggling with depression over wanting to be her authentic self.
Vermontville has now hosted 2 pride events, and there are now a few gay and ally flags in town. Without “I’ll Be Your Rock”, that would not have happened.
I’ll Be Your Rock is doing amazing things for rural youth! I have seen Chris & her Rocks advocate for LGBTQ+ kids and for inclusiveness in our schools at Board of Education meetings. They have gotten teachers to think about how they can provide safe and welcoming environments for all students and have provided life-saving support for kids who might not have that support at home.
I have been personally thanked by a local teen, simply for wearing an ally button and a pride fest shirt. These kids need rocks & this organization is making a difference every single day, simply by saying, “you’re perfect as you are & we are here for you”. 10 stars for IBYR!
What a great nonprofit! We love having this supportive group in our rural community. I've witnessed first hand the positive influence they've had in children and teens of all ages.
Highly recommend getting involved!
I'll Be Your Rock has been instrumental in helping LGBTIA+ youth in rural communities feel that they are loved, valued, and respected. I have seen first hand the comfort and feeling of safety and belonging that it has brought to LGBTQIA+ youth and their parents and am grateful for this organization.
I’ll Be Your Rock is an inclusive, accepting space that has benefited me and so many others in the LGBTQIA+ community. It raises awareness, celebrates life, and gives young (and old) people a place to connect in rural America where there is often not much room for people who are different. It has shed light on those organizations in our small towns who are also affirming, widening circles, making safer those towns and cities that often felt dangerous to the rainbow mafia. God (or any other deity that you may or may not believe in) Bless Christine Terpening.
To have an organization like this for rural kids is amazing. I grew up in this small town & know all too well how someone can feel cut off from the rest of the world. This is a wonderful group to help kids know they are not alone & they are valued. They are shown it is okay to be who they are & they don't have to leave their hometown to live their authentic lives.
The work done by this group is incredible! I am amazed to hear that resources like this are available.
Having affirming adults and role models when I was young and living in a rural community was a nonentity.. I know there were people who struggled, I know there were people who couldn't be theirselves.. I am a straight woman, but I believe that there is a great need for safe places for young rural LGBTQI youth to be able to be find support. I'll Be Your Rock has become that place. The Vermontville Youth Pride event is an outstanding event in the community, encouraging people to celebrate and learn more. I am a proud supporter of I'll Be Your Rock!
I’ll Be Your Rock has changed the life of youth in our small town of Vermontville. They provide support for youth but it is more than that. They have changed the adults as well. They are bringing a community together to love and support our youth.
IBYR is a bright shining beacon for our rural kids who may not feel like they have a lot of support in a super small rural community. They do have a great amount support, though often times, the negative voices end up being the loudest. But IBYR is there for them and offers a safe, secure, super supportive environment for our local kids to be themselves. Without judgement and with loving compassion, IBYR - literally rocks!