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Causes: Public & Societal Benefit
Mission: The qspot jersey shore lgbt community center fosters the health, well being and pride of individuals, groups and families within new jersey's lgbt community by providing resources, referrals, public education, outreach services and general support to empower them to live their lives with dignity and freedom.
Programs: Since april 2015, qspot has implemented a wide range of new services. These include education, advocacy and support for lgbt youth (studies have shown that 20-40% of all homeless youth are lgbt), buddy program for lgbt seniors (research shows that lgbt seniors face discrimination in housing and other social services), support group for parents and families (studies show family conflict leads to lgbt youth homelessness), mental health counseling (research shows that lgbt individuals suffer higher rates of depression and suicide), hiv support group (research shows gay/bisexual men have higher rates of hiv), 12- step recovery groups (research shows that the lgbt community has high rates of substance abuse), and a job resource center (research shows lgbt individuals, especially transgender, have higher rates of unemployment). A variety of monthly social outlets were also created including a book club, women's discussion group, movie nights, and glow (gays, lesbians older and wiser) 50+ group. Qspot's new home has also become a meeting place for other lgbt organizations including glsen (gay, lesbian, straight education network) of central new jersey, garden state equality, new jersey pride, and lgbt individuals in need of a welcoming place to hold important personal events. Over the last year, qspot has been used to celebrate a 60th and 65th birthday party and an engagement party. On average, qspot now serves approximately 200 people per month.