Mid-Missouri Center Project Inc

Programs: Prism is a youth group serving teens aged 13-18 who identify as lgbtqi and their allies. It meets every thursday at the center project and typically has an attendance of 10-20 youth. The teens served are largely those whose needs are not met by local gsa's or that come from communities where gsa's do not exist. Many of the students are working toward a social identity or medical gender transition and/or are dealing with major mental health issues. Prism provides a solid foundation of support where youth are free to be who they are despite shifting identities. Adult coordinators at each meeting ensure that an open and affirming environment is fostered.

parents4parents is a group that offers support for parents of lgbt children of lgbt adults that have children. Even in today's society where non-conformity with gender norms is accepted many parents still have questions when their children "come out. " on a similar note. Lgbt parents still encounter issues with the legal system as well as helping their children deal with possible school issues surrounding having same-sex parents. This group meets bi-weekly and allows parents to provide support and share experiences. The goal of this group is to help diffuse confusion so parents can provide adequate support for their children. This group has an average attendance of 10-12 people (mix of parents/children).

the transgender blender is a support group for those who identify on the transgender spectrum. A group of 12-15 individuals meet on a bi-weekly basis and as as an information clearing house, socialization network, and support group. Participants receive information related to gender transition, referrals to transgender-friendly healthcare providers, liaise with t-net, and socialize with other individuals at various stages of transition. As transgender individuals still face discrimination in public venues this group also acts as a way for individuals to process these events with other who may have had a similar experience. They also seek ways to better educate the public on how to properly interacts with transgender individuals (ex: use of preferred vs given gender pronouns).

the clothing closet was set up to help diffuse the usually high costs associated with buying new clothing when transitioning to another gender. The public donates gently used clothing items to us and we sort them based on gender and size. Those who with to obtain items are only asked to fill out a short survey to gather information for tracking purposes - no one is turned away.

mid-mo poly peeps is an organization that fills an oftentimes ignored gap in the sexual identity spectrum - that of polyamory. This group meets bi-weekly and has an average attendance of 15-20 people. The main goal of this group is to allow those who identify with polyamory to meet and talk about how to deal with the unique issues that arise with multiple partners in a relationship.