Empowering LGBTQ+ youth to thrive with inclusive support.

The Uplift Outreach Center is committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth in Upstate South Carolina. Our mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth by fostering personal growth, educational achievement, and mental well-being, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and affirming community for all.

Youth Program Overview

  • Safe Space: Provide a welcoming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.
  • Support Services: Offer a range of support services tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, including mental health support, educational resources, and access to community resources.
  • Empowerment: Empower LGBTQ+ youth to advocate for themselves and their peers, fostering a sense of pride, confidence, and self-acceptance.
  • Community Engagement: Engage with the broader community to promote understanding, acceptance, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals through educational workshops, events, and outreach initiatives.

  • Support Groups: Facilitated support groups providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect, share experiences, and receive peer support.
  • Affirming Minds; Mental Health Program: Counseling and therapy sessions provided by licensed mental health professionals trained in LGBTQ+ competency. Uplift covers visit fees and cost.
  • Educational Workshops: Workshops covering a variety of topics including LGBTQ+ rights, identity, sexual health, and healthy relationships.
  • Community Events: Social gatherings, cultural events, and advocacy activities aimed at fostering a sense of community and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.
  • And More: Uplift also offers a clothing closet, banned book library, lounge space, and study support!

LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-25 in Upstate South Carolina who are in need of support, resources, and a safe space to express themselves and connect with peers.

  • Improved mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ youth accessing our services.
  • Increased knowledge, confidence, and self-acceptance among LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Enhanced sense of community and belonging for LGBTQ+ youth in Upstate South Carolina.
  • Greater awareness, acceptance, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals within the broader community.

The Uplift Center collaborates with local LGBTQ+ organizations, mental health providers, schools, and community leaders to ensure the success and sustainability of our programs and services.

The Uplift Outreach Center is dedicated to providing LGBTQ+ youth with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through our programs and services, we strive to empower LGBTQ+ youth to lead healthy, fulfilling lives while advocating for a more inclusive and affirming community for all.

46% of lgbtq+ youth feel unaccepted at home

8% were kicked out of the family home

13% were financially cut off by family

Exploring the Needs & Assets of the LGBTQ Community in Upstate, SC

HELP US CHANGE THE STATS

The last couple of years have seen new local studies done across the LGBTQ+ community. These studies are widely generalized and we still need more youth specific information. The picture that this data paints is not one of acceptance or support for our LGBTQ+ population. With youth suicide among LGBTQ+ kids growing more common and visible, now is the time to act.
GET INVOLVED

46%

8%

13%

of lgbtq+ youth feel unaccepted at home

were kicked out of the family home

were financially cut off by family

Exploring the Needs & Assets of the LGBTQ Community in Upstate, SC

HELP US CHANGE THE STATS

The last couple of years have seen new local studies done across the LGBTQ+ community. These studies are widely generalized and we still need more youth specific information. The picture that this data paints is not one of acceptance or support for our LGBTQ+ population. With youth suicide among LGBTQ+ kids growing more common and visible, now is the time to act.

“Uplift is a place I can go and not worry about whether or not I look a certain way or present a certain way. To me, Uplift is a place I can simply be, without fear.”

Uplift Outreach Center is the only youth center in Upstate South Carolina whose exclusive purpose is to serve LGBTQ+ youth.
    • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24.7
    • LGBTQ+ youth from unaccepting families are 8X as likely to attempt suicide.6
    • LGBTQ+ youth are almost 5X as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.5
    • LGBTQ+ youth are 2X as likely as their straight peers to be bullied/physically assaulted.2
    • LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to skip school to avoid bullying.8
    • 45% of Upstate LGBTQ students feel like an outcast.1

Why are safe spaces important for LGBTQ youth?

In a perfect world, all children would be safe at home. Sadly that is not always the case. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience rejection and abuse at the hands of family members than their straight peers. This often results in higher rates of youth homelessness and suicide among LGBTQ+ kids. In order for our youth to develop into healthy members of our community, it is our responsibility to provide safe spaces when home isn’t one.

LGBTQ youth who are out to their immediate families are more likely to be happy.

LGBTQ youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGBTQ peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection.
LGBTQ youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGBTQ peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection.
Family Acceptance Project™. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics. 123(1), 346-52

Uplift currently hosts several groups for youth 10-23.

How are we helping?

By creating a safe space where youth are accepted and partnering with local organizations to provide LGBTQ+ specific resources to our community, we are changing the stats one person at a time.

Center hours may fluctuate. Please contact us, follow us on Facebook & Instagram or sign up for emails for up to date open hours.