Manatee Community Foundation Awards $17,000 Grant to ALSO Youth

January 13, 2021 – Sarasota

Manatee Community Foundation is awarding a $17,000 grant to ALSO Youth Sarasota/Manatee to support its downtown Bradenton location and programming. The organization has provided support and quality programming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning youth and their allies since 1993 and recently finalized a merger with PRISM Youth Initiative in Bradenton. Since the merger, ALSO Youth has been refurbishing space and will begin offering weekly activities.

“The diversity and vibrancy of downtown Bradenton during COVID19 recovery is important to our community,” said Susie Bowie, Manatee Community Foundation executive director. “This grant supported by the Knight Donor Advised Fund will provide a safe drop-in space for LGBTQ+ youth to visit each Saturday, receiving group support and connecting with peers.”

Mary Tavarozzi, ALSO Youth Board President and Manatee County resident said, “The merger provides a great opportunity to expand the depth of services and outreach to the youth in Manatee County. Our Board, staff and volunteers are excited to welcome the youth to our refurbished Bradenton location and look forward to providing new programs and services.”

ALSO Youth will capitalize on established relationships to bring interesting and important activities and programs to enhance the experience for participants. In addition to activities offered at ALSO Youth’s drop in centers, the organization provides support to Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and diversity clubs at area middle- and high schools in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. ALSO Youth provides anti-bullying and inclusion trainings through its Outreach Program to schools and youth serving organizations. The expanded reach into Manatee County will bring a broader understanding and foundation for community support for LGBTQ+ youth.

To learn more about ALSO Youth, visit alsoyouth.org.