Dear ALSO Youth Community,

We want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our mission: to create safe, affirming, empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies across Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

As of April 4th, I’ve stepped in as Interim Executive Director at ALSO Youth. I’m honored to serve in this role and to work alongside our dedicated team, board, and community partners during this important chapter in the organization’s growth.

Earlier this spring, we said farewell to our former Executive Director, Mel Gosselin, who accepted an exciting new leadership opportunity in her home state of New Hampshire, allowing her to be closer to family and longtime friends. We are grateful for her contributions to ALSO Youth and wish her all the best in this next chapter.

Our work is as vital as ever. Across our region, LGBTQ+ youth are seeking connection, care, and spaces where they can be seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. ALSO Youth is here to meet that need through counseling, community, creative expression, leadership development, and advocacy.

Like many youth-serving organizations, we’re evolving, and we’re focused on strengthening our internal systems, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability so we can serve this generation and the next.

In the coming months, you’ll see new opportunities to engage with ALSO Youth, including a reimagined art and expression festival, our June Bingo Night, and deeper investments in youth-driven programming.

We’re building something rooted in joy, justice, and connection - and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,

Annie Berkness (she/her)