Providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ members at ALSO Youth

During Pride Month 2023, Executive Director Becky McDonough joined ABC7’s Suncoast View to talk about what LGBTQ+ teens were facing, especially the worry that came with new anti-gay laws. She explained how ALSO had grown its free counseling with licensed therapists and social workers, reaching close to 600 sessions for youth and families in eight months, alongside two support groups every week and plenty of fun activities in the community.

She also shared that ALSO had just awarded six scholarships totaling about $8,000 through two funds: one in memory of educator Greg Jung for students going into teaching, and one renamed for ALSO founder Betsy Nelson for any major. She reminded viewers that every ALSO activity is free and invited them to give during Give OUT Day, which ran all June and ended on June 28 that year.