Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan Announces Acquisition of SOGI YAC Digital Resources to Preserve and Expand LGBTQ+ Support
Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan (FCSM) is proud to announce the acquisition of the digital assets and educational resources of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Youth Advocacy Council (SOGI YAC), ensuring that years of valuable research, toolkits, educational materials, and community resources will remain available to youth, families, educators, and community partners throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The announcement comes during Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals and reaffirming the importance of creating safe, supportive, and affirming communities.
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Youth Advocacy Council (SOGI YAC) was established in 2015 with a vision that all youth be valued, supported, safe, and empowered to thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For more than a decade, dedicated community members throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region have united around this vision, providing education, advocacy, and resources to help youth, families, schools, and community organizations better support LGBTQ+ young people.
As SOGI YAC concludes its operations, its leadership selected Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan to serve as the preserver of these resources and continue their impact.
"This is both an honor and a responsibility," said Kenneth Mize, Clinical Services Director of Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan. "SOGI YAC has been a trusted voice and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth across our region for more than a decade. We are committed to preserving these important resources and ensuring they remain accessible to the young people, families, educators, and professionals who need them."
“Given Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan's longstanding commitment to youth and families, including its leadership in establishing and sustaining the COMPASS support groups, SOGI YAC has chosen to entrust its legacy, resources, and ongoing mission to the organization. We are confident that Family & Children's Services will continue to advance this important work with the same dedication, compassion, and community-centered approach that has defined SOGI YAC since its inception.
As this transition occurs, we celebrate the many individuals, organizations, and youth whose contributions have helped create a more inclusive and supportive community. We look forward to seeing this work continue to grow and evolve under Family & Children's Services' stewardship for years to come” says SOGI-YAC representatives.
The transfer includes educational toolkits, community resource guides, research findings, training materials, and other digital assets developed by SOGI YAC throughout its history. The resources will be integrated into FCS's broader mission of removing barriers to mental health care and supporting the well-being of all individuals and families.
"At Family & Children's Services, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, affirming support," Interim CEO, Jodi Scorsone, said. "By preserving and expanding access to these resources, we can continue building communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported."
The organization expects the resources to be available through its website in the coming months and will work with former SOGI YAC leaders to ensure the integrity and intent of the materials are maintained.
About Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan
Family & Children's Services of Mid-Michigan is a nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality mental health services for children, adults, and families. Through counseling, community partnerships, school-based services, and financial assistance programs, FCS works to ensure that mental health care is available to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
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