WHO WE ARE & WHERE WE’RE GOING
OUR MISSION
To Bring the Family and Community Together to Enable LGBTQ+ Youth to Thrive.
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What’s Inside OUR MISSION 2 A LETTER FROM THE CEO 4 INTRODUCTION 6 A HOME FOR EVERYONE 8 THERAPY 10 PROGRAMS 16 FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES 28 RESOURCES 32
Encircle is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit EIN: 81-2938209
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A Letter from the CEO Dear Encircle Family, As founder and CEO of Encircle, I get the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some of Utah’s finest. It seems like everyday I find myself in awe of how amazing the LGBTQ+ youth and young adults that come to Encircle are. I see individuals full of creativity and passion, drive and hope. So many of our youth have struggled because of they have heard the message that something is wrong with them and that they need to be fixed. I want our LGBTQ+ youth to know that they are not broken because of their sexuality or gender identity. This part of who they are is valid. We celebrate the diversity that each one of them brings to the world. Did you know, Encircle offers affirming therapy and programs that validate and empower LGBTQ+ folks in their own lives? Your contribution helps make it possible for Encircle to offer free and reduced cost therapy sessions, friendship circles and evening programs. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our LGBTQ+ friends and families! At Encircle, we also strive to empower parents and families as they learn to include ALL members of their family in the circle of their love. Encircle’s unique approach of supporting families is rooted in research showing that LGBGTQ+ young people who come from affirming families have a lower risk of suicide.
No Sides, Only Love. Stephenie STEPHENIE LARSEN (SHE/HER) Chief Executive Officer
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No Sides, Only Love OUR GOAL OF THRIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY IS BASED ON CONCEPTS THAT HELP ALL HUMANS ACHIEVE FULFILLMENT AND PERSONAL GROWTH. At Encircle, we provide space for meaningful connection, creative and purposeful activities with inherent meaning, and experiences to educate and empower. Our unique approach utilizes data driven programming, evidence based mental health therapy, and a comprehensive range of support groups—all in a safe, affirming home.
Meet our Operations Teams Our Operations & Development Teams oversee the day-to-day operations, fundraising, and outreach of Encircle. JACOB DUNFORD (HE/HIM) Chief Operating Officer
MARILYN TAYLOR (SHE/HER) Corporate Relations Manager
LAKSHAN LINGAM (THEY/THEM) Operational Assistant
AMBER MCMILLAN (SHE/HER) Chief of Staff
AMY STEPHENSEN (SHE/HER) Grants Officer
BROOKE JORGENSEN (SHE/HER) Donor Gift Relations Manager
NATE FRANCIS (HE/HIM) Member Experience Representative
ERIK JORGENSEN (HE/HIM) Bookkeeper
JAKE BARNEY (HE/HIM) Monthly Gifts Manager 7
PROVO, UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH
ENCIRCLE OFFERS
A Place Everyone Can Call Home. Encircle opens homes that provide programs, services, and reduced cost therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, families, and the community. Encircle aims to provide a safe environment for all members of the community. For LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, that means a place to study, connect with others, obtain the resources they’re looking for, or just grab a cookie. For parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals, Encircle is a place to create meaningful connections and find support as they navigate their own journey.
Meet our Program Managers Program Managers run the day-to-day operations of each home. They’re the individuals you’ll meet when you stop by Encircle. ADAM WHITE (HE/HIM) The Clint Ford & Bruce Bastian Encircle Home Provo, UT TYLER DOMGAARD (HE/HIM) The John Williams Encircle Home Salt Lake City, UT JULIE BENSON (SHE/HER) The Encircle St. George Home St. George, UT CAMLYN GIDDINS (SHE/HER) Community Engagement Coordinator The Clint Ford & Bruce Bastian Encircle Home Provo, UT 9
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Our Areas of Focus SOCIAL CONNECTION
Healthy social connections are consistently and positively associated with all indicators of psychological well-being.
POSITIVE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES
People who have positive emotions in their everyday lives tend to be happier, healthier, learn better, and get along well with others.
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS
Skills like sharing emotions, countering negative thought patterns, and mindful acceptance of emotion all contribute to greater mental health and increased well-being.
AUTHENTICITY
Humans thrive when they are working towards self-defined meaningful goals.
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ENCIRCLE OFFERS
Therapy A SERVICE BY ENCIRCLE THERAPY Encircle Therapy offers affirming, affordable therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. All of our therapists have experience in navigating the complex intersection of sexuality, gender expression, and religious beliefs. Our therapists never “push” a client in any direction, but allow our clients the space to decide for themselves where they want their life to go in accordance with their values. Encircle therapists practice in accordance with all ethical and legal guidelines and therefore do not practice or endorse conversion or reparative therapy.
Meet our Clinical Director JARED KLUNDT, PHD (HE/HIM) Director of Clinical Services Dr. Klundt is a licensed psychologist who received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University. Dr. Klundt has extensive experience working with individuals and groups across a broad range of mental health issues, including helping LGBTQ+ individuals work towards health in all areas of their life. Dr. Klundt has dedicated the vast majority of his career to the research and care of the LGBTQ+ community at BYU, being the first faculty member to receive approval to run research on the intersection of mental health, sexuality, and religiosity at the university. Previously, Dr. Klundt was a clinical faculty member at BYU’s Counseling and Psychological Services. 13
6000+ Therapy sessions that have been subsidized by Encircle
80% clients paying $10 or less per session made possible by generous donations
25% Encircle Therapy clients are couples and families.
Everyone. Encircle Therapy sees individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and identities.
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Therapy helped me feel comfortable in my own skin. I was able to talk about hard topics in a safe place. I finally felt like I could move on and live my life.
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An Investment in an LGBTQ+ Individual’s Life. Encircle Therapy believes every LGBTQ+ individual should get high quality mental healthcare when they need it. This belief has led us to offer a therapy service that is accessible to all.
ENCIRCLE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Individuals can pay out of pocket on a sliding scale. Fees are based off of income, federal poverty guidelines, and the Encircle Therapy Assistance Program.
INSURANCE Encircle Therapy accepts Cigna, EMI Health, Optum, United Healthcare, Tristar, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and DMBA with more on the way.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ENCIRCLE THERAPY
encircletherapy.org
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ENCIRCLE OFFERS
Programs Programs are the heart of Encircle. They’re inspired by research, customized for connection, and designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, families, and members of the community.
Meet our Programs Team Our Programs Team develops, implements, and evaluates all of our Programs, Friendship Circles, and Resources. JORDAN SGRO (SHE/HER) Chief Program Officer DEVIN PRESTON (SHE/HER) Executive Programs Assistant
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FOR PARENTS
Connect Sometimes we forget that parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals also have their own journey when those they love come out to them. CONNECT is designed as an opportunity for parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals to come feel connected and supported by other parents and leave feeling hope for their LGBTQ+ child’s future — and theirs.
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FOR THE COMMUNITY
Beyond
A night of music in which all members of the community are welcome to come sing, play/ bring instruments, laugh, and jam together. It is intentionally unstructured, giving an informal and casual feel for families and LGBTQ+ youth to connect through music, a way that speaks to so many people when it might be difficult to find words in a different way.
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FOR LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS
Blue Sky
Clear away cloudy days by putting pencil to paper. Facilitated by writing professionals, BLUE SKY provides a safe space to find your voice through writing.
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FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH
Love Louder Art Series This program is for the people that want to add color to their life through creative and artistic expression. With a different art project each week, the LOVE LOUDER ART SERIES is hosted by local artists and masters of their craft who provide new skills and new experiences. No artistic experience necessary!
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FOR PARENTS
Lunch with Lisa An opportunity for parents of LGBTQ+ children to gather around the dining room table and share the successes and sorrows they may experience in their journeys - and to share a meal.
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FOR THE COMMUNITY
Rainbow Mutual An opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies to come together for a fun monthly event ranging from game nights to petting zoos to talent shows.
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FOR EVERYONE
Encircle Live Encircle LIVE is a series for everyone, each week featuring a guest speaker, workshop, panel, service project, and more. This program highlights the diverse and thriving members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families, as well as provides helpful information from other community organizations and experts in their respective fields. 26 •ENCIRCLETOGETHER.ORG
Being an LGBTQ+ young person, Encircle’s programs are an amazing opportunity to find community and support from people like me!
95% Across all Encircle programming, 95% of guests report feeling connected to others, feeling understood, engaging in meaningful activities, and increasing self-acceptance.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS encircletogether.org/programs
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ENCIRCLE OFFERS
Friendship Circles Friendship Circles provide opportunities for sharing, connection, and support through discussion of issues and experiences relevant to each group. Discussions often explore the intersectionality of conservative cultures, spirituality, sexuality, social issues, transitional issues, health issues, and the ways it impacts us. Friendship Circles create an opportunity for you to take control and thrive in your own life. Groups are organized by sexuality, age, and/or gender identity.
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95% Across all Encircle Friendship Circles, 95% of guests report feeling connected to other group members, feeling an increased amount of well-being and learning emotional and psychological skills to cope with pain.
Friendship Circles have provided me a place of safety and comfort when most places and people don’t feel very safe or comforting.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES encircletogether.org/friendshipcircles
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ENCIRCLE OFFERS
Educational Resources Everyone’s journey starts somewhere. Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ person who just came out, a parent or a loved one of an LGBTQ+ individual, or just had someone come out to you, resources are the first thing we look for when we’re searching for direction and support along our journeys. Encircle continues to produce resources that will be helpful to you.
ENCIRCLE LIVE
An LGBTQ+ platform providing resources for everyone. Encircle Live brings the Encircle experience to our online community that may not be able to participate in programs at an Encircle home.
Meet our Marketing Team Our Marketing Team manages the communications, design, and visual look of Encircle and the brand. JUSTIN KWONG (HE/HIM) Director of Marketing GRIFFIN HENDRICKSON (HE/HIM) Content Strategist HANK HANSEN (HE/HIM) Graphic Designer
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Resources in Our Library A PARENT’S GUIDE: WHEN KIDS COME OUT
Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, PhD, LMFT
ADMIRATION OR ANIMOSITY: HOW SHOULD WE VIEW LGBTQ PEOPLE? William S. Bradshaw
AN EXPLANATION FOR HOMOSEXUALITY
William S. Bradshaw
CAN A PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION BE CHANGED?
William S. Bradshaw
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Jared Klunt, PhD
HOW TO START A GSA TOOLKIT SCIENCE VS. DOGMA: BIOLOGY CHALLENGES THE LDS PARADIGM OF HOMOSEXUALITY Gregory A. Prince
WHAT ABOUT GENDER
William S. Bradshaw
FIND ALL OF OUR EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ONLINE
encircletogether.org/resources
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The Home A MONTHLY DONOR PROGRAM At Encircle, we believe that every LGBTQ+ person belongs in their family & community. As we continue to bring Encircle homes across the nation, we rely on our community of passionate change-makers to sustain and support the Encircle homes in their communities. Donations made monthly through The Home go directly to supporting your local Encircle home.
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
The programs, services, and therapy that Encircle offers are possible because of generous support from people like you!
LEARN MORE
encircletogether.org/thehome
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ENGAGE WITH ENCIRCLE
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ENGAGE WITH ENCIRCLE
Volunteer VOLUNTEER AT YOUR LOCAL ENCIRCLE HOME encircletogether.org/volunteer EVENTS
Don’t have the time to volunteer at the house weekly? Volunteer at Pride, the Encircle Summit, Cleaning Days at Encircle and many more events.
BECOME A GROUP FACILITATOR
Each Friendship Circle is run by a facilitator who volunteers their time to help empower our youth.
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TOUR AN ENCIRCLE HOME Stop by Monday–Friday: 2–8pm
SALT LAKE CITY 331 S 600 E
PROVO
91 W 200 S
ST. GEORGE (OPENING 2020) 190 S 100 E
LEARN MORE AT encircletogether.org
