1 minute read
Naples Pride to receive JCRC Human Needs Award
By Suzanne Cherney, Member, Human Needs Award Committee
In acknowledgement of its vital services to an under-served community, Naples Pride has been selected as one of the recipients of the Jewish Community Relations Council’s 2021 Human Needs Award. A volunteer-based grassroots nonprofit, Naples Pride aims to unite and empower Southwest Florida’s LGBTQ community, to educate, and to foster social change and equality for all.
Naples Pride helps meet the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community of Southwest Florida from its community center, where it offers support groups for a wide range of individuals in need of support. Examples include the bereaved, veterans, transgender individuals and those suffering from substance dependency.
Notably, it offers a professionally facilitated live chat support group for teens. The focus on youth protection arises from bullying, violence and even family rejection. Young people from the LGBTQ community seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth and are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.
To serve allies of the LGBTQ community, the Naples Pride Center hosts the monthly meetings of PFLAG, a national organization, some members of which have long been supportive of the JFGN. These meetings offer a safe, loving, nonjudgmental and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals as well as for their parents, family and friends.
Naples Pride advocates for county-wide ordinances ensuring protection for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity as part of its outreach and educational efforts to combat hate and discrimination.
It has launched the Naples Pride Business Alliance, offering a directory of businesses that welcome clients without judgment or denial of services. The Alliance will also promote Southwest Florida as an LBTQ-friendly travel destination and place to call home.
Finally, Naples Pride refers individuals in need to a range of Collier organizations including Project Unity, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Legal Aid, St. Matthew’s House and Jewish Family Services.
The Naples Pride Center, located at 2248 Airport-Pulling Road, initially opened in October 2020 with more than 200 in attendance. It is currently open three afternoons a week and for programs and special events.
