On May 9th, 2023, our 19-year-old daughter, Lilly McLane, passed away while hiking near her home in Pleasant Hill, California.

Words can not express the depth of our sorrow. At the same time, many people have asked, "What can we do?" After processing that question together, we'd like to tell you about a specific way you can help.

During June, Pride Month, we're asking you to help us raise over $5000 to help create programs for LGBTQ youth and their families in Mariposa County, California.

We live in Mariposa County, California. Mariposa is a tight-knit, rural community of 18,000 permanent residents and home to much of Yosemite National Park.

The newly launched Family Resource Center needs your help to create practical support, programs, and opportunities for LGBTQ teenagers and their families. Opening July 1, Mariposa Family Resource Center is dedicated to empowering and strengthening families by providing comprehensive support and resources that enhance their well-being and promote positive growth. The mission is to be the trusted hub where families can access a wide array of services, information, and opportunities, creating a thriving community where every family feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Frankly, oftentimes there aren't resources for teenagers and families in our area which are so desperately needed to help individuals navigate what they are going through. When Lilly came out as trans in high school, we were fortunate enough to live in an urban setting with resources for her and our family that do not yet exist in Mariposa County.

We hope you will consider contributing to the Family Resource Center to help us build a culture of love and support in our community.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of kids like Lilly, helping them find the acceptance and love she experienced.

Adam, Kristen, Megan, and Jackson McLane

Meet Lilly

Lilly Anna McLane was a million wonderful things to everyone she loved and everyone who met her. But the thing about Lilly is that she didn't care what she was to them. Lilly knew exactly who she was, and she was unapologetically herself. She was a badass, a ridiculously intelligent and passionate person in every single step she took. When she put her mind to something, nothing stopped her. And she put her mind to being a hilarious, kind, adventurous queer punk hippie. She put her mind to being the greatest, most thoughtful, and understanding friend only movies portray properly. She put her mind to exploring the world, meeting people, and experiencing everything there was to see. She lived every day and every night to the absolute fullest, and she lived without doubt or regret because of it. Lilly was the best of us and didn't care if anyone agreed.

About the Family Resource Center

The Mariposa Family Resource Center (FRC) is the newest program of the Alliance for Community Transformations. The FRC seeks to address gaps in services experienced by families, youth, and children in Mariposa County. We will provide strengths-based case management, parenting support, family activities, and support groups. Support groups will include:

LGBTQ2S+ Support: Our programs are seeing an increase in youth identifying as LGBTQ+ and needing caregiver support; 35% of Ethos youth identify as LGBTQ+. LGBTQ youth are 4x more likely to commit suicide than their peers due to mistreatment and stigmatization. We will establish an LGBTQ+ Friends and Family Support Group to increase support for youth from caregivers and others.

Grief Support: Up to 10% of individuals whose loved one dies will experience prolonged grief disorder. Grief can profoundly impact people; many need additional support to prevent long-term impacts on their mental health. We will provide a grief group to increase peer support and a healthy outlet for grief.

About The Alliance for Community Transformations

The Alliance for Community Transformations provides responsive and preventative services to individuals and families. It works through partnerships and collective action to create truly safe, healthy, and socially just communities where every member thrives.

Lilly Anna McLane Memorial Fund