🌈 Stand With LGBTQ+ Youth in Western North Carolina

Right here in the foothills of Western North Carolina, OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley stands as a beacon of hope in a region where resources for LGBTQ+ youth are scarce and political tides are increasingly hostile…. Our center is often the only place where young people can breathe freely, be affirmed for who they are, and know—deep in their bones—that they belong.

The Trevor Project’s national research is clear: LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. In fact, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, and those living in politically and religiously conservative areas—like our own—are at the greatest risk. But there is hope: LGBTQ+ youth who have access to affirming spaces report significantly lower rates of suicide attempts.

That is what OUTright provides: a life-saving space where young people can find safety, community, mentorship, and joy. Over the years, we’ve seen this firsthand—from youth who walked in bruised and broken and left with safety and foster care… to others who’ve shared that ORY quite literally kept them alive.

But we cannot do this without you.

💡 Become a Monthly Donor: Power the Movement

Monthly donors are the heartbeat of OUTright Youth. Your steady support ensures that our doors stay open week after week, no matter the political climate or the funding cuts. By giving each month, you become a part of every smile, every hug, every workshop, and every life saved.

Here are suggested levels to make your impact accessible:

🌟 $20/month – Supplies for one evening of youth programming (snacks, art materials, safe space activities).
💜 $40/month – Covers the cost of one youth’s participation for a week (helping pay for the space, utilities, and supplies).
🌈 $75/month – Contributes toward after-school hours by supporting staff or trained volunteers
✨ $150/month – Powers expanded programming like book clubs, parent support groups, and ally training.
🕊 $250/month – Sustains the full operation of the center—keeping the lights on, the doors open, and our youth safe week after week.
✨ In the future, $25/month could also help fund transportation so rural youth can attend through Lyft or ride-share support.

Perks of Committing to Monthly Giving:

A handwritten thank-you from our youth.
Quarterly impact stories showing exactly how your support is changing lives.
Recognition (with permission) on our website and annual report.
An invitation to our “Rainbow Warrior” Donor Circle Gathering each year—a celebration of the people making this work possible.

Monthly Sustaining Rainbow Warrior

Monthly Giving Powers Our Mission!