Indianapolis, January 12, 2005-- Indiana Youth Group (IYG), a unique non-profit organization advocating for and serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in Indiana, has announced plans for a change in funding strategy and service intent for the organization, effective immediately.
The number of youth attending IYG drop-in services during the past year has increased dramatically. The need for services has continued to grow and word has spread about this remarkable organization and what it offers to the LGBT youth in the Central Indiana region. At the same time, however, the organization has had to move away from Federal and private Service Grant-driven funding, in large part because these funding sources have been increasingly difficult to secure.
Due to this changing climate in grant opportunities, the board of IYG has endorsed a more direct individual and community-supported approach to funding in 2005, to strengthen the organization. In addition, the board has implemented other cost-saving measures that will allow IYG to focus on providing vital youth support services without having them attached to specific and often unilateral funding initiatives.
Effective January 1, 2005, Executive Director Lydi Davidson, has left the organization. Davidson has been prasied by IYG's board as having done "an exemplary job" this past year in growing the organization and in serving the youth of the community. IYG will also reduce staff hours and close one Saturday a month.
"Indiana Youth Group has been, and will continue to be a vital part of our community," said IYG Board President Sean Lemieux. "To maintain this invaluable service for gay youth across central Indiana, we will need to rely upon the support of individuals, civic groups, professional organizations, business, churches, and the LGBT community to help us thrive."
IYG plans to continue popular and successful fundraising projects, such as the spring IYG Art Auction and the fall IYG Film Festival. Other fundraising initiatives are also in the works.
Individuals and groups interested in donating to IYG are encouraged to do so. Checks may be sent to Indiana Youth Group, 2943 E. 46th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220.