LGBTQ awareness remains an important issue and the Hetrick-Martin Institute based in New York is one of the foundations leading the way in helping out LGBT youth. Since it was founded, it has grown exponentially from a small team of volunteers into one of the leading providers of social support and programming for LGBTQ youth that are considered at risk. These youths come from various walks of life and range in age from 13 to 24.
Hetrick-Martin Institute was founded in 1979 and named after Emery Hetrick and Damien Martin, a pair of doctors and life partners moved to take action upon hearing the story of a homeless fifteen-year-old boy who was beaten and kicked out his home because of his sexual orientation. After gathering a group of volunteers to assist young people in need of support, the organization called itself the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth (IPLGY) before changing to its current name in 1988.
Since its founding the Hetrick-Martin Institute has spearheaded programs for over 2,000 youths and has served over 7,500 hot meals. Hundreds have participated in its HIV prevention programs and it has helped train close to 1,500 people.
For more information on the Hetrick-Martin Institute visit http://www.hmi.org/.
This foundation featured on The Jills Giving is one of the many unique foundations supported by The Jills team which includes Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Hillary Hertzberg, Danny Hertzberg, and Felise Eber. The Jills team strongly believes in giving back and we encourage you to visit The Jills Giving website to learn more about the various foundations we support as well as a little bit about the team.