Based in New York, the Hetrick-Martin Institute has remained steadfast in its efforts to assist LGBTQ youth. Since its founding, it has grown tremendously from a small group of volunteers into a major provider of social support and programming for LGBTQ youth that have been deemed at risk. These youths have diverse backgrounds and range in age from 13 to 24.
Founded in 1979, Hetrick-Martin Institute’s name comes from Emery Hetrick and Damien Martin, a pair of doctors and life partners inspired to take action after learning more about the story of a homeless fifteen-year-old boy who was beaten and kicked out his home due to his sexual orientation. Upon assembling a group of volunteers to help young people seeking support, the organization originally went by the name of the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth (IPLGY), changing its name in 1988.
Since it began, the Hetrick-Martin Institute has launched programs for more than 2,000 youths and has served more than 7,000 hot meals. Its HIV prevention programs remain strong, with hundreds of participants and it has trained nearly 1,500 people.
For additional information on the Hetrick-Martin Institute please 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.