Locals + Culture

Part of what makes Salt Lake City (and America, herself, for that matter) so great is diversity. Few things warm our COLLECTIVE hearts more than watching someone be unapologetically themselves, and to see that someone accepted and embraced by their community. Now, more than ever, we feel the need to raise a voice and hold open a hand for those who may feel cast aside, so when we heard there was a new LGBT+ Youth and Family Resource Center opening its doors in Provo, we jumped at the opportunity to sing their praises. It's called Encircle, and their mission is simple: no sides, only love.

 Though its new home--Provo's William D. Alexander House--was built in 1891, Encircle opened its doors just a short week ago. And, since the stick-style Victorian space is said the be the only one of its kind in Utah, we think the house itself serves as the perfect metaphor for the folks it's meant to hold inside. There's a powerful sort of beauty in its uniqueness, and we think it speaks volumes for Encircle's message. The entrance of the house is announced by a welcoming front porch, and, upon entering, one is immediately greeted by smiling faces and an overwhelming sense of "home". Designers for the space wanted to keep the structure in its truest historical form, and to that, we breathe a COLLECTIVE sigh of relief (the avant-garde staircase with custom firework balustrades is just another example of Encircle's willingness to embrace the notion of proudly proclaiming one's difference). Each of the eight rooms was planned with purpose in mind--from receiving room to project rooms--and the art that covers the walls was donated by local artists to show their support. The house is truly the work of Provo's communal efforts, and the outpouring of support is inspired, to say the least.

An astounding 62% of Utah's LGBT+ youth attempt suicide. In recent studies, those that are shown love and acceptance are 8x less likely to attempt suicide. Encircle set out on a mission to provide solutions to this epidemic through love, acceptance, and support to all youth and their families. Their scope of services within the community ranges from inspirational "Tuesday Talks"--a confidence-building program that includes cooking, art, yoga, and meditation--to school advocacy, counseling, and so much more. There's a whole lot of "yes" going on here, and we urge you to check them out and--if you feel so compelled--lend 'em a hand. Love is love, y'all. Let's take care of each other.

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Similar Posts

We like to share new stories, and it seems you like to read 'em. Here are some more we think you'll like:
Return to all Stories
Lauren Kerr
Locals + Culture
Life in Your Space | Yale Avenue
9/25/2024 | Kelly Carper
There are plenty of sweet neighborhoods in our city, but there’s one that has quite the hold on our hearts. Not only does the 9th & 9th district boast some of our favorite places to eat and shop (Lola, Publik Kitchen and the Stockist, to name a few), but it’s also filled with unique homes - from...
Read More
Lauren Kerr
Locals + Culture
House Call | Matt + Tamara + Mia
9/17/2024 | Samuel Johnson
I was fortunate enough to spend the evening with Matt and Tamara and their daughter, Mia, talking about home. They welcomed me in and shared with me the memories they have created in their home. Their recounting felt so life-like thanks to the wonderful stories they told of living in the home...
Read More
Lauren Kerr
Locals + Culture
Life in Your Space | Emerson Avenue
9/12/2024 | Cody Derrick
So, here's the thing about houses: they don't just take a village, they are the village. Who was the carpenter that cut the wood for the floors? Who was the artist that painted the art? Who framed it? The counter, what material is it? From what quarry did it come? Are the windows still the ones f...
Read More

Newsletter

Success! We'll get you on the list in short order! You can expect all future Friday mornings to be something of a dream...
a fresh dose of city culture, new listings, and top-shelf design will land squarely on your virtual doorstep.

We need to talk.

It'll be fun. You've got questions, and we can't wait to answer them. Don't hold back--getting down to brass tacks is kind of our thing...


Done. That was probably an excellent question, and we're ready to help. Hang tight...someone at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE will get back to you in a flash.