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Local PFLAG chapter outlines support services, scholarship endowment and outreach in Jefferson County
Summary
At the July 28 Jefferson County Health and Human Relations Commission meeting, a representative of the local PFLAG chapter described the group's meetings, outreach, scholarship endowment and resource tools for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Janet, treasurer of the local PFLAG chapter, told the Jefferson County Health and Human Relations Commission on July 28 that the volunteer-led chapter provides regular meetings, scholarship assistance and community outreach across Jefferson County and neighboring counties. "We are in our 14th year as a chapter of this national organization," Janet said, describing weekly meetings for teens and young adults and a monthly chapter meeting.
The chapter said it has worked with a local community foundation to establish an endowment for scholarships. Janet said Jefferson County’s scholarship endowment has operated for two years and that the Scott County community foundation recently reached the endowment threshold; this coming year, a qualifying high school student in Switzerland County will be eligible to apply. The chapter also said it has tried to place printed materials at tabling events and provides QR codes so people can download national PFLAG publications.
Commission members and attendees asked about mental-health resources for LGBTQ youth. Janet said the chapter shares materials from suicide-prevention groups and partners with national hotlines and nonprofit networks; she specifically noted that the chapter’s business cards include contact information for the Trevor Project. A resident at the meeting thanked the chapter for its social-media presence and said it helped make services visible for young people.
Janet described other services PFLAG offers, including a resource list of LGBTQ-friendly clergy and, when possible, help connecting families to school counselors and other supports. She said the chapter sometimes organizes scholarships selection panels with community foundations and needs more volunteers to serve on its board and at events. "If you're willing to devote an evening a month to being part of the chapter meeting time, you'll know what we're doing and think about how people can help us," Janet said.
The chapter said it meets on Thursday evenings (with separate teen and young-adult meeting times) and occasionally on the first Saturday for those who cannot attend on a weekday. Janet encouraged attendees to contact the chapter by email to request help or information.
The commission did not take formal action on PFLAG requests during the meeting; the presentation was received as information and led to offers from commission members to share contacts and resource channels.
