Powering Hope: The Colin Wolf Foundation Fuels Zebra Youth's Expansion of Mental Health Services for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth

ORLANDO, FL – In support of its mission to combat the crisis of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, The Colin Wolf Foundation announced a grant to Zebra Youth, expanding its impact to the Central Florida region. This impactful grant is designated to expand Zebra Youth's life-saving mental health services, reaching more at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young people, particularly those experiencing homelessness.

This partnership marks a powerful alignment of missions. The Colin Wolf Foundation, dedicated to investing in community-based projects that provide measurable and attainable services to at-risk youth, finds a deeply resonant partner in Zebra Youth, whose mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth to thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Both organizations are committed to fostering diversity, equality, and belonging, making this collaboration a natural and potent force for positive change.

The impact of this grant enables the expansion of Zebra Youth's current meaningful work beyond Orange County, more broadly across the Central Florida region. A strategic focus will be expanding critical mental health support to the burgeoning need in Osceola County and neighboring communities. This expansion is a lifeline for queer youth in areas where such specialized services are scarce, ensuring that more young people have access to the compassionate care they desperately need.

For homeless LGBTQ+ youth, the challenges are immense. They face disproportionately high rates of family rejection, violence, suicide, and trauma. This grant will address the community's need for mental health services by enabling Zebra Youth to provide tailored, trauma-informed mental health counseling. These services are not just about managing crises; they are about building resilience, fostering self-worth, and equipping these young people with the coping mechanisms necessary to overcome their circumstances and create a stable, prosperous future. The impact of having a trusted, affirming mental health professional can be the turning point for a young person on the streets, offering them a pathway off the cycle of homelessness and toward healing and hope.

This grant amplifies the ongoing efforts of both organizations. For Zebra Youth, it provides the resources to scale their proven model of care to a broader geographic area. For The Colin Wolf Foundation, it continues their strategic investments in preventing, providing, and preparing homeless queer youth for brighter futures, building on their prior giving to like-minded organizations.

"We believe in the inherent worth and potential of every young person," said David Wolf of The Colin Wolf Foundation. "The heartbreaking reality is that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to experience homelessness, often as a direct result of the rejection and discrimination they face for simply being who they are. This grant to Zebra Youth is an investment in hope, healing, and the fundamental right of every young person to feel safe and supported. By expanding their mental health services, we are providing a safety net and empowering these resilient young individuals to reclaim their narratives and build the futures they deserve. Zebra Youth's unwavering commitment to this vulnerable community is truly inspiring, and we are proud to be their partner in this vital work."

The challenges confronting homeless LGBTQ+ youth are a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. This at-risk community grapples with a unique intersection of systemic inequities, from housing and employment discrimination to heightened risks of mental health crises and substance use. Organizations like The Colin Wolf Foundation and Zebra Youth stand in the gap, providing essential services and a powerful message of acceptance and unconditional support. This grant is more than a financial transaction; it is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of community, and a critical step forward in ensuring that every LGBTQ+ young person has the opportunity to survive and thrive.

For more information or to help, visit The Colin Wolf Foundation and Zebra Youth