hetrick-martin institute

A wonderful friend and non-profit colleague, Sue, works with an important organization helping LGBTQ youth in New York City and recommended them to be featured on goodiegoodie. The epidemic of bullying and abuse, and also the empowerment of LGBTQ youth are issues we care deeply about, so today we are happy to tell you about The Hetrick-Martin Institute.

In 1979, life partners and educators on gay and lesbian issues, Dr. Emery Hetrick, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Damien Martin, a professor at New York University, heard a heartbreaking story about a homeless 15-year-old boy who had been beaten and thrown out of his emergency shelter because he was gay. The two doctors were so moved by his story that they created what is now known as The Hetrick-Martin Institute.

The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, provides young LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) people the safety and skills they need to reach their full potential. Hetrick-Martin is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to serving at-risk LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) youth ages 12 to 24 who are typically under-served by schools, communities, and often (sadly) their families. In addition to hosting Harvey Milk High School, they also provide after school programs, supportive services, internship opportunities for HMI Youth Members, advocacy, and education.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to HMI to help them keep their programs free for the youth that they serve. You can also help by donating gently-used clothing, shoes, and accessories to The Hetrick-Martin pantry to help those youth that come to HMI needing the basics — food, shelter, and clothing.

Read More