1N10 INC

Our mission is to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults. We enhance their lives by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices.

Together with our supporters we are aiming to eliminate the barriers our youth face to living full, exceptional lives. Hurdles such as homelessness, suicide, job instability and many more are confronted by our programs, delivering much needed support to our youth.

We enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11 to 24 through empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. one-n-ten was founded in 1993 and provided a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth to connect, socialize, and receive support for navigating community resources. Our services have diversified since then, but our goal is the same. Our commitment to this population is evident through daily activities at our youth center and in signature programs for housing, workforce development, wellness, and leadership. Last year, services and support were provided to 673 young people.
one-n-ten has provided support to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults for 28 years. LGBTQ+ youth may feel unsafe in programs developed for the general youth population when there is an expectation of conformity about gender and sexual orientation. one-n-ten welcomes LGBTQ+ youth with safe space guidelines that affirm self-identified gender pronouns and sexual orientations. In addition, one-n-ten practices positive youth development, empowerment, and trauma-informed care which are industry standards for working with at-risk youth populations. Our services and staff expertise have been featured in scholarly and mass media, including the Child & Youth Services Journal and National Geographic.

Although COVID-19 has paused in-person activities, youth still meet in facilitated online groups using Discord, Zoom, and/or Twitch from 2 PM-7 PM from Monday through Saturday. Activities are facilitated by two staff members and one or two volunteers. Basic needs resources are bagged by one-n-ten staff and available for pick-up from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday at the security desk at the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness (same address as the one-n-ten offices.)
When offering in-person activities, the youth center is typically open daily from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, youth ages 14 to 24 can visit the youth center. Thursdays are “17 & Under Night”, and Fridays are reserved for young adults 18 to 24. one-n-ten halted in-person activities at all of our program sites on March 14, 2020. Our in-person program reopening plan is graded and takes into consideration several factors, including government mandates and guidance, the ability to maintain social distancing, and the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Social distancing can be maintained by limiting the number of people at program sites. In-person activities will resume when it is safest to do so, and online programming will be available for sites that cannot yet reopen safely.

Education
HIV/AIDS education using an evidence-based intervention: Focuses on prevention, treatment, and how to advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Suicide/harm reduction training using evidence-based intervention: Trains young people to identify personal strengths for the prevention of suicide, bullying, and violence.
Academics through a partnership with K12: Access to a high school diploma program administered by K12. An alternative to public school that is LGBTQ-affirming.
Economic Opportunity - Laying foundations by addressing basic needs
Supportive housing for youth experiencing homelessness: Our scattered-site rapid rehousing program provides six to 24 months of LGBTQ-competent case management support. The scattered-site model allows participants to live closer to their existing support networks.
Drop-in access to resources: Typically open daily, our youth center provides access to community resource navigation, food boxes containing local produce, school supplies, hygiene supplies and socks. Primary care, dental care, and mental health care linkages are available via community partners. COVID-19 has impacted youth center hours of operation.
Youth Emergency Relief Fund (ERF): To minimize the economic impact of COVID-19, we made homelessness diversion, rental assistance, and addressing food insecurity the priorities of our Youth Emergency Relief Fund. Since forming on April 1, 2020, 156 one·n·ten youth have received emergency relief aid. The three most common uses of ERF funds are rent, food, and utility payments.
Mentorship
Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona: When enrolled by a parent or guardian, LGBTQ+ youth age 11 to 18 are paired with an affirming, supportive mentor.
Camp OUTdoors: At our LGBTQ-inclusive summer camp, cabin assignments are not made by gender, instead similarly aged campers stay in the same cabin. In outdoor activities and more than 50 workshops, youth build leadership skills and work in collaborative ways while connecting to the environment. Camp OUTdoors went online for summer 2020.
Youth group volunteers at one·n·ten: Volunteers mentor young people in youth center workshops and satellite group activities. Workshops and activities are varied and promote self-worth, resiliency, and a sense of belonging. Youth center and satellite activities have moved online during COVID-19.
Social Justice and/or Diversity & Inclusion
Ongoing racial equity and inclusion training for staff and the Board of Directors: Began in summer 2020. The training includes books, movies, webinars, and biweekly small group discussions. Training selections are made by our colleagues who are Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, their allies, and our diversity, equity, and inclusion consultants.