Kids in Crisis
Thriving Youth Darien poster LGBTQIA+ 101: An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allyship

Online Introduction to LGBTQ-plus, for Youth and Parents

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A Zoom webinar, “LGBTQIA+ 101: An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allyship,” presented by educator and community organizer Justin Zeigler, will show participants how to create more welcoming and supportive spaces with family and friends. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien

In Thriving Youth Darien’s 2023 survey of Darien 6th-12th graders, LGBTQ+ youth reported significantly lower rates of connectedness to youth in school, adults outside of school and the community where they live. They also reported significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety, leading to a heightened risk for substance use. Having adults in their lives who are supportive and accepting of LGBTQIA+ youth is a protective factor! This webinar is sponsored by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot, and Lighthouse, a program from Kids in Crisis.

Community Organizations
Kids in Crisis

State Cuts $750K in Funding for Kids in Crisis

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The state has cut $750,000 in funding for Kids in Crisis, which runs a shelter in Greenwich for children from Darien and other Fairfield County communities, the agency announced on Tuesday as it issued a plea for donations. “The State of Connecticut, due to budget constraints, has decided to cancel its contract with Kids in Crisis,” the organization’s executive director, Shari Shapiro, said in an announcement titled “A Special Note from the Executive Director” posted on the Home page of the group’s website. “This means that Southwestern Connecticut will no longer have State-supported emergency beds for children in need of temporary shelter when home is not safe. This cancelation of the Kids in Crisis contract has effectively eliminated all State-supported beds south of New Haven.” In the past year, Shapiro said in the announcement, the organization responded to 900 calls on its hotline, served more than 132,000 children in the county and provided assistance to 6,000 children and adults from Greenwich to the Bridgeport area.