As a church that believes in wide-eyed participation, we want to give you as many opportunities as possible to come alongside Jesus in the journey of reconciliation. That's why we offer weekly Do Some Good opportunities.

Please don't feel pressure to participate in everything, but we do hope that these posts give you an opportunity to plug in and serve the community at your capacity.

DO SOME GOOD

Roughly 40% of the total youth homeless population is LGBTQ+. Compared to 7% of the general American youth population, LGBTQ+ youth are over-represented in the homeless population. 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. These statistics are tough to digest, but the data is a reflection of reality for so many human beings. June is a time to be reminded of the strength and resiliency of a marginalized community that has pushed forward in survival throughout all of history, and to find ways to alleviate these unnecessary struggles that are rooted in oppression and misunderstanding.

-The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. The organization also does research, advocacy, and education across the country and beyond. Learn more and get involved here: thetrevorproject.org/explore.

-The Agape Table is healing, educating, and activating to create a South Carolina where every LGBTQ+ person belongs. This healing takes place through cultivated spaces of intentional education, meaningful experience, and vulnerable dialogue. Join an educational cohort, support struggling youth, or participate in a theological discussion at a dinner party! Learn more and get involved here: theagapetable.org.

-The Harriet Hancock Center is a safe and inclusive home that supports, educates, and empowers the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and neighbors. They offer a variety of resources including a free lending library, identity-based peer support groups, meeting spaces, and a directory of affirming businesses, organizations, and counselors. Learn more and get involved here: harriethancockcenter.org.

-Reformation Lutheran Church in downtown Columbia proudly offers Safe Space Dinners, a ministry for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. On the second Thursday of each month, these youth (14-23 years old) are offered a safe space and time to gather for a time to rest and recharge, a home-cooked meal, haircuts, life skills workshops, resource-sharing, and a backpack of items they will find helpful in their day-to-day life. Learn more and get involved here: reformationcae.org/safe-space-dinners.

If you would like to have an initiative, event, drive and/or volunteer opportunity highlighted in our weekly “Do Some Good” communication, please fill out this form. Submit information at least two weeks before you would like it to be shared.