{"id":43600,"date":"2024-01-09T12:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T17:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newswire.com\/news\/transgender-health-wellness-center-announces-grand-opening-ribbon-22212719"},"modified":"2024-01-09T12:00:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T17:00:02","slug":"transgender-health-wellness-center-announces-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-for-the-marsha-p-johnson-lgbtq-drop-in-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d56fg8tfg.fitnews.club\/lifestyle\/transgender-health-wellness-center-announces-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-for-the-marsha-p-johnson-lgbtq-drop-in-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Transgender Health & Wellness Center Announces Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Drop-In Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n Support LGBTQIA+ Youth in The Coachella Valley<\/b>\n

\n \n
\"Marsha
Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center<\/b><\/small> <\/a>
A safe space for LGBTQ+ Youth in the Coachella Valley<\/small>

<\/div> \n

\n PALM SPRINGS, Calif., January 9, 2024 (Newswire.com)\n -\n <\/strong>The Transgender Health & Wellness Center (TH&WC) proudly announces the opening of the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center <\/strong>(MPJ) in Palm Springs. TH&WC will celebrate this occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at 12 p.m. The Drop-In Center will serve LGBTQ youth from the ages of 13-18.<\/p>\n

The MPJ will provide a safe place and serve as a vital resource for LGBTQ youth in the Coachella Valley. Youth who are bullied, experience transphobic\/homophobic abuse in their homes and schools or are experiencing homelessness (or at the risk of experiencing homelessness) will be connected to caring individuals who can help them.<\/p>\n

TH&WC is led by CEO Thomi Clinton, whose mission is to be the preeminent provider of services and support to the TGI community and allies \u2014 with a focus on youth. The MPJ will reach a wider population of youth who have often not had access to much-needed support.<\/p>\n

The new Drop-In Center will be unique to Palm Springs. As a welcoming, youth-centered environment, it will provide access to services with minimal barriers and less paperwork for entering care. It offers mental health and will attend to direct needs like snacks, beverages, and hygiene products. Renae Punzalan, Director of Outreach, notes the MPJ \u201cwill be a true desert oasis for those seeking a chill place to be.\u201d While they are here, LGBTQ youth will be able to get connected to important resources.<\/p>\n

Trans people overall are disproportionately impacted by poverty and violence; and trans youth are especially vulnerable. One in two experience sexual violence and\/or police violence. One in three will attempt to die by suicide before the age of 18. These numbers significantly decrease when they have access to housing, medical care, and employment opportunities; and are able to affirm identities without fear. That\u2019s where MPJ plays a crucial role.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the services and programs the new Drop-In Center will be offering:<\/p>\n