Category: Blog

Check out our July newsletter by clicking here.

Congratulations to Cecil Pankow (they/them), our Staff Spotlight Award winner for June! Cecil is our Center Case Manager, who works with youth ages 12 to 20. When they joined our team in December 2022, IYG was entirely new to them; however, a coworker at their previous job recommended the organization to Cecil, which led them to apply with us. Once they discovered IYG’s mission and work, Cecil was certain they had found their calling. Their favorite part of the job as Center Case Manager? “I love getting to spend time with and help all the youth that come through.” In their free time, Cecil is an avid gamer, a hobby shared with their husband. On any given night, you’ll find them at home, gaming together in the company of their dog.

Pride Month is upon us once again! Despite all we’ve been through in the last year, June is the time we come together as a community to celebrate our pride in our community, in ourselves, in our families, and in all other facets of our lives. No matter how tough a year it might be, this is a tradition that we can count on to acknowledge our strength and resiliency. This month, let’s stand together as a community and show the world that we are unbreakable! (Keep Reading)

Props to our May Staff Spotlight Award winner, Daniel Reyes (he/they)! Daniel is our Training Outreach Specialist who joined the team in September of last year. He was looking for queer communities around Indianapolis when he first discovered IYG. Coincidentally, he was also looking to make a change professionally and noticed that IYG just happened to be hiring. He applied, and here he is! Now that they’re here, Daniel loves serving our clients, the relationships with their coworkers, and the different roles they get to play in their job. Originally from Chicago, Daniel is just beginning to settle into identifying as a Hoosier. He says that Indianapolis has opened up the midwestern heart that was always inside him. He also warns that if you run into him out and about, “you better make sure you have hours to spare, because I will talk your ears off!”

Greetings! If you’re thinking this newsletter looks a little lean compared to our more robust issues, just think of it as the calm before the storm! Pride month is coming up in just a few short weeks. So, take a look at how we’re gearing up for the biggest season of the queer year!

IYG is currently hiring for five positions in Indianapolis! Whether you’re looking for a position in administration, marketing, development, or direct youth service, we have just the job for you! Currently open positions include:

• HR Operations Coordinator (new position)
• Youth and Center Specialist
• Mental Health Therapist (program expansion)
• Marketing and Engagement Specialist (new position)
• Donor Relations Manager (department expansion)

Learn more and apply here.

Congratulations to Najia Harris (she/her) for earning the April Staff Spotlight Award! Najia is a Center Case Manager who works with our young adult clients. She has been a part of our team since October 2022 after being directed to us by her brother. At the time, Najia was searching for a new job, and her brother’s suggestion led her to research IYG and discover that our mission was work she was eager to join. She enjoys spending her personal time with her nieces and preparing for the arrival of her baby boy in July.

April is off to a rocky start due to disappointing developments in state legislation. However, IYG is more determined than ever to be a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ young people of Indiana. It is our goal to make our center a home and safe haven for each and every individual who comes here. Continue reading to see how we’re supporting the young people and how you can help!