 | | | Photo Linda Murphy | | | | | | The struggles of the LGBTQ community often go unrecognized. Luckily, places like the Rainbow Community Center in Concord exist. RCC works to provide LGBTQ+ youth with anything they might need.
That's why Lafayette Girl Scout Troop 31881 decided to support the RCC, organizing and helping stock a craft station where visitors can express themselves through art.
"The art station is a way for our youth to express internal emotions through a different and positive outlet. It's also a way for youth to connect with other LGBTQ+ people while sharing their art," said Christian Aguirre, RCC youth outreach counselor. "The girls are setting a good example. Volunteer your time, attend community events, make donations, it all makes a difference."
Troop 31881 has been together since kindergarten and over the years it has become a group of four: Riley, Jordan, Natalie and Aly. The girls attend three different schools and the Troop keeps them connected.
With approval from RCC, the Troop collected a donated shelf with rainbow bins inside and received generous donations of art supplies. The girls organized supplies that RCC already had, painted the shelves with rainbows and flowers, and restocked brushes, markers and other supplies.
According to the True Colors Fund, the LGBTQ community makes up to 40 percent of the homeless youth population. This can be because they were disowned by their parents after coming out or being outed, to escape a dangerous situation.
RCC provides a Youth Program, counseling, a food pantry, a senior program, an HIV program and school-based support, presentations and guest speaking. The Community Center is open Monday through Friday, from 1 to 6 p.m., plus youth groups.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA