CAZENOVIA — On Oct. 5, The Haven at Skanda will launch its first LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group for kids in grades 5-7.
Held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the sessions will provide a safe, supportive space for kids to be exactly who they are.
Located at 4000 Mosley Road in Cazenovia, Skanda is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for rescued and endangered farm animals, and to offering educational, supportive and preventative programs to the public.
According to Ellen Beckerman, Skanda’s executive director, the youth support program was created in response to requests from some of the 10 and 11 year old campers who attended Skanda’s summer program this year.
“[They] wanted a safe, supportive place where they could talk with other kids who are going through similar experiences of exploring their identities and grappling with pressures or bullying as they contemplate coming out,” Beckerman said. “They also expressed a desire to meet adult members of the LGBTQ+ community who can encourage them, support them, and show them that they can live the lives they want to live, be in great relationships, follow their career interests, achieve the highest levels of success, and create the lives they want for themselves.”
Beckerman added that Skanda’s program is designed to meet both of those needs. Participants will have time to share their experiences with their peers and connect with adult facilitators and guest speakers from the LGBTQ+ community.
“Skanda has always been deeply committed to responding to community needs,” she said. “The organization was founded from the act of responding to a community need, and we have always remained flexible and responsive . . . When kids are self-aware enough and brave enough to claim who they are and ask for what they need, we want to be right there to support and encourage them. We also know there is a real lack of support for middle school aged kids who are identifying as LGBTQ+, so we felt this program really is urgently needed.”
According to Beckerman, Skanda is dedicated to creating a space for both people and animals to be uniquely themselves and to celebrating the diversity that makes for a strong and vibrant community.
“The rescued animals of Skanda love each other’s uniqueness and differences without fear, and they are an incredible example of how to love generously and delight in diversity,” she said. “This program builds on what the animals have shown us.”
As of Sept. 23, the support group had six available spots.
To sign up, contact Beckerman at [email protected] or 315-480-9480.
