Justins Gift

MISSION: 

A gift from Justin Aaberg to LGBTQ youth and their friends; create safe environments where young people can be themselves in a bully-free zone, achieve self-confidence and be proud of who they are. 

WHY: 

A student cannot learn unless his or her basic needs are being met.  Justin’s Gift works to fulfill the needs of youth based on the Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory of Needs.  Until youth’s basic needs are met, they are not able to focus on learning. Life is challenging enough, without the additional challenge of not having a formal education.  A priority of Justin’s Giftis to inspire youth to complete their education.  Justin’s Gift will help fill the following needs: belonging, self-esteem, self-respect, and ultimately a realization of their importance in the world.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Currently we hold a social events each month for our youth and are working on devlopment partnerships to address the homeless youth crisis.

WHAT'S NEXT:

Our goal over the course of this academic year is to raise enough funds to open a Community Center in Anoka County so that we can expand our programs, create a place where youth can get support and create a meeting place for like-minded organizations.  We also would like to staff an afterschool support group that provides students with emotional and mental health resources if needed.