JASMYN Launches Three-Year Campaign to Fight HIV
Click on the photo to see some of the news coverage from the press conference. 
At a press conference held November 30th, on the eve of World AIDS Day, JASMYN  announced receiving the largest grant in our 21-year history. The Delores Barr Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida awarded a $500,000 matching grant, payable over three years, to  help  create  an AIDS-Free Generation  in Jacksonville. The #AIDSFreeJAX campaign will expand JASMYN's successful model for case management and HIV prevention to even more young people in Jacksonville and North Florida.
 
The first major gift toward meeting that challenge is in hand - The Hall-Halliburton Foundation is providing a $100,000 grant for deepening JASMYN's HIV/AIDS outreach and support toward the match. 

"We are incredibly grateful to these donors for these history-making grants," said Cindy Watson, Executive Director."These funds will allow us to expand our services so that our young people receive the education and support necessary to prevent new infections, and the treatment to live long, productive lives. Getting them the support they need to stay in medical care and receive the treatment they  need is key."

On 12/1, JASMYN Board members hosted 
a "Thanks-A-Thon" to thank donors for 
their support of the 
#AIDSFreeJax 
campaign.
And we have a lot to thank YOU for! World AIDS Day fell this year on "Giving Tuesday." Through social media and email, we asked Friends of JASMYN to give generously to help us get the campaign for the matching grant off the ground. And you really came through! We received $13,930 in donations towards #AIDSFreeJAX - which will be matched dollar for dollar.


Follow this link  to read the Florida Times-Union story about the campaign.
Teaching Respect for All Conference

Now in its ninth year, this day-long series of educational sessions and workshops provides counselors, social workers, current and prospective school teachers and administrators with the knowledge and tools to successfully create a school culture where all people, including LGBT people, are respected, free to express themselves and able to reach their full potential.

Participants will develop an awareness and understanding of LGBT concerns and be exposed to current research and strategies to help them respond sensitively and effectively toward anti-gay harassment and discrimination.

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Christopher White, Ph.D., Director of the Safe and Supportive Schools Project for the GSA Network. The Gay Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a next-generation LGBTQ, racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize and mobilize on intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities. 

JASMYN's local work with GSA's in the Duval County Public Schools follows many of the best practices established by the GSA Network.

JASMYN youth panels, where JASMYN young people speak about their own experiences and engage in discussion with conference participants, are always a highlight of the day.

Teaching Respect for All is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration includes lunch and a valuable resource package.

Many thanks to this year's sponsors of the Teaching Respect for All Conference:

LGBT Resource  Center
Division of Student Affairs



Join the Community Conversation on  the HRO
December 15, 2015

Mayor Curry's final community conversation on the expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance is  Tuesday, December 15th.

Location: Jacksonville University's Terry Concert Hall (Main Gate: 2800 University Boulevard North)

Theme: "Understanding the Law and Its Effects on Busin ess" 
 
These conversations are a vital component in educating our community about the need for legal protections to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and public accommodation for the LGBT community, especially our LGBTQ young people. 
The presence of JASMYN supporters, staff, and young people in the previous meetings has been critically important. We need to continue to be the calm and rational side sharing our personal stories and the stories of our families with decision makers. 

Save the Dates - Upcoming Community Events

Warm Their Hearts Homecoming:  Sunday, February 7, 2016   

5th Annual Strides for Pride:  Saturday, April 16, 2016 

We Appreciate Our Sponsors



                      


JASMYN | [email protected] | 904-389-3857 | www.jasmyn.org 
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