Hetrick Martin Institute-New Jersey

Hmi: nj provides a safe and supportive environment for lgbtq youth,helping them grow and develop into happy, healthy and productive citizens in their community. Our services are available to young people from the ages of 13 to 21 and their families. Since 2011 hmi: nj has served more than 1,200 youth members in northern, nj from 48 different zip codes. Hmi: nj is the largest direct service provider of lgbtq youth in the state and the only provider with sites in more than one state nationally. We are the only lgbtq direct services provider in the state contracted with the department of children and families. We are the only lgbtq direct services provider contracted with the newark public school system. Mental health and supportive services offer (continued on schedule o)support groups for young people and their families including relationship building and navigating the coming out process. Health and wellness programming provides health education and referrals for hiv testing and prevention provided by community partners. Arts and culture programs tap into the creative talents of young people with a focus on leadership and team building. Academic enrichment program offers tutorial services, college preparation (act/sat prep) job readinessand vocational referral services. Pantry services: food and clothing are provided to members daily. Dinner is served each day at 5:30pm. 89% of our high school seniors graduated on time. We found housing placements for 98% of youth members who entered the program and reported that they were homeless. We assisted 70% of our graduating high school seniors in getting into colleges and universities locally and statewide. We saw an increase in school attendance among 68% of those school age students who attend the program. This represents a 5% overall decrease in absenteeism (truancy) as compared to the pre-program baseline data. 80% of the young adults enrolled in the program were linked to employment or vocational job training if they did not continue on to college.