GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave.

Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Business Plan & Budget Fiscal Year 2011-2012

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Table of Contents
Executive Business Summary .. 3 Strategic Plan 3 Demographics ... 3 Situation Analysis (SWOT) ..... 4 Mission .. 5 Vision . 5 Objectives .. 5 Keys to Success . 5 Programs/Services 5 Community Partnerships . 7 Marketing Strategy .. 8 Public Advocacy/Media Visibility ... 9 Fundraising Strategy 9 Special Events/Outreach .. 10 Personnel Plan .. 10 Important Assumptions ... 11 Executive Director/Founder 11 Internet Links 12 Budget . 13

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Executive Business Summary
Founded in November 2009, GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity located in Huntsville, Alabama. The corporation is registered with the Alabama Secretary of State. Our EIN is 27-1361495. The agency is governed by a board of directors. Corporate information, including our taxexempt application, Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, IRS tax exempt determination letter, and other information, may be viewed on our website at GLBTAYS.org. The agency maintains office space at 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15. This space is provided by the AIDS Action Coalition. We are a member of the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless and the Alabama Association of Non-profits. We are an agency that values all people, regardless of circumstances such as economic, social, or political status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Although we have a specific connection to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community, our support groups, services to prevent homelessness, and community events are open to individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. During our first year and a half, services were provided with revenue of approximately $3000 and the support of committed volunteers. James Robinson, the founder and executive director, has served in a volunteer position since establishing the agency. It is critical to the success of our mission and the continuation of services already being provided that funding be secured to create paid positions for the executive director and other staff.

Strategic Plan
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services strives to provide support services and raise awareness about issues specific to GLBT youth. This mission is accomplished through the administration of peer support groups, use of social media, and cultivation of a united voice on issues such as bullying, AIDS/HIV infection, drug abuse, suicide, homelessness, and the sexual exploitation of youth. We advocate on behalf of the GLBT community by speaking publicly at local universities and utilizing local television news and print media. Thousands of people are reached through the extensive use of social media via the Internet. In order to facilitate the development of supported transitional independent living services and mentoring programs for youth and young adults, the agency is developing collaborative relationships with other community service organizations, religious organizations, and local businesses. We plan to offer free and low-cost counseling services with professional therapists who are supportive of individuals who face rejection and oppression because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Demographics
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services works to meet community needs in the Huntsville metropolitan area. The Huntsville metropolitan area includes Madison and Limestone counties and is currently the second largest metropolitan area in Alabama, with an estimated population of 395,645.

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Situation Analysis (SWOT) Strengths
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services is the only program of its type in the region. The Huntsville metropolitan area is experiencing economic growth and development. We have a strong volunteer base connected to the program through personal experiences. The agency has developed national exposure through extensive use of social media. We are forming collaborative relationships with other organizations. The Executive Directors Advisory Committee is composed of individuals connected to other community organizations. Spirit of the Cross Church directly ministers to the GLBT community and provides GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services with facilities for support groups and other functions. We have contacts in the local television, radio, and print media.

Weaknesses
The GLBT community is not strong and vibrant in the region which limits access to information regarding programs affecting the local GLBT community. The lack of convenient and extensive public transportation in Huntsville/Madison County limits access to services, employment, and educational opportunities. Youth under the age of 18 must be reported to the Department of Human Resources if homeless, limiting the provision of supportive services to this population by organizations such as GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services. Limited access to information and support services for youth who may have questions about their sexual orientation or gender identity. A lack of local awareness campaigns which educate the public in issues facing youth which contribute homelessness and the need for extensive support services.

Opportunities
As the only organization of this type in the region, we are able to offer services that are not duplicated. Local universities and colleges offer the opportunity for students to serve as interns. Speaking engagements provide opportunities to advocate for the community and educate on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues, as well as issues such as homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. We are developing collaborative relationships with organizations to reduce the possible duplication of services. We have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of a healthy GLBT community. We have the opportunity to reduce homophobia and intolerance by being an example of a socially responsible organization.

Threats
Economic downturns which could have a negative impact on funding.

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Mission
The mission of GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services is to engage in effective advocacy for GLBT people. We are committed to ensuring the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of youth and young adults struggling due to sexual orientation or gender identity issues.

Vision
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services envisions a community free of sexual exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, bullying and harassment, homelessness, and suicide. We envision a community where social skills, continuing education, and employment are emphasized as vital keys to personal success and are available on a non-discriminatory basis. We envision a community free of prejudice, discrimination, and the fear of personal attacks and other forms of violence and hatred. We envision a community where the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people are priorities.

Objectives
To provide support to at-risk youth who struggle with homelessness by contributing to a community where young people can focus on education and the development of social skills and job skills. To provide support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth who are struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity or with situations resulting from revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity to others, including school victimization. To provide support to youth and young adults who are living with HIV. To prevent and end situations that lead to the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and the sexual exploitation of youth. To support the development of gay-straight alliances and similar organizations in our public schools. To advocate for the GLBT community.

Keys to Success A progressive and flexible vision for the improvement of our community.
The continued support of an active and diligent board of directors. The continued development of community partnerships. The continued support of volunteers. Successful, sustainable fundraising. Continued adherence to high ethical and professional standards.

Programs/Services
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services offers a variety of free support groups for the community. These include: A weekly group for GLBT youth and their supportive friends, 18 and under, which also serves as a drop-in center for the program each Monday night. A group for college-aged and young adults the first and third Thursdays of each month. A monthly group for the transgender community held in conjunction with the North Alabama Gender Center. 5

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
These support groups are currently hosted by Spirit of the Cross Church. Spirit of the Cross generously donates use of its building seven nights each month. Agency support groups are monitored and maintained by volunteers. Program volunteers complete an orientation process, including a background check. We are working to develop services in conjunction with the AIDS Action Coalition (AAC) to support young people living with HIV. The AAC currently has approximately 37 clients, ages 18-24. Many of these clients do not consistently keep their medical appointments, and they do not usually attend the support group provided by the AAC. We are working to develop a peer mentoring program where volunteers will be matched with clients who agree to participate in the program. Mentors will provide support and encouragement outside of the clients usual social circle. Goals of this program include the improvement of appointment and medication adherence practices. This support will improve the quality of life of these clients and could be life-saving because adherence to medication is essential to the long-term successful treatment of HIV infection. By increasing adherence to medication this support will also help reduce the threat of the spread of HIV between this population and uninfected individuals. Implementation of Mentoring Program The implementation of this mentoring program is taking place in several stages, which include: 1. Consultation with the AAC Executive Director to discuss the need for the program and a possible collaborative effort to provide this service. (Completed successfully) 2. Consultation with the social work staff at the AAC to determine the number of potential clients that might be interested in participating in the program. (Completed successfully) 3. Collaboration with the social work staff to develop a survey to locate interested clients and determine their specific needs. (Completed successfully) 4. Establish an agreement with the AAC for GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc., to provide the service. (Completed successfully) 5. Recruit potential mentor volunteers. (On-going) 6. Develop a training program for mentor volunteers. 7. Provide an initial orientation and training to mentor volunteers. 8. Meet individually with participants to inform them of the guidelines and expectations of the program. 9. Match mentor volunteers with clients. 10. Provide on-going monitoring of the program, including volunteer recruitment and training. We are also developing programs to provide supported transitional independent living services to young adults 18 and older. These services will not be limited to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender but will be offered to anyone meeting the program's requirements. We recognize the need to provide services to all young people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity because there is a scarcity of programs addressing homelessness in young adults in this region. The first component of this programming is a host home program. The Executive Director's Advisory Committee is designed to assist in the development of this program and to insure that the program is a community effort. Partnerships with other organizations are essential to the long-term success of this program. 6

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Implementation of Host Home Program The implementation of the host home program is taking place in several stages, which include: 1. Development of a working relationship with an agency where a similar program is currently being used effectively. In this case, the program is the GLBT Host Home Program of Avenues for Homeless Youth in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Completed successfully) 2. Attendance at a session of the training that the GLBT Host Home Program provides to its volunteers. This training was held June 11-12, 2011, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Competed successfully) 3. Development of an advisory committee whose membership is representative of organizations and individuals who are interested in the success of this program and who may serve as referral sources. (On-going) 4. Sponsor a community discussion about youth homelessness to gain an idea of the level of support from other organizations. This meeting was held at United Way of Madison County on June 29, 2011. Five people were added to the Advisory Committee after the meeting. (Completed successfully) 5. Promotion of the program in the community to locate potential volunteers who will serve as host homes. (On-going) 6. Development and implementation of a comprehensive training orientation for host home volunteers. 7. Securing of referral agreements and educate referral sources regarding the requirements for their participation in the program including their on-going responsibilities with the youth they refer to the program. 8. Development of a referral base of youth who match program eligibility criteria. 9. Matching of eligible youth with host homes. 10. Supervision of the host home program by maintaining relationships with referral sources, and continued volunteer recruitment and training. In addition to a host home program, our vision includes the development of a supported transitional independent living program for young adults, utilizing apartments.

Community Partnerships
We have sponsored a variety of community events designed to bring awareness to issues affecting the GLBT community and to provide support for youth and young adults. Our community partnerships include co-sponsored and supported events with: The UAHuntsville Gay-Straight Alliance Spirit of the Cross Church The AIDS Action Coalition United Way of Madison County The Executive Directors Advisory Committee currently has members representing: United Way of Madison County The AIDS Action Coalition Grateful Life Community Church Family Services Center 7

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
PFLAG-Huntsville The UAHuntsville Gay-Straight Alliance Spirit of the Cross Church The Pathfinder, Inc. Interested community members and GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services program volunteers

Marketing Strategy
We utilize a variety of marketing strategies that are instrumental to the successful promotion of our programs and services. In addition to traditional marketing avenues such as city-wide publications and news broadcasts, we utilize internet marketing and social media websites and campaigns. Local Television News Board members and program volunteers have been interviewed by local news stations on matters related to the GLBT community. Publications The agencys support groups are listed monthly in The Huntsville Times section dedicated to community support groups. We have had several articles that depict our programs, services, and achievements featured in GAYBHAMs publication NOISE Magazine. This publication has a monthly distribution of 3000 copies throughout Alabama and northern Florida. On July 5, 2011, an article by James Robinson was published online by The New Civil Rights Movement. Website and Social Media Sites The agency maintains an agency website at GLBTAYS.org. The agency also utilizes social networking media including Scribd, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Contests to Promote Agency In March 2011, James Robinson was named one of five winners in the first Launch Pad contest sponsored online by Civic Ventures, Inc., as part of their Encore Careers program. This contest is designed to recognize five ideas and five people who are transforming five communities. Mr. Robinsons project to support homeless GLBTQ youth in Alabama received thousands of votes from supporters to become one of the five winners. During June 2011, the agency participated in Vivint Gives Back, where it placed in the top 10% of programs in the central region of the country. The agency has two nominations in the 2011 Classy Awards. These contests have increased the visibility of the agency and our community.

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Public Advocacy/Media Visibility
Board members James Robinson, Elizabeth Crankshaw, Richard Barham, and Mario Burton have been guest speakers at: The University of Alabama in Huntsville Oakwood University Alabama A&M University James Robinson and the agency have been featured in television interviews and written articles with: WHNT-19 WAFF-48 WAAY-31 The Huntsville Times NOISE Magazine The New Civil Rights Movement In March 2010, Elizabeth Crankshaw was featured in a televised interview on: CNN.

Fundraising Strategy
Our fundraising strategy consists of community fundraisers, online opportunities for individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and in-kind donations. We will build funding support from businesses and private donors in the community at an aggressive rate of growth. This is necessary to continue program services that are already in place and to establish additional programs and services. The primary expenditures of the agency are for the supervision and support of the program's support groups and planned supported transitional independent living programs. This includes the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers and program activities for youth and young adults. Community fundraisers The agency has held five Village Blend fund raising and entertainment venues. Past events have included: The Village Blend Cafe (January 2010) The Village Blend Concert/Poetry Slam (April 2010) The Village Blend Summer Family Concert (August 2010) The Village Blend Halloween Masquerade (October 2010) The Village Blend Concert/Poetry Slam (January 2011) Beginning in 2012, the agency plans to participate in: The Combined Federal Campaign Online donation opportunities The agency maintains online donation sites on: Crowdrise GuideStar Great Nonprofits Facebook GLBTAYS.org To date, the agency has raised $1079.19 from online donations. 9

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Grant opportunities The agency will explore funding opportunities with businesses and foundations such as: The Jane K. Lowe Charitable Foundation The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County Healthy People 2020 Community Innovations Project The C. S. Mott Foundation United Way community grants Target BBVA Compass Foundation The Verizon Foundation Delta Airlines The DEKKO Foundation Other opportunities through the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless In-kind donations: With the help of friends in the community and volunteers, we have been able to operate primarily on in-kind donations during the first year-and-a-half of operation. However, relying primarily on in-kind donations is no longer feasible, as we seek to expand programming. Corporate sponsorships The agency will seek corporation sponsorships to include in-kind donations and grants. Businesses will be encouraged to participate in fundraising events that take place throughout the year.

Special Events/Outreach
Since January 2010, the agency has: Sponsored five Village Blend events Co-hosted a GLBT Community Organization Expo Co-hosted two drag parties to recognize International Drag Day (2010 and 2011) Organized a candlelight vigil in memory of those who committed suicide after being harassed due to their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity Co-hosted a letter writing party in support of funding for Alabamas government-sponsored AIDS/HIV programs Participated in a candlelight vigil to recognize World AIDS Day

Personnel Plan
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services' management team consists of a board of directors and the agency's executive director. A team of professional program and fundraising staff will be developed. We anticipate having the following staff members during the first 5 years of operation: Executive Director Development Director Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Student interns A professional therapist or funds to support therapy on a contractual basis 10

GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Important Assumptions
We assume a continued need for services for at-risk youth and young adults. We assume a continuation of the current broad community support of volunteers. We assume broad on-going partnerships with other community service organizations. We assume sustainable funding.

Executive Director/Founder
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc., was founded by James Robinson. He is currently the program's executive director. GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services was established after he began a personal search for deeper meaning in his life. After surviving years of drug abuse, he recognized that his struggle lay in the fact that he was living a partially closeted life as a gay man. People say that "the closet kills," and James was slowly killing himself through drug abuse. Recognizing a greater purpose in his life, he set out to support youth and young adults who are struggling with issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mr. Robinson knows that many of these youth face rejection by their families and homelessness. He talked with friends and found support in the community and GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc., was formed. Mr. Robinsons qualifications include: Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Auburn University Master of Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Professional experience: Academic instructor at Bradford-Parkside, an alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility for adolescents; child care worker for adolescents at the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch, the Harris Home for Children, and the United Methodist Children's Home; resident manager and instructor at the Horizon's Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and special education teacher with several school systems in Alabama and Georgia. Volunteer experience: Leadership positions with The Jefferson/Shelby County Child Abuse Task Force, The American Federation of Teachers Jefferson County, Alabama, and GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc.

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GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Internet Links
Website and Social Media www.glbtays.org https://www.facebook.com/GLBTAYS http://www.scribd.com/jrobinson_89394 http://twitter.com/#!/JamesRobinson63 You may find us on LinkedIn by searching for James Robinson, Executive Director. Online Donation Sites Crowdrise: http://www.crowdrise.com/glbtays GuideStar: http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/27-1361495/glbt-advocacy-youth-services.aspx Great Nonprofits: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/profile2/glbt-advocacy-youth-services-inc Facebook: http://www.causes.com/glbtays Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/causes/beneficiaries/85590/profile GLBTAYS.org: http://www.glbtays.org/donate.html Civic Ventures Encore Careers Launch Pad Contest http://launchpad.encore.org/ GLBT Host Home Program at Avenues for Homeless Youth Minneapolis, Minnesota http://www.avenuesforyouth.org/programs-glbthosthome.html The New Civil Rights Movement, July 5, 2011 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/advocacy-a-vision-for-the-glbt-community-in-the-heart-ofdixie/news/2011/07/05/23129?awesm=fbshare.me_AcaK5&utm_campaign&utm_medium=fbshare.me -facebook-post&utm_source=direct-fbshare.me&utm_content=fbshare-js-large

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GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. 600 St. Clair Ave. Building 7 Suite 15 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Projected Budget Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Revenue Individual donations Corporate, Business contributions Foundation Grants Special Events Rent, Utilities, Internet Total Revenue Expenses Salaries Full & Part-time FICA 6.20% Medicare 1.45% Benefits Contract Therapy (48 sessions @ 50.00 each) Rent (Utilities, Internet, Office space 400 / month @ 12 AAC*) Rent (Support group 25 / meeting @ 24 SOTC*) Rent (Support group 48 / meeting @ The Studio) Phone Board Insurance Fundraising Support Group Food & Supplies Transportation Reimbursement Professional Organization Membership Fees Advertising Office Supplies, Printing, Postage Emergency Financial Assistance Housing & Utilities Volunteer Training Mentor program Miscellaneous Total Expenses *AAC = AIDS Action Coalition *SOTC = Spirit of the Cross Church

5,000.00 17,000.00 50,000.00 2,325.00 6,600.00 80,925.00

In Kind

52,498.00 3,255.00 762 2,400.00 2,400.00 4,800.00 600.00 1,200.00 540 500 500 300 1,750.00 400 800 300 4,000.00 1,500.00 1,920.00 500 80,925.00

In Kind In Kind In Kind

* Approved July 27, 2011.

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