The New York City LGBT Community Center

From 2009 to 2011, The LGBT Community Center in New York City asked Strength in Numbers to evaluate the work of their Lesbian Cancer Initiative and Youth Enrichment Services (now called CenterYouth). When the LGBT Center in New York City decided to expand its substance abuse services in 2013 to emphasize more youth treatment options, the Chief Programs and Policy Officer commissioned a feasibility study for a treatment program and substance use services network from Strength in Numbers. SiNCG reviewed over 100 scholarly articles, conducted dozens of key informant interviews, three focus groups and nearly 200 surveys with LGBTQ youth who were at risk for or experiencing serious substance use problems. The findings of the study were used to leverage successful funding of the program, which continues to serve LGBTQ youth with serious substance use problems who would not otherwise be able to find services.