This is the first time our Gala will be held in person in four years! While our 2021 and 2022 virtual Galas were incredibly successful, raising $200,000 for Safe Homes, we cannot begin to express how excited we are to be in person again. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make our virtual Galas so successful and are excited to return to the AC Marriott in Worcester on April 14th. This year’s event is themed “Creating a Beautiful Future”, showcasing the many ways in which the arts allow for deeper self-expression and exploration, especially among the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Safe Homes Gala and People of Courage Awards helps provide youth with a place where they can explore and embrace their identity and be accepted just as they are. For more than 25 years, Safe Homes has been that place.

Safe Homes offers educational programming, leadership training, free mental health counseling, referrals, recreational activities and emergency supports. Despite the challenges of the past few years, Safe Homes has continued to grow and now reaches youth in the Greater Worcester area through Safe Homes Worcester, as well as in North County with Safe Homes North at Fitchburg State University. The program also has an online presence, fostering an online community of youth who prefer to connect virtually, or who are unable to attend due to location or transportation challenges. Opened in 2022, the Transgender Resource Center at Safe Homes Worcester provides a boutique style experience for trans-identifying individuals to access gender affirming clothing and supplies, as well as peer support and counseling.