CHOY Holds Training on Working With LGBTQIA Clients

On Friday, October 11th, 2024, to mark National Coming Out Day, Children’s Home of York presented “The Full Picture of Me: Working with LGBTQIA Clients.” Andrew Texter (Prevention Program Coordinator) developed the training under the guidance of Cecilia Keesey (Director of Programs), drawing from their combined 40+ years of experience in the mental health field and working with LGBTQIA clients.

Historically, LGBTQIA people faced barriers when accessing mental health. Providers have turned LGBTQIA clients away, made referrals to conversion therapy, and created hostile environments for LGBTQIA people. Unfortunately, these barriers still persist today. According to the 2022 PA LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment of York County residents completed by The Rainbow Rose Center, 58.0% of responders have experienced discrimination based on LGBTQ identity.

"The Full Picture of Me: working with LGBTQIA Clients" was attended by 20 professionals representing agencies across York County, including Children’s Home of York, the Community Progress Council, Leadership York, Children’s Advocacy Center, Bethany Christian Services, and WellSpan. Attendees delved into the components of sexual and gender identity and looked at how policy can be used to create safety for LGBTQIA clients. Attendees brainstormed and practiced strategies to better serve LGBTQIA clients.

“Delivering this training was so rewarding to me,” says Andrew Texter. “I came to Children’s Home of York because of their good reputation for working with all clients, especially LGBTQIA clients. It meant so much to me to see so many agencies come together from across York County to learn together and dialogue about what we need to do to make sure every client has access to the best possible care.”

Thank you to our community members who attended the training. If you wish to be notified of the next offering, please sign up for our email list at ChildrensHomeOfYork.org.