June 25, 2012 Hi Doug, I wanted to give you an UPDATE on some of the goings-on at Colors.

Right now, we have approximately 30 clients, some of whom are receiving family and couples counseling. We are beginning to work with some younger youth, including two 10-year-olds, who both came to Colors to seek support around being bullied at school. I have included below a photo of one the boys drawings on our whiteboard in the group therapy room I think his words just say it all and continue to inspire all of us in this work! The counselors working with the Colors youth who are still in school are advocating for the youth in their school settings, talking to administrators and school counselors about ways in which the schools can be safer places for them. The following are some of the projects that we have been continuing to work on: Establishing Colors as a host for a Dream Summer Intern and the new Dream Peer Counseling Project (a project developed by UCLA School of Social Work and the Dream Center at the Downtown Labor Center). Organizing on-site counseling at two different LAUSD high schools (Downtown Magnets High School and Miguel Contreras Learning Complex) Collaborating with three different high school GSAs and supporting the Southern California GSA Network Expanding the Colors library to include more LGBT Affirmative books, CDs, and DVDs

Participating in LGBT community coalitions such as Project SPIN, Connect to Protect Los Angeles, and Trans Service Providers Network. Continuing outreach to various schools, community organizations, mental health clinics, and resource fairs in order to build awareness and educate the community regarding LGBTQ issues and mental health. Let me know if you would like more information on any of these programs. Best, Cassie