Youth Outlook’s Post

View organization page for Youth Outlook, graphic

919 followers

We are continuing our Dare to Dream Award Winner features with our Excellence in Service Award, which this year goes out to Matt Appleman! Matt Appleman is a force. He is always happy and his laugh is infectious! When PFLAG Sauk Valley started talking about doing something to support youth in our community, Matt was on the board, and he was a strong Youth Outlook advocate. He, along with the other board members, donated $20 a month (each) to get Youth Outlook's down payment together, and he was one of a handful who got trained to be a volunteer for our pilot test program in October 2011 and thus is among the very first volunteers for the Sterling location. In addition to his valuable time, he has invested supplies and ingredients for his popular Pizza Making Night activity. He purchased several giant blow up 'hamster balls' for our shared use with a recovery group that he started. They reside at our group and the kids love them when we pull them out. Matt has been a rock for as long as the Sterling site has been running. He is always willing to help out our community in whatever capacity he can. His salon, Rogue Salon, gets lots of local foot traffic, and he posts fliers about Youth Outlook’s programs, so kids going by know they are supported. He always is on the lookout for youth who might need Youth Outlook, and makes sure the info is available. Dixon youth that find him know his business is a safe place if/when needed. When asked about Matt Appleman, our youth said “he unlocks our joy” and described him as “who I want to be when I grow up”, among many other glowing accolades about his style, wit, and reliability. Thank you, Matt, for your years of commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ youth in Sterling and beyond know that they are, and will always be, Safe, Supported, and Celebrated. Congratulations on earning this honor! #PeaceLoveDareToDream #DareToDream2024 #RainbowRevolution

  • No alternative text description for this image

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics