Kohl’s Cares awards $10K to GLSEN NY Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. >> Kohl’s Cares recently awarded GLSEN New York Capital Region $10,000 to further support their mission to ensure every LGBTQ+ K-12 youth are protected, supported, and empowered in their schools.

The grant will directly financially support GLSEN New York Capital Region’s professional development training, SHINE Youth Leadership program’s events including but not limited to a Winter Ball and Breaking The Silence Rally and Dance, and the chapter’s annual Queer Straight Alliance Camp in May. GLSEN New York Capital Region is a volunteer-based non-profit that supports LGBTQ+ K-12 students in the eight surrounding counties that encompass the Capital Region.

“For over a decade, our GLSEN chapter has worked on the ground to ensure our LGBTQ+ K-12 youth are supported, protected, and empowered in their schools,” CoChair and Public Policy Coordinator of GLSEN New York Capital Region Christina Romeo said in a news release. “And, for the past five years, local Kohl’s employees have volunteered in our programs and have helped us actualize our mission. In fact, some have even been through our programming themselves when they were in grade school.

“The history behind this partnership further validates that we are building an infrastructure in the Capital Region of LGBTQ+ youth to confident adults that know their voice and their lives matter in a world that often want to silence them. This grant will further support our efforts to mold and uplift this generation of bold, brave, and outspoken LGBTQ+ youth for generations to come.”

“Truly fuel for the passion of our work and, more importantly, affirmation for our purpose,” CoChair of GLSEN New York Capital Region Teri Wilhelm said in the release. “There is growing respect for the value of our mission to create and maintain safe, equitable and inclusive schools regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.

“Kohl’s commitment substantiates that tireless effort; the faithful dedication of our board and volunteers who help foster meaningful, undeniable change to our community, who uplift, center and guide youth leadership, in

spiring the next generation of our better selves.”

Kohl’s grant to GLSEN New York Capital Region was made through Kohl’s National Giving Program, which awards more than $3 million in grants annually to nonprofits with a mission to support health and wellness for families. The donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to support happier and healthier communities nationwide.