Resources

Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County’s original nonprofit hospice. Avow provides comfort, care, understanding and dignity to those who are seriously ill and their caregivers, as well as those mourning a loved one’s passing.

In 2017, Avow partnered with the GSN WeCare Committee, to conduct an eight-week LGBT bereavement support program. The program provides participants with a safe, compassionate environment to share thoughts and feelings, receive support and embrace hope and healing.

This year, Avow received a $15,000 grant from the LGBTQ Fund through the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to expand their LGBTQ programs. In addition to offering support services, Avow is providing education and outreach to elder care facilities, care givers and others concerning issues facing the LGBT community in need of eldercare or senior housing

Founded in 2017, the Center for Progress and Excellence Inc. provides comprehensive social and behavioral health services to the Southwest Florida region, in order to promote self-sufficiency and personal progress throughout the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation and economic status.

The Mobile Crisis Team

This team provides a rapid on call service. The team consists of mental health professionals. This effort will reduce barriers and provide on site assessment, timely coordination and appropriate services. By providing individuals with an on-call behavioral health intervention, it can significantly reduce unnecessary Baker acts and provide appropriate and timely assessment, intervention and engagement. A highly trained and specialized mobile crisis unit will assist in managing crisis situations in an effective, holistic and humane manner.

LGBT Transitional Home Many

LGBTQ youth have the added layer of trauma that comes with being rejected or mistreated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This transitional housing program will empower the young men and women with the tools needed to live independently. The importance of having a secure environment to call home can't be overstated. The unique transitional housing model will encourage the growth of independent, positive and productive adult community members.

Collier Freedom is a grassroots organization located in Naples Florida. The mission is to create an inclusive community regardless of race, nationality, faith or sexual orientation for a common vision of freedom, equality and social justice.

Based in Southwest Florida, the David Lawrence Center is a not-for-profit, leading provider of behavioral health solutions dedicated to inspiring and creating life-changing wellness for every individual. The Center provides innovative, comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based prevention and treatment services for children and adults who experience mental health, emotional, psychological and substance abuse challenges.

Equality Florida consists of two organizations - Equality Florida Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) educational charity and Equality Florida Action, Inc., a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. Together, these organizations form the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and lobbying, they are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The members of this 501(c)(3) organization share a common interest in automobiles. All years of make/model/condition are welcome to join Flamingo Auto Group Gulf Coast Chapter of Lambda Car Club International.

The primary purpose of this organization is to raise social awareness and bring together all people of Florida Gulf Coast University, and the surrounding community. It is a safe forum for discussion for all those who are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender. It is a network of individuals who meet weekly in order to promote activism, awareness, diversity and fun.

Since 1994, the Gay Social Network has provided SW Florida’s gays and lesbians with a neighborly outlet for making friends and socializing. Their activities include monthly socials, often at private clubhouses; weekly cocktail hour at local establishments; dining at the area’s fine restaurants; and bowling for our sports fans.