Passing along this information on Bridging Voices, a program made available at no cost for youth 13-21 in Oregon, specifically in the Portland metro region.
Facebook @bridgingvoices
Instagram @bridgingvoicespdx
From: Cynara Blackwood <Cynara_Blackwood@washingtoncountyor.gov>
Date: Mon, Feb 12, 2024 at 10:58 PM
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Collaborative Discussion on Bridging Voices Program - Thank you!
To: Kelly Shelton <kshelton@ttsd.k12.or.us>, Kathy Wilson-Fey <kwilson-fey@ttsd.k12.or.us>
Cc: lyndsey.westgaard@bridgingvoices.org <lyndsey.westgaard@bridgingvoices.org>
Hi Kelly and Kathy,
Hope you both are doing well! I wanted to introduce you to Lyndsey Westgaard (cc’d here). She is the Executive Director for Bridging Voices (see the website link below). I had the opportunity to connect with Lyndsey about this amazing resource for all youth, including LGBTQ+ youth. This is a program made available at no cost for youth 13-21 in Oregon, specifically in the Portland metro region. They currently meet in Portland at a church building where they rent space for this group. The building is located right off the max line.
Lyndsey – Kelly is the Associate Director of Student Services and Kathy is the Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator for the Tigard-Tualatin School District. These folks are both amazing partners who brings much needed support and resources
to all Tigard-Tualatin School District students and families. Hope you all can connect and explore extending this opportunity to TTSD youth
As always, feel free to reach out if I can be of any support.
It was wonderful to meet you, Lyndsey, and learn about this amazing resource available for Washington county youth to have a safe place for connection and support.
In Partnership,
Cynara Blackwood, LPC · she/her/hers
SYSTEM OF CARE SUPERVISOR
503-846-3396 desk | 971-294-1374 cell | 503-846-4560 fax
From: Lyndsey Westgaard <lyndsey.westgaard@
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 4:34 PM
To: Cynara Blackwood <Cynara_Blackwood@
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Collaborative Discussion on Bridging Voices Program Growth - Thank you!
Cynara,
Thank you so much for meeting with me last week regarding potential collaboration between Bridging Voices and Washington County. It was wonderful to share information with you about the free program, which offers a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth
aged 13 to 21.
At
Bridging Voices, we welcome everyone, including lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer identified, enby individuals, and straight allies. It's a nurturing environment where LGBTQ+ members can thrive among like-minded peers and supportive allies. Our mission is
to combat homophobia and transphobia by promoting visibility and celebrating differences.
I'm excited about the prospect of joining forces with Washington County to expand our program's reach and impact. Your insights during our meeting have provided valuable direction as we pursue this collaboration.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to exploring further opportunities together and making a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in our community.
Warm regards,
Lyndsey Westgaard (she/her)
Executive Director, Bridging Voices
Facebook @bridgingvoices
Instagram @bridgingvoicespdx