Our Mission
JQY is a mental health organization that empowers Jewish queer teens and young adults to live healthy, joyful lives. Our work is grounded in our deep understanding of Jewish tradition and mental health best practices, enabling us to provide critical services and programs for at-risk youth from historically non-accepting communities. We save and improve lives by connecting youth to one another, to providers and relevant resources, and to opportunities to see themselves and their futures.
LGBTQ youth from Orthodox, Chasidic, and Sephardic communities often feel alone, isolated, and silenced; many are forced to choose between remaining in the closet or leaving their faith.
We address the unique needs of our members through social and support programming and advocacy and education efforts. JQY continues to build a community where individuals can come together to both confront their challenges and celebrate their triumphs.
JQY is a place where every person is valued and cherished. We celebrate the uniqueness, resilience, and strength of each of our members, and through our programming, individuals begin to understand ways in which their Jewish and LGBTQ identities can coexist. With JQY, each individual comes to recognize and appreciate the beauty of their own light.
JQY is a place where every person is empowered to shine their brightest.