'Encircle' facility aims to help LGBT youths, families in Provo

PROVO — With concerns over higher-than-average suicide rates among LGBT youths in Utah, a new community project is hoping to not only save lives but to bring families back together.

Walking through the recently renovated home at 91 W. 200 South in Provo Monday was a dream come true for founder Stephenie Larsen. It's a place she calls Encircle, to help bridge understanding for gay teens and their families.

Larsen said her idea for Encircle came after "just hearing too many stories of people who didn't have resources, who weren't knowing how to support their children … (and) friends who have gay children, or just knowing gay individuals."

With cash donations, volunteer labor and furnishings donated from members of the community, as well as artwork painted especially for the home, Larsen believes Encircle will be a place where gay individuals always feel they belong.

"If someone wants to walk in, they can feel like they're at home," she said. "That's why we purchased a home, is to create an environment that is loving and safe when these kids often don't feel safe."

But Encircle is also a resource center for parents and support groups, with counseling and therapists available.

"We hope to support families who are navigating what can be very difficult times when one of their children comes out to them as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender," Larsen said.

Food in the kitchen will help new guests before they begin what can often be a difficult conversation.

"We want these kids to feel love and support," Larsen said, "and we believe they are an incredible group and we hope we can help them along the path to be all they can be."

Encircle officially opens Wednesday with working hours of 3 to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

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