About

About Us

Population Served

The Laurel Foundation serves transgender / gender-diverse youth, and children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Purpose

The mission of The Laurel Foundation is to improve the well-being of transgender/gender-diverse youth, and children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS, through year-round mental health, social support, educational and youth development programs. Our programs empower the youth in a safe and trusting environment where they can live authentically.

History

The Laurel Foundation is a registered, non-profit organization founded in 1992 by Margot Andrew-Anderson to fill the urgent need for mental health and social support programs that cater to the physical and emotional needs of transgender / gender-diverse youth, and children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS.

Goals

The Laurel Foundation is a comprehensive provider of educational and support programs for children, youth and families living with HIV/AIDS, transgender youth and other at-risk youth populations. We serve over 500 low-income, at-risk participants annually.

The Laurel Foundation’s programs tackle the emotional and social challenges at-risk children and youth face by constructing environments that support the mental and physical welfare of the participants. Our programs give participants the tools to build self-sufficient, productive, healthy lives.

Health

To improve mental and physical health through various year round educational and support programs
Education

Educate youth on the consequences of at-risk behaviors while at the same time providing the knowledge on how to make healthy life choices

Life Skills

Develop the skills and qualities necessary to build an independent, successful, self-sufficient life path
Balance and Compasion

Introduce balance and compassion into participants lives by impelling them into experiences that show they can rise above the adversities they face, make more of their lives than they thought possible, and learn to serve others with their strength