Youth in Crisis: Building Hope and Belonging
Across Indiana, too many young people are struggling to survive—caught in the crosscurrents of poverty, rejection, food insecurity, and political hostility. For many, the pathway to stability is blocked by barriers they didn’t create: limited access to mental health care, family disconnection, and systems that fail to see their full humanity.
At Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), we are called to bring God’s love, justice, and liberation to the world and to affirm the dignity of every person. The Faith & Action Project extends that mission into the community—serving as a catalyst for action that moves people out of poverty. One of our Faith & Action grantees, IYG (formerly known as Indiana Youth Group) is living out this mission in powerful ways as they address the growing crisis facing LGBTQ+ young people (ages 12-24) across the state.
The Data Reveals Harsh Realities
The most recent Trevor Project 2025 Climate Report paints a sobering picture of the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face in Indiana:
- 43% of LGBTQ+ young people have seriously considered suicide—rising to 46% among trans youth.
- 97% say their wellbeing has been negatively impacted by recent political developments.
- 64% of youth aged 13–17 and 39% of those aged 18–24 have experienced bullying, either in person or online.
- 53% of those who wanted mental health care could not access it.
These numbers are more than statistics—they represent young lives in desperate need of hope, belonging, and opportunity.
A Safe Space for Youth in Crisis
The scale of this challenge has fueled IYG’s growth in recent years. Eight years ago, IYG operated out of a 1,500-square-foot space with a budget of $800,000 and a staff of seven. Today, the organization serves young people in five locations—Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Columbus, Northwest Indiana, and Evansville—supported by 40 staff members and a $6 million budget.
The demand for their services continues to rise. In 2024, visits increased by 88 percent, and this year they’re already up another 52 percent. Many of these young people arrive seeking safety, affirmation, and stability in a world that too often denies them all three.
With support from a Faith & Action Grant and other community partners, three years ago, IYG started a mental health program, with one therapist. Today they have 6 therapists, expanding its reach to help low-income LGBTQ+ young people navigate systems of care and access essential resources across the state. Many are attempting to rebuild their lives without critical identification or school records—documents sometimes withheld by parents as punishment or rejection. Without them, simple steps like enrolling in school, applying for jobs, or securing housing become nearly impossible, creating a direct line to poverty.
Lessons in Hope: IYG’s Approach
Through its Basic Needs Program and their housing program (project prism isn’t ours anymore), IYG has developed a holistic, community-centered approach to supporting young LGBTQ+ folks. Their experience offers important lessons for all of us working to reduce poverty and promote dignity:
- Holistic Support is Essential – Addressing poverty means meeting emotional, psychological, and practical needs.
- Cultural Relevance Builds Trust – Providing affirming, relevant resources ensures clients feel seen and respected.
- Flexibility Matters – Responding to changing political and social pressures keeps programs effective and compassionate.
- Belonging Heals – For young people estranged from families, finding community can be the first step out of poverty.
- Collaboration Amplifies Impact – By partnering across sectors, organizations like IYG extend their reach and deepen their collective impact.
How Congregations and Community Can Take Action
The lessons above show what’s possible when young people are met with dignity and care. Congregations and community members can help extend that hope even further, helping LGBTQ+ individuals not only survive—but thrive.
- Spread the Word – Share IYG’s mission and success stories through your networks, events, and communications. Amplifying their work helps reach young people who might not otherwise know where to turn for support.
- Be a Community Partner – Support IYG through community initiatives, events, and advocacy. Standing together helps create an environment where every LGBTQ+ person feels valued, seen, and safe.
- Commit to Provide a Safe and Affirming Environment – Foster spaces of welcome and belonging within your congregation, where all people experience the unconditional love of God.
“Every young person deserves to know they are worthy of love and belonging,” says Chris Paulsen, Executive Director of IYG. “It is an urgent need—and a shared calling—to build a future where that truth becomes real.”
Together, this season and beyond, we can make love and justice tangible for young people who need it most. Because love, when lived out, transforms lives.
