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IOYS builds access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support.
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When Regina Dipadova founded Inside Out in 1990, it was in the heyday of Focus on the Family and Colorado Springs’ reputation as a city of hate. Dipadova recognized that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2+) youth in the Pikes Peak region are at highest risk in their peer group for various health-related problems, including drug and alcohol abuse, school drop-out, physical abuse, sexual abuse, homelessness, and suicide. To address the needs of the LGBTQIA2+ community Dipadova worked with the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment’s (EPCDHE) McMaster Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment to start the Inside Out Program for LGBTQIA2+ youth.
The program offered support and recreational activities for LGBTQIA2+ youth as well as counseling for drug and alcohol problems. In September 1995, the Board of Inside Out was formed and began to seek support for program expansion and an increase in services for LGBTQIA2+ youth as a 501(c)3 non-profit. In 1997 Inside Out Youth Services became a nonprofit and expanded their impact. Inside Out continues its work creating a safe space for LGBTQIA2+ youth and their allies, and promoting education and outreach into the El Paso County region.
Visits by 249 unique youth to our programs in 2020, including our in-person & digital programs.
Unique individuals served by our COVID-19 Direct Aid fund, receiving grocery deliveries, housing assistance, and medical support
Of Inside Out participants surveyed reported positive effects of our programs and services, including healthier relationships, stress management, and reduced usage of tobacco and other substances
community members trained by IOYS on how to provide safe space and talk to young people about topics like sexuality, marijuana, and depression. One trusted adult in a young person’s life can reduce their risk of suicide by 40%
therapy sessions provided in 2020. Therapy sessions are free for our youth to ensure they get access to the resources they need.
people reached through outreach programs about LGBTQIA2+ youth, including Medicaid providers, police officers, clinicians, teachers, students, parents, educators, and lawmakers
About 9 out of every 10 LGBTQIA2+ youth report experiencing bias-based bullying or harassment
Transgender youth are more than 5 times more likely to contemplate, attempt, or complete suicide than their peers
Of Inside Out youth are currently experiencing homelessness
– L., Age 13
Governor Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis speak to Inside Out’s mission and impact.
Download our 2020 annual report which shares our impact in detail and provides more about our youth and our supporters.
Read our most recent tax audit.
2021: Inside Out won the Mental Health and Wellness award
from Colorado Publishing House.
2020: Inside Out awarded Bronze for CS Indy Best of Colorado Springs Nonprofits category during 30-year anniversary
2020: The AIDS Coalition for Education Recognized Inside/Out Youth Services for Programs Making a Difference in Preventing HIV/AIDS
2019: CO State Proclamation in recognition of Ally Up!
2019: COS City Proclamation in recognition of Inside Out Youth Services
2018: Indy Inclusion Award: Legacy Award Winner
2016: Indy Inclusion Award
2015: El Paso County Public Health award for youth tobacco prevention
2014: Judy Shepard Family Values Award
2014: Organization of the Year COSPride Award
2011: The Steve and Dorothy Humanitarian Award
2008: Colorado Springs Assets for Youth
At Inside Out Youth Services, we are dedicated to providing quality programs and services to LGBTQIA2+ youth in Colorado Springs and the surrounding counties. Our wide range of offerings includes support groups, mentoring opportunities, educational workshops, and social activities, designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults at all stages of their journey.
At Inside Out Youth Services, we are dedicated to providing quality programs and services to LGBTQIA2+ youth in Colorado Springs and the surrounding counties. Our wide range of offerings includes support groups, mentoring opportunities, educational workshops, and social activities, designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults at all stages of their journey.
719-328-1056
223 N Wahsatch Ave, Suite 101
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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