Community
Care
Sarasota’s support scene
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
Sarasota is known for its beautiful
beaches, attractive art scene and
nuanced nightlife, but its allure
also lies in its network of support for the
LGBTQ community.
» ALSO Youth
alsoyouth.org
1470 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Local leaders and advocates formed ALSO
Youth in 1992 with organizations like PFLAG,
Planned Parenthood and YMCA Youth and
Family Services. It exists today to provide
Advocacy, Leadership, Support and Outreach to
LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.
The nonprofit provides peer support
services, educational programs, advocacy and
referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,
intersex and questioning youth ages 13 to 21,
their families and friends, and the community.
ALSO Youth does so to enhance self-esteem,
promote healthy dialogue and increase
awareness of sexual minority youth issues.
» CAN Community Health
cancommunityhealth.org/sarasota
1231 N. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
CAN Community Health owns and operates
29 medical clinics, with two nonprofit clinics
located in Sarasota. The organization has
been serving the HIV community in Florida
and southern part of the country since 1991.
It frequently offers education, assistance
and support to other LGBTQ community
organizations.
Its mission is to provide a continuum of
medical, social and education services essential
to the health and well-being of those living with
HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted or other
diseases and to enhance public awareness.
» The Friendship Centers
friendshipcenters.org
1888 Brother Geenen Way,
Sarasota, Florida 34236
The Friendship Centers is a nonprofit network
in Southwest Florida that aims to meet the
needs of those 50 and older. Since the 1970s,
the organization has developed innovative,
cost-effective approaches to address the
health and wellness of older adults.
The organization currently hosts multiple
LGBTQ support groups in an effort to
build community in a supportive setting.
Participants determine topics based on current
interests with a commitment to fostering
greater understanding and fun.
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/alsoyouth.org
/sarasota
/friendshipcenters.org