*The Family Project*

We are excited to announce the official launching of The Family Project at the RU12? Community Center! The Family Project is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents and their children. 

We are grateful for our first grant to support this important work from the National Life Group Foundation, Inc. based in Montpelier, Vermont - thank you for your support!

As part of the Family Project, RU12? hosts regular family related events, social events for adults and children alike and educational/discussion nights with guest speaker experts on topics such as: starting a family, co-parenting and relationships, parenting, financial planning, foster parenting, adoption, infertility, legal issues and more. We offer child care during these evenings and refreshments are provided.

We want to hear from you about what topics you would like to come talk about and also what your ideas are for social events so email thecenter@ru12.org or give us a call at 802.860.7812!

RU12? also offers one-on-one support, resources or referrals to parents or hopeful parents via phone, email or in person.

The goal we hope to achieve through the Family Project is that LGBT families will have more access to information and resources to have the healthiest, happiest and most protected families they can and deserve to have. The educational sessions and social events will result in increased social support so adults, couples, and children feel less alone, more supported and therefore better about being themselves and being able to be open about their family. The social events with parents and children together will accomplish similar goals, for families to connect with others like them, for children to make friends with other children with similar backgrounds, to be able to share common experiences and of course to build community and have fun!

On January 17th 2010 we kicked off the project with a family social event at Pizza Put in South Burlington as a part of Winter Pride week. We began recruiting parents and families there to add to our growing mailing list of interested people. Our first educational discussion group night is March 10th from 6 - 7:30 pm here at 34 Elmwood Avenue. And plans are underway for our next social event on April 18th.

We hope to see you and your family at one of our events soon!