Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Brands Launch New Product Collaboration Benefitting The Trevor Project

April 21, 2020

Exclusive products will be available from Williams Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation and Mark & Graham

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) brands Williams Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation and Mark & Graham announced the launch of a new product partnership with The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) young people. The organization provides support to LGBTQ youth through free and confidential crisis services: its phone lifeline, chat, and text programs.  

“Our family of brands continues to unite to support charitable causes that matter to our employees, customers and the communities we serve,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “We look forward to raising funds and awareness of The Trevor Project’s mission and life-saving services.”

“We are committed to developing products that give back to our community and allow our customers the opportunity to support charitable causes with their purchases,” said Ryan Ross, President of Williams Sonoma. “Our company values diversity and inclusion, and we are proud to partner with The Trevor Project whose work continues to be so important to LGBTQ young people across the country.”  

“We’re so excited for LGBTQ young people to recognize these products as they become mainstays in accepting, supportive homes across the country,” said Muneer Panjwani, Head of Corporate Development for The Trevor Project. “By activating its brands together, Williams- Sonoma, Inc. is sending a powerful message to LGBTQ young people about the importance of mental health. We’re thrilled they’ve chosen to highlight and support The Trevor Project’s mission.” 

Products developed for each brand benefiting The Trevor Project include: 

  • Williams Sonoma: 
    • The Trevor Project Heart Mugs, $14.95
      • A rainbow heart design that includes the phrase “Open Mind, Open Heart”
    • The Trevor Project Star Mugs, $14.95
      • Welcome all the colors of the rainbow with vibrant star mugs that feature the phrase “Your Future is Bright” 
    • The Trevor Project Heart Spatula, $14.95, 
      • A smooth silicone spatula featuring a colorful heart on the front and a paintbrush-style beachwood handle
    • The Trevor Project Candle, $24.95
      • A guava-scented and comes in a white ceramic holder, decorated with a rainbow-colored heart
  • West Elm: 
    • The Trevor Project Heart Mugs, $14.95
      • Celebrate all the colors of the rainbow with vibrant star mugs that feature the phrase “Your Future is Bright” 
    • The Trevor Project Star Mugs, $14.95
      • A rainbow heart with an embossed “Open Mind, Open Heart”
  • Pottery Barn: 
    • The Trevor Project Catchall, $19.50
      • An inclusive catchall featuring a playful rainbow heart, highlighted by gold border
    • The Trevor Project Mug, $14.50
      • A playful rainbow heart design, complemented with gold mug rim
  • Pottery Barn Teen:
    • The Trevor Project Heart Mugs, $14.95
      • A rainbow heart design that includes the phrase “Open Mind, Open Heart”
  • Rejuvenation:
    • The Trevor Project Leather & Canvas Tote Bag, $159.00
      • A leather & canvas tote bag made by Steele Canvas
  • Mark & Graham:
    • The Trevor Project Catchalls, $19.00-$25.00
      • Monogrammed ceramic catchalls, featuring a vibrant rainbow and gold stripe print

For more information about each brand’s collaboration with The Trevor Project collection, please visit: 

About Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. These products, representing distinct merchandise strategies — Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham — are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs and retail stores. These brands are also part of The Key Rewards, our free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, offer international shipping to customers worldwide, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico and South Korea, as well as e-commerce websites in certain locations. In 2017, we acquired Outward, Inc., a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and décor industry.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
Vice President of Communications
212.695.8650 x407
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Releases New Report on Implications of Covid-19 on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health

April 3, 2020

LGBTQ youth need social, economic, and mental health support during these unprecedented times.

TODAY, The Trevor Project released a new research report on the ways in which LGBTQ youth may be particularly vulnerable to negative mental health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Completed by Amy Green, PhD., the organization’s Director of Research, the report outlines ways that physical distancing, economic strain, and increased anxiety related to COVID-19 may impact LGBTQ youth and explains how The Trevor Project and others can work to support LGBTQ youth during this time.

Over the last two weeks, The Trevor Project has experienced an increase in crisis contact volume from LGBTQ youth reaching out for support. In preparation for COVID-19, The Trevor Project underwent a rapid, massive tech transformation to move its physical Lifeline call centers in NYC and LA to completely remote operations to ensure crisis services remained 24/7 and uninterrupted.

Statement from Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project:

“LGBTQ youth already face increased risk of anxiety and suicide and disproportionate rates of unemployment and unstable housing. The COVID-19 global pandemic has the potential to exacerbate these ongoing concerns and to create new, unique problems for LGBTQ youth. At The Trevor Project, we know that positive social connections are vital for suicide prevention and we are hearing from an increased number of LGBTQ young people who no longer have access to their usual support systems. Some LGBTQ young people have even been forced to confine themselves in unsupportive or abusive environments.

“It’s critical to remember that physical distancing does not have to mean social isolation. We’re telling LGBTQ youth: Do all you can to stay connected with your friends, family, or chosen family. If you have access, try using the Internet to contact loved ones or to find affirming community online, like on TrevorSpace. Focus on your mental health and set aside time for self-care. And if you’re ever feeling hopeless, please call, chat, or text The Trevor Project. Our trained counselors are here for you 24/7. You are not alone.”

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ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.


MEDIA CONTACT

Rob Todaro
The Trevor Project
212.695.8650 x403
[email protected]

PUMA and The Trevor Project Partner to Support & Promote LGBTQ Inclusivity in Athletic Environments

February 3, 2020

PUMA Pledges $1 Million to The Trevor Project in Support of LGBTQ Youth Athletes’ Mental Health

New York City and Boston — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, today announced global sports company PUMA will donate $1 million over three years to the organization. The donation will help the more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people estimated to seriously consider suicide annually in the United States, by supporting LGBTQ-inclusive environments in athletic facilities, as well as foster positive mental health outcomes for young LGBTQ athletes.

As part of PUMA’s $1 million donation, The Trevor Project will develop and provide comprehensive educational resources that focus on LGBTQ mental health and intersectional inclusivity in sports. The donation also will advocate for safe spaces that are supportive of gender identity and sexual orientation, and strengthen mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth athletes.

“In our National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 71% of LGBTQ youth reported discrimination due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity — that discrimination extends into sports and athletics, and is one of the many reasons that LGBTQ young people in crisis reach out to The Trevor Project,” said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “We are grateful to PUMA for their partnership in raising awareness on the unique challenges that LGBTQ youth face in athletics and the correlating impact on their mental health, and for promoting The Trevor Project as an ongoing resource to young LGBTQ athletes across the country.”

In addition, PUMA will elevate The Trevor Project’s crisis services to its network of youth sports clubs, coaches, and sports professionals.

“At PUMA, we believe everyone who wants to play sports, can and should be a part of the game, which is why we are proud to support The Trevor Project and their efforts in the LGBTQ community,” said PUMA’s Global Director of Brand and Marketing Adam Petrick. “Together, over the next three years, we hope to create a lasting impact for LGBTQ young people and youth athletes whether it’s on the field or in the locker room.”

PUMA and The Trevor Project will also explore additional ways to collaborate and fundraise for the organization. For more information about The Trevor Project, visit www.thetrevorproject.org.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
Vice President of Communications
212.695.8650 x407
[email protected]

Ann Unger
Head of Marketing Communications
PUMA
[email protected]

Melissa Garbayo
Team Head, Public Relations, North America
PUMA
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Responds to 2018 CDC Data Release

January 30, 2020

Suicide rates increased by 2.5% from 2017 to 2018

TODAY, January 30th, the CDC released new data from its annual mortality and life expectancy report that shows the number of suicide deaths increased by 2.5 percent from 2017 to 2018, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach — including additional policies and investment in research and crisis services — to save lives from the preventable crisis of suicide. However, this new data does offer hope that suicide prevention efforts are making a difference: the increase in lives lost to suicide between 2017 and 2018 was half of what the increase was from the prior year.

The Trevor Project actively advocates for new suicide prevention policies from the top down, including working with the FCC to recognize LGBTQ youth as a high-risk population for suicide and on 988, the three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and working in several states to pass legislation that mandates local school districts implement suicide prevention policies using best practices from the Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention.

Statement from Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people:

“Suicide is an escalating public health crisis that demands urgent action. The CDC’s latest findings confirm that suicide rates have increased and further underscore the need for comprehensive prevention solutions, including additional specialized services for LGBTQ youth mental health. And while this new report is illuminating, there is still a clear need for improved data collection around LGBTQ individuals to better inform best practices. We also know from the CDC that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in particular are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Additionally, up to 50 percent of all transgender people have made a suicide attempt.

“The Trevor Project will continue to advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive policies and research to ensure that suicide prevention and crisis intervention programs nationwide are fully equipped to address the needs of high-risk populations. And our crisis services will always be available, 24/7 and for free, to let LGBTQ youth know that they are valued and never alone.”

In June 2019, The Trevor Project released the results of its inaugural National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The cross-sectional national survey of LGBTQ youth across the United States found that:

  • 39% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considered.
  • 71% of LGBTQ youth reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in the past year.
  • 87% of LGBTQ youth said it was important to them to reach out to a crisis intervention organization that focuses on LGBTQ youth.

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, contact The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at http://www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

MEDIA CONTACT

Rob Todaro
The Trevor Project
212.695.8650 x403
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Applauds Utah for Becoming the 19th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy

January 22, 2020

The new licensing rule protecting Utah youth from conversion therapy went into effect last night, after being announced by Governor Herbert in November.

YESTERDAY, January 21st, Utah became the 19th state to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy as an administrative rule went into effect late last night prohibiting licensed medical professionals from practicing the so-called therapy on minors. Utah now joins 18 other states, the District of Columbia, and dozens of cities and counties in restricting conversion therapy.

“The Trevor Project commends the State of Utah for taking bold action to protect thousands of LGBTQ young people in Utah from the discredited practice of conversion therapy. This is historic progress and further proof that protecting youth from this danger transcends regional or political divides,” said Casey Pick, Senior Fellow for Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project. “According to our national survey, five percent of LGBTQ youth reported being subjected to conversion therapy, and of those five percent, 42 percent reported a suicide attempt in the past year, more than twice the rate of their peers who did not report experiencing conversion therapy. Thank you to our friends at Equality Utah and all the local activists who tirelessly advocated for these protections that will work to save young LGBTQ lives in Utah.”

The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, released in June 2019 the results of its inaugural 2019 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health, including insights around conversion therapy. The cross-sectional national survey of LGBTQ youth across the United States found that:

  • 2 in 3 LGBTQ youth reported that someone tried to convince them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, with youth who have undergone conversion therapy more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who did not.
  • 42 percent of LGBTQ youth who underwent conversion therapy reported a suicide attempt in the past year.
  • 57 percent of transgender and non-binary youth who have undergone conversion therapy reported a suicide attempt in the last year.

Conversion therapy is widely opposed by prominent professional medical associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, NCLR’s Born Perfect campaign, and Equality Utah, along with local advocates in support of these vital protections.

Learn more about reporting on conversion therapy.

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ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

MEDIA CONTACT

Rob Todaro
The Trevor Project
212.695.8650 x403
[email protected]

NY Lawmakers Introduce Student Suicide Prevention Act

January 17, 2020

New Mental Health Legislation To Prevent Teenage Suicide Would Provide School Staff And Students With Resources To Assist Students In Crisis And Prevent Suicide

CDC: In New York, 17.1% Of Students Seriously Considered Suicide And 10.1% Made Non-Fatal Suicide Attempts

NEW YORK CITY—Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) and Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) announced today the introduction of the Student Suicide Prevention Act (Lentol- A9032/Hoylman- S7138). This new legislation would require school districts to adopt a comprehensive policy on student suicide prevention, intervention, and support for the bereaved in tragic cases when a student takes their own life. These policies would equip school staff and students with the tools necessary to assist students in crisis in grades 7–12 and prevent suicide. The legislation also calls for the implementation of policies that specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, such as LGBTQ youth, youth experiencing homelessness, and those with mental health concerns and disabilities.

“Schools play an important role in the well-being of our youth and are uniquely positioned to promote the health and safety of students. This is why our schools must have policies and procedures in place to help students in crisis and prevent the tragedy of suicide. We must do more to put an emphasis on mental health treatment and suicide prevention. The Student Suicide Prevention Act will help to save lives, especially those who are high-risk, including LGBTQ and homeless youth. I thank Senator Hoylman for sponsoring this measure in the Senate, and I am proud to work with The Trevor Project on this important issue that will help save lives,” said Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol 

“There’s a mental health crisis happening in our schools: in recent years, nearly 4,500 kids visited an emergency department in New York for self-harm. We have a solemn responsibility to help these students — especially the students in high-risk groups, like LGBTQ youth,” said Senator Hoylman. “Our schools need resources and contingency plans to address mental health so staff and students are able to help students in crisis and prevent the tragic loss of life. I’m honored to be working with my colleague Assembly Member Lentol on this important issue, and grateful to The Trevor Project for their advocacy on behalf of at-risk youth.

“More than one-third of New York school districts currently do not have a suicide prevention policy and only two percent of identified existing policies specifically address LGBTQ youth, who are at a higher risk of suicide attempt compared to their peers. In the last year alone, The Trevor Project responded to over 6,000 calls/chats/texts from LGBTQ youth in New York who reached out for support,” said Sam Brinton (they/them), Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project. “School districts that adopt a comprehensive suicide prevention policy will be taking the first step in ensuring that teachers, students, and parents alike have direct resources through their schools to help students in crisis and prevent suicide. Thank you to Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Lentol for introducing this critical legislation that will save lives in New York.”

The bill uses best practices from the Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention, which includes, but is not limited to, requirements for teacher training, mental health instruction for students, and policies and procedures for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. The Model School Policy was created in consultation with suicide prevention experts at The Trevor Project, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association, and the National Association for School Psychologists, as a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy to be adopted at the state level. California, Nevada and Utah have all passed similar legislation that would require schools to have suicide prevention policies.

The CDC reports that in 2017 alone, 17.4% of high school students in New York State seriously considered suicide, and 10.1% made non-fatal suicide attempts. And according to a report by The Trevor Project, at least one-third of New York State schools currently do not have a suicide prevention policy and over 2 million youth in New York state are enrolled in schools that are not covered by LGBTQ inclusive suicide prevention policies.

Nationwide, suicide is the second-highest cause of death among youth ages 10–24. The rate of suicide in all age groups has continued to steadily rise in the last decade, and the rate of suicide among children ages 10–14 has doubled. According to The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 39% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considered.

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ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT:

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

CONTACT:

Rob Todaro
The Trevor Project
212-695-8650 x403 – [email protected]

Emily Mijatovic
Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol
718-383-7474 – [email protected]

Avi Small
Senator Brad Hoylman
617-840-7809 – [email protected]

The Trevor Project Raises More Than $1.2 Million at TrevorLIVE Los Angeles Gala

November 18, 2019

PWC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION COMMITS $6 MILLION TO THE TREVOR PROJECT

Heidi Klum, Jesse Williams, Samira Wiley, Jane Lynch, Debby Ryan, and More Show Their Support

Los Angeles — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, hosted its 2019 TrevorLIVE Los Angeles fundraising gala at The Beverly Hilton where it honored Cybill Shepherd, Hayley Kiyoko, and the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc., which announced a $6 million investment in The Trevor Project’s mission. Zazie Beetz and Sasheer Zamata hosted the event, which helped raise over $1.2 million and included show-stopping performances by singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal and the world’s top Beyoncé impersonator, Miss Shalae.

Additional attendees included Heidi Klum, Jesse Williams, Samira Wiley, Jane Lynch, Debby Ryan, Lance Bass, Jonathan Tucker, Madison Beer, drag personalities Raja & Nina West, Eugene Lee Yang, EJ Johnson, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, August Getty, Chris Daughtry, Terrell Carter, Alyson Stoner, Bruce Vilanch, Cassandra Cass, Charlie Barnett, Chester Lockhart, Daniel Franzese, Gregory Zarian, Ian Alexander, Jen Richards, John Flanagan, Lawrence Zarian, Mark Tennyson, Michael D. Cohen, Michael Turchin, Mikalah Gordon, Miss Shalae, Morgxn, Obiageliaku, On Mekahel, Parson James, Ryan Russell, and Sisterhood Band.

Highlights from the organization’s annual star-studded fundraiser included:

  • Jane Lynch presented the Champion Award to Cybill Shepherd: “Cybill is being honored tonight because, for many decades, she has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and full equality… For years, Cybill Shepherd has been boldly, fearlessly and loudly making the case that everyone deserves acceptance,  no matter who they love.”
  • In an emotional acceptance speech, Champion Award honoree Cybill Shepherd tearfully thanked her late sister, who was unable to live openly as a lesbian. “No, my sister did not have the support that these young people will be getting from this wonderful, wonderful organization; and so, I want to thank everyone here tonight, because we all have in our lives people that we would have liked to have saved.” Shepherd continued, “My sister lived the life she wanted to live, but she didn’t live it openly. Gladys Terry Shepherd, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the honor of being here tonight.”
  • “We’re thrilled to announce that the PwC Charitable Foundation is investing $6 million over the next four years… the largest grant ever received by The Trevor Project,” said Yolanda Seals-Coffield, President of the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc. “PwC (the company) is thrilled to announce now that they will be providing nearly $2 million in pro-bono consulting services and our subject matter experiences in people, technology, and business transformation to complement the PwC Foundation’s investment,” added Shannon Schuyler, PwC’s Chief Purpose & Inclusion Officer.
  • Hayley Kiyoko accepted the Youth Innovator Award, stating: “So many LGBTQ youth don’t have that same support in their own communities. It is our duty to share our strength to help guide the ones that get lost in the dark. I’m very proud to be standing here today, and I thank you all for continuing to inspire others by existing.”
  • “There is still so much more to do. We recently put out research that there are more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people in the US who seriously consider suicide each year,” said Amit Paley, CEO of The Trevor Project. “One day, we will reach every single one of those young people in crisis. But we’re not there yet. And we don’t have the luxury of growing slowly. We are literally talking about life and death. That is why we need to build a global movement to end suicide among LGBTQ young people NOW. “
  • Eugene Lee Yang surprised seventeen-year-old high school senior Julia Lacher, who traveled all the way from Somerset, Wis., to share her story reaching out to The Trevor Project for support after watching a Try Guys video about Eugene volunteering at the organization.

The proud presenting sponsors of this year’s TrevorLIVE LA are the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Abercrombie & Fitch. In addition, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants serves as the official hotel partner; and AT&T is the official VIP Reception Sponsor.

Use the following links to access photos and video from the event

PHOTO

Credit: Getty on behalf of The Trevor Project

VIDEO

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About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

TrevorLIVE is the signature annual fundraising event of The Trevor Project. This  annual event brings together top entertainers and corporate leaders to support the organization’s life-saving initiatives. Learn more about TrevorLIVE at http://la.trevorlive.org.

Press Contacts

Michael Samonte | Paul Panday | Samuel Yu
Sunshine Sachs
323-822-9300
[email protected]

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
212.695.8650 x407
[email protected]

The PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc. Invests $6 Million in The Trevor Project’s Mission to End Suicide Among LGBTQ Youth

New York, NY — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, and the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity that invests in emerging solutions to society’s greatest challenges in education and humanitarianism, announced a new collaboration to help end suicide among LGBTQ young people across the country. Over the next four years, the PwC Foundation will invest $6 million in The Trevor Project. This is a significant grant by the PwC Foundation, and the largest grant ever received by Trevor.

The $6 million grant will be used to dramatically expand The Trevor Project’s ability to serve the more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people estimated to seriously consider suicide each year. The Trevor Project’s technological abilities will be further enhanced with the creation of a new volunteer management system, which will streamline several recruitment, training, and retention processes. In addition, the grant will help The Trevor Project incorporate AI solutions to enable even more efficient and scalable operations of its crisis services.

“Volunteer crisis counselors are at the heart of The Trevor Project, and innovative technologies will allow us to recruit, train, and support thousands more volunteers to continue providing best-in-class care to every LGBTQ young person who feels hopeless, alone, or suicidal,” said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “We’re grateful to the PwC Foundation for making a bold investment in our mission to end suicide among LGBTQ youth. With their deep expertise and resources, this collaboration can make a significant impact on the public health crisis of LGBTQ youth suicide.”

By 2022, the two organizations will aim to increase The Trevor Project’s number of current volunteer crisis counselors by 10x. The new volunteer management system will improve all components of the Trevor volunteer experience, including: reviewing thousands of applicants and selecting successful candidates to move forward; facilitating 40 hours of remote and in-person training around LGBTQ topics and suicide prevention; completing a variety of role-play exercises to prepare them to interact with youth in crisis; scheduling and deploying 24/7 counselor shifts across the organization’s free, confidential, and 24/7 phone lifeline, text, and chat counseling services; and ongoing volunteer retention strategies.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers,” said Yolanda Seals-Coffield, president of the PwC Foundation. “Many are longing for a person to reach out to so we know how important it is to step up and invest in Trevor’s life-saving work.”

To complement the PwC Foundation’s investment, PwC US will also provide nearly $2 million in pro-bono consulting services and its subject matter experiences in people, technology, and scaling impact. PwC employees will work in partnership with Trevor’s growing technology team to build a secure, scalable volunteer management system that is capable of supporting thousands of volunteers.

The grant announcement was first shared on-stage during TrevorLIVE Los Angeles 2019, The Trevor Project’s signature annual fundraising event, by Yolanda Seals-Coffield, president of the PwC Foundation, and Shannon Schuyler, chief purpose & inclusion officer for PwC US. The two accepted the ‘20/20 Visionary Award’ on behalf of the PwC Foundation for its history of supporting underrepresented populations and underserved communities, including The Trevor Project and its life-saving work.

To view the video announcement from Paley and Seals-Coffield, click here.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

About The PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc.

The PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization that is taking a purpose-led and values-driven approach to both support the people of PwC in times of need, and invest in emerging solutions to society’s greatest challenges in education and humanitarianism, with a focus on innovation and scalability.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
Vice President of Communications
212.695.8650 x407
[email protected]

Sarah Tropiano
The PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc.
703.307.3823
[email protected]

The Trevor Project to Honor Cybill Shepherd & The PwC Charitable Foundation at TrevorLIVE Los Angeles

October 31, 2019

ZAZIE BEETZ & SASHEER ZAMATA TO CO-HOST; GRACE VANDERWAAL TO PERFORM

Jane Lynch and EJ Johnson to Attend Annual Fundraising Gala Supporting Youth in Crisis at The Beverly Hilton, Nov. 17

LOS ANGELES — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, today announced Cybill Shepherd as the 2019 recipient of the “Champion Award,” which recognizes the outstanding support of an ally and their commitment to supporting The Trevor Project’s mission. The PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc. will be the recipient of the “20/20 Visionary Award,” presented to corporations supporting LGBTQ inclusion around the world. Both will be honored at the TrevorLIVE LA fundraising gala, Nov. 17, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. 

Additionally, The Trevor Project taps Zazie Beetz (Joker) and Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live) as hosts; Jane Lynch and EJ Johnson as presenters; and Grace VanderWaal as performer. They join previously announced “Youth Innovator Award” honoree Hayley Kiyoko; a special appearance by YouTube personality, author, and activist Gigi Gorgeous; and a performance by Miss Shalae, the world’s top Beyoncé impersonator.

“Cybill Shepherd and the PwC Charitable Foundation consistently make a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ people across the country, and we’re excited to honor their commitment to The Trevor Project and LGBTQ young people,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “With Zazie and Sasheer’s upbeat energy leading us through a moving night, we look forward to celebrating 21 years of life-saving work at TrevorLIVE Los Angeles.”

Shepherd is the Golden Globe-winning actress and long-time ally and activist of LGBTQ rights known for her role as Phyllis Kroll in the critically acclaimed Showtime lesbian drama “The L Word.” The show’s groundbreaking content exposed millions to multi-dimensional queer characters with colorful storylines, driving what is often seen as the first major representation of lesbians on mainstream television. Shepherd’s daughter, Clementine Ford, will continue her mother’s legacy as a star in the forthcoming sequel series “The L Word: Generation Q.”

“For many young people in crisis, the affirming work of The Trevor Project can mean the world. In my work as an entertainer and activist – and especially as a mother, I’ve seen the profound freedom that comes with giving someone permission to be themselves,” said Cybill Shepherd. “I’m incredibly humbled to accept the ‘Champion Award’ at TrevorLIVE LA; and will continue to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community as an ally fighting for a more inclusive place for the next generation.”

PwC Charitable Foundation, a public charity that invests in emerging solutions to society’s greatest challenges in education and humanitarianism; has a history of supporting underrepresented populations and underserved communities, including The Trevor Project and its life-saving work.

In 2016, a group of PwC employees started a crowdfunder to support The Trevor Project. As one of the most popular crowdfunders among employees, it received a $10,000 grant from the PwC Foundation, and the campaign raised employee awareness for The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Since then, the PwC Foundation has continued to support The Trevor Project and has invested in the organization’s mission to prevent suicide among LGBTQ young people. 

“I was elected president of the PwC Foundation this month and could not be more proud of the organization’s support for The Trevor Project,” said Yolanda Seals-Coffield, president of the PwC Foundation, who will accept the ‘20/20 Visionary Award’ along with Shannon Schuyler, chief purpose & inclusion officer for PwC US. “The Trevor Project is the world’s largest organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people — an important mission that is aligned with the PwC Foundation’s values to support support inclusiveness and belonging, especially among underserved groups.”

TrevorLIVE’s star-studded red carpet and awards ceremony will be live-streamed Nov. 17, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on The Trevor Project’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, powered by Revry, the first queer global streaming network. Revry is the exclusive live-streaming partner and official streaming network of TrevorLIVE LA and New York.

The proud presenting sponsors of this year’s TrevorLIVE LA are the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Abercrombie & Fitch. In addition, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants serves as the official hotel partner; and AT&T is the official VIP Reception Sponsor.

For more information on TrevorLIVE LA, visit LA.TrevorLIVE.org. To download photos of the featured talent, click here. 

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

TrevorLIVE  is the signature  annual fundraising event  of The Trevor Project.This  annual event brings together top entertainers and corporate leaders to support the organization’s life-saving initiatives. Learn more about TrevorLIVE at http://la.trevorlive.org.

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PRESS CONTACTS

Michael Samonte | Paul Panday | Samuel Yu
Sunshine Sachs
323-822-9300
[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
Vice President of Communications
212.695.8650 x407
[email protected]

Four Leading National Organizations Launch Suicide Prevention Template Plan for Schools

September 9, 2019

NEW YORK (September 9, 2019) – Suicide prevention among young people is a growing concern across the country. According to the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 31.5 percent of American high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 17.2 percent reported they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. This alarming shift has significant implications for schools, which have a critical role and responsibility in identifying and providing interventions for students at risk for suicide ideation and behavior.

Having effective suicide prevention policies is essential to meeting this responsibility. To support schools’ efforts, four leading national organizations — the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of School Psychologists and The Trevor Project — have collaborated to update the Model School Policy, a comprehensive guidebook for school administrators and policy makers containing best practices in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention policies for K–12 schools.

Access to an evidence-based model policy matters. In 2014 when the first Model School Policy was released, only five states required suicide prevention procedures for their school districts. Today, through the efforts of the above organizations and other volunteer advocates, there are 22 states with laws that require K–12 school districts to have a suicide prevention policy in place. These laws generally require all school districts in the state to have a policy about how to help students who have suicidal ideation. However, states often do not know what kind of policy this should be. 

The Model School Policy provides a template for school districts to use as a guide when developing their own policies. The document is based on suicide prevention research about the best way for schools to help those students who live with suicidal ideation. This document is free and available to the public.

“Suicide is the second lead cause of death in young people ages 10–24. We know that teachers and others who interact with students daily are in a prime position to recognize the signs of suicide risk, and to make appropriate referrals. This document was created to provide further guidance to schools on how to best address suicide attempts and to support students who may be experiencing suicidal ideation,” said Dr. Doreen Marshall, AFSP Vice President of Programs.

“After The Trevor Project reviewed thousands of school districts’ suicide prevention policies, it is clear that model policies can help equip school staff with the resources and guidance needed to save young lives. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary youth are more than 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, so it’s imperative for school suicide prevention policies to also be LGBTQ competent. In addition, our research shows that more than half of LGBTQ youth are not out to a single adult in school; these policies show LGBTQ youth, out or not, that their school is a safe place for them to learn, and that school staff are prepared to help them in times of crisis,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. 

The revision of this document began in May of 2018 with experts from all four leading organizations weighing in along the way. Oftentimes suicide prevention plans are developed at the district level and then implemented at the school level. This document is helpful for both. Topics covered in the revision include: 

  • parental notification and engagement
  • re-entry procedure after an attempt
  • in-school suicide attempts
  • out-of-school suicide attempts
  • suicide postvention (what to do after a suicide death)
  • sample language for a student handbook

“Every youth suicide is a preventable tragedy, but prevention requires systematic, sustained and intensive effort on the part of schools, families and communities,” stated Dr. Kathleen Minke, NASP Executive Director. “This model policy will be enormously helpful to school districts in creating effective policies that support the mental health and wellness of all students, and enable school personnel, like school psychologists and counselors, to provide critical supports.”

The revisions in this document reflect current language we use to talk about suicide and delve more into parental involvement, and school re-entry (when a student returns to school after a suicide attempt). 

“Community action is critical in our efforts to decrease the rate of youth suicides in the U.S.,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D.,ASCA executive director. “Through the collaborative efforts of our organizations, this model policy will provide families, educators and community stakeholders with essential information and resources to help support the social and emotional health of students.”

To help teachers, principals and school administrators implement the Model School Policy, leading experts from the organizations that wrote the policy will be hosting a free one-hour webinar at 11 a.m. Eastern on October 9, 2019. To register for this webinar, visit: https://forms.gle/kzCk5SeKonvNFB1Q7. 

To find out if your school district has a suicide prevention policy, check their website or call the district superintendent.

ABOUT AFSP

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

ABOUT ASCA

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) professional organization based in Alexandria, Va. ASCA promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 50 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 36,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit www.schoolcounselor.org.

ABOUT NASP

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents more than 24,000 school psychologists who work with students, educators, and families to support the academic achievement, positive behavior, and mental wellness of all students. NASP promotes best practices and policies to ensure students have access to the prevention and intervention services to ensure they need to be successful at home, at school, and throughout life. Learn more at www.nasponline.org.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

Contacts:

AFSP: Alexis O’Brien, PR Director, 347-826-3577, [email protected]

ASCA: Lachelle Metcalf, PR Coordinator, 571-329-4199, [email protected]

The Trevor Project: Kevin Wong, Head of Communications, [email protected]

NASP: Katherine Cowan, 301-347-1665, [email protected]