Small Business Spotlight: New Alternatives
Updated: Jun 1
As the world struggles to maintain (and create) normalcy, and with millions of Americans out of work, we believe that supporting small businesses is a great way to take action and make a big impact. Every Saturday, WDID features a company that we love in the Small Business Spotlight series. This week, we're grateful and proud to highlight the work of New Alternatives.
New Alternatives
for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
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What is New Alternatives?
New Alternatives increases the self-sufficiency of LGBTQ+ homeless youth by enabling them to transition out of the shelter system to stable adult lives. We do this by providing long-term support, weekly case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self-expression, and programs for HIV+ youth. Our guiding principles are those of harm reduction, youth development, and empowerment.
What is the story of your business?
Founded by Kate Barnhart in 2008, New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth was acknowledged by the Federal Government and received a 501(c)3 - Tax Exempt Status in 2010.
How has Covid impacted your business?
In response to COVID-19, all in-person Case Management/Support Group Activities have transitioned to virtual. To support the increased needs of the homeless at this time, New Alternatives mobilized its volunteers to provide “To-Go” meals 7 days a week. This new strategy replaced Sunday Evening Community Meals previously held onsite at Metro Baptist Church.
What is the best way for people to help your business during Covid Closures?
SUPPORT: To help support New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth make your one-time or recurring fully tax-exempt donation HERE.
BEYOND THE SHELTER (virtual event): On June 4, 2020, at 8 pm EDT, the stars of Broadway, TV, film, dance, and opera will unite for an Interactive Virtual Pride Kick-Off Party to raise money for New Alternatives, an organization supporting the LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Beyond the Shelter will stream live on New Alternatives Facebook page and on YouTube on June 4, 2020 at 8 pm EDT. You can find the link HERE.
*Action Step*: Find New Alternatives on social, buy tickets for their streaming event "Beyond the Shelter" and/or make a donation.
Where can we find you?:
Facebook - @NewAlternatives
Instagram - @New_Alternatives_Nyc
Twitter - @NewAlternatives
Founder Spotlight:
Kate Barnhart, founded New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth in 2008 and is currently Executive Director. She has worked with at-risk youth since 1994. In her free time, Ms. Barnhart rescues and rehabilitates stray cats.
Editor's note:
"Small Business" is a label that I've learned a lot about since beginning the spotlight series. My first impulse is to think of storefronts or product creators that sell things. But New Alternatives is a beautiful example of a small business that does not fit that mold. They often operate out of a church and their "customer" is not charged at all. The work New Alternatives does with LGBTQ+ homeless youth is beautiful and, sadly, more necessary than ever. If you've read this far, can you take your action step now and help support them? - David Kimple
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What Do I Do? is a podcast and blog about current events for folx who want to get involved. The goal of “What Do I Do?” is to use levity and brevity to identify approachable ways for folx to take action during a time where the world’s issues are very overwhelming. We talk about one thing happening in the world (social issues, politics, current events) and finish by identifying specific action steps a person can use to get involved whether they are physical, financial, emotional, or other.
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