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Resources

LGBTQ Issues

FOR LGBTQ+ ISSUES

The Los Angeles LGBT Center: Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Their mission is to build a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.
 
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (NYC): Your one-stop shop for all things LGBT. Whether you’re a New Yorker looking for additional services and support, a visitor to our great city searching for LGBT-friendly businesses, or a professional seeking opportunities or training, The Center is here for you.

The Trevor Project: Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. — Need help? They are here for you 24/7: 1-866-488-7386.

The Center for TransYouth Health and Development: The Center for TransYouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is dedicated to providing affirming care for transgender and gender diverse children, adolescents, young adults and their families.

Transforming Family: A project of Community Partners, Transforming Family is a Los Angeles-based family support group creating a positive environment for children, adolescents and their families to explore issues of gender identity. Their vision is to create a society in which ALL children are respected and celebrated.

Los Angeles Gender Center: LAGC is a collaborative of mental health professionals all over Los Angeles that provide affordable, accessible, and affirming mental health support for gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender children, adolescents, adults, and their families.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7. — For support, call us now: 1-800-273-8255, or CLICK HERE to chat with us.

The Derm Review: The LGBTQ+ community faces significant disparities in healthcare access and dispensation at practically every level and in every area of specialization. The expert team at Derm Review have researched and created an information guide to help you or a loved one better understand and manage common skin issues heart disease, different types of cancer, obesity weight and fitness issues, sexually transmitted diseases, skin scars from self-harm, and more. Read more here.

List of Organizations Helpful to LGBTQ College Students: LGBTQ youth contemplating college have a lot of questions to ask about their recognition on campus, their opportunities to shine, and, unfortunately, even their safety. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, asexual, non-binary, and every other queer youth, College Consensus has put together a comprehensive guide to determining what colleges are LGBTQ-friendly, and how to take measures to make your own college more tolerant and affirming. Read more HERE.

Financial Aid Resources for LGBTQ Students: Paying for college is complex and confusing for many students, however, this is especially true for LGBTQ students who often lack parental guidance and support throughout the application process. Check out this helpful guide from Bankrate that features scholarships that reduce loan burdens, and discover alternative methods of funding your education. Click here to read.

The LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Toolkit: These free resources from Berkeley Extension help LGBTQ+ business owners grow and thrive their businesses. Resources include directories, LGBT+ business associations, education and training, financing programs, funding resources and more. Click here to read.

Staying Safe Online: The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges online. As experts in the field of cybersecurity, it is vpnMentor's mission to provide practical strategies for coping with adversity, bigotry, and abuse on the web. Check out their helpful guide on how to stay safe online. Read more here.

Addressing LGBTQ+ Alcohol Rehab: Rehab Spot's free web guide is a resource for individuals and families who are looking to take the next step and learn more about recovery. Their objective is to ensure health and wellness within the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here.

LGBTQ+ Alcohol Rehab Guide: Discrimination and other factors have made alcohol use 20-30% more prevalent among LGBTQ+ people than the general population. Here are a few resources from Alcohol Rehab Guide for those in the community that may be suffering from alcoholism.

LGBTQ+ and Addiction Study: Due to the prejudice in everyday society, the LGBTQ+ community is prone to substance abuse at a higher rate than that of the general population, which is why AddictionCenter.com has created a web guide that analysis LGBTQ+ issues and their relationship to drug and alcohol abuse. Read more here.

LGBTQ+ Nursing Home Abuse Awareness: The LGBTQ+ community faces abuse at every stage of life, and this abuse doesn’t simply stop once they reach the age of 65. This includes LGBTQ+ adults that are living within nursing homes. Learn more via Nursing Home Abuse Center.

Autism & Gender Identity Educational Guide: Elemy, an innovative, tech-forward provider of in-home and online applied behavior analysis to help children on the autism spectrum meet their unique needs, recently created an educational guide covering Autism and Gender Identity. This free resource highlights research about gender identity, dysphoria & diversity in neurodivergent individuals as well as information on support groups for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Identity Diversity.  Take a look here. 

LGBTQ+ Young Adults and Teen Mental Health Guide: Coming of age is hard under practically all circumstances; coming of age and identifying as LGBTQ+ can be even more difficult, especially if the very people who are supposed to protect and love you judge you and treat you differently because of your orientation. Check out this guide from Legacy Healing Center for venues and resources to which you can turn for help, support, and allyship. 

LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination Resources: The Members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community often have trouble finding the right rental unit. Even with the federal Fair Housing Act in place, LGBTQ individuals still experience housing discrimination. Check out this overview from iPropertyManagement to learn more.

Rare Genetic Diseases

FOR FAMILIES WITH RARE GENETIC DISEASES

Undiagnosed Diseases Network: Every year hundreds of patients face uncertainty when healthcare providers are unable to discover the cause for their symptoms. UND is a research study backed by the National Institutes of Health Common Fund that seeks to provide answers for patients and families affected by mysterious conditions.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Along with over 300 organization members, NORD is a patient advocacy organization committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services of individuals with rare diseases.

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): GARD maintains a list of rare diseases and related terms to help people find reliable information. (Inclusion in GARD's list does not serve as official recognition by the National Institutes of Health as a rare disease and shouldn't be used to assume that a disease is rare.)

RARE Compassion Project — from Global Genes: Although more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, medical professionals do not often recognize or encounter rare disease patients. The RARE Compassion Project strives to foster an understanding of and compassion for rare patients.

Orphanet: Orphanet is a unique resource, gathering and improving knowledge on rare diseases so as to improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with rare diseases. Orphanet aims to provide high-quality information on rare diseases, and ensure equal access to knowledge for all stakeholders.

Cerebral Palsy Guide: A national support organization dedicated to educating individuals and families about cerebral palsy. They strive to provide answers and guidance to ensure that families receive the assistance that they need to help improve their overall quality of life. Learn more here.

Cerebral Palsy Guidance: If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you need to know what to expect. Cerebral Palsy Guidance is here to help. Doctor reviewed and HON-code certified, their material extends deep into CP, with topics ranging from medicine and treatment to counseling/therapy, mental health, culture, inclusion, assistance, education, and more. Learn more here.

Deaf & Hearing Impaired

FOR THE DEAF & HEARING-IMPAIRED

The Deaf Access Program (DAP): DAP was created in 1980 to ensure that California’s public programs are adapted to meet the communication needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, adults, and families — so they may receive the public benefits and services to which they are entitled to fully participate in society.

Statewide Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: This compiled list identifies two different types of statewide services: (1) commissions or state offices mandated to serve people who are deaf and hard of hearing, and (2) state offices of rehabilitation services for people who are deaf.

Moving Tips for People With Hearing Loss: Moving to a new home comes with its share of excitement and stress. But for the 37.5 million American adults who report trouble with hearing, the process poses a number of different challenges. Many moving companies simply don’t have much experience working with people with hearing loss, and communication can be a struggle. Here are a few tools and resources available that can help make the moving process go more smoothly.
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Educating parents on different types of hearing loss.

People w/ Disabilities

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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Disability in Action: Disability in Action employees are people with disabilities helping other people with disabilities. Shared experience and support are important tools that lead to success. The Center provides group sessions that take place on a monthly basis. They also offer information and referral services, individual advocacy, living skills training (money management, sign language and braille classes, computer classes), and more.

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The Center for Independent Living (TheCIL): Provides advocacy and services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the community at large. The CIL's programs provide people with the skills, knowledge, and resources that employer them to eliminate damaging and stereotypical notions of disability so that they are able to strive toward realizing their full human potential. 

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Bobby Dodd Institute: Offers a complete community-based system of services to support parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. They connect local families with federal resources, as well as intensive hands-on support for families in crisis.

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Best Universities: As we continue to navigate a hybrid learning world, Best Universities has put together a guide to provide assistance to students with disabilities. Learn how to work with disability services, employ assistive technology, evaluate online programs, succeed in the virtual classroom, and more. Read the guide here.

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National Disability Benefits.org: Americans could receive up To $3,011 / month in disability benefits. Find out if you are eligible via this questionnaire. 

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 Lifeworks Services Inc.:  Since 1965, Lifeworks Services Inc. has been a champion for inclusion. Lifeworks was founded by families who recognized the importance of advocacy and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities to be part of the community.

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The Birth Injury Justice Center: This organization is dedicated to supporting anyone who has been affected by birth injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other developmental disabilities. We strive to provide answers and guidance to ensure that families receive the assistance that they need to help improve their overall quality of life. Learn more here. 

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Bankrate: About 1 in 4 adults in America have a physical or mental disability, which can result in financial instability and difficulty working. The experts at Bankrate created a guide that informs readers on how to accumulate savings for individuals with disabilities. Learn more here. 

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Best Schools for Students with a Learning Disability: The biggest challenges students with a learning disability face include a lack of tailored courses, educational support, and extracurricular activities. However, with the right resources, they can truly thrive in a higher education setting. Learn more here. 

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Birth Injury Center: The mission of Birth Injury Center is to assist anyone who has been affected by a birth injury, including both the injured and their families. Having a comprehensive plan, including supportive measures for the entire family, can help you provide your child with the best care and assistance. Click here to learn more about this organization.

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Tools for Distanced Learning: The pandemic, and other factors, have lead to many high-risk individuals and people with disabilities to primarily stay inside of their homes. Fortunately,  the internet and the wide selection of tools can offer a saving grace during these trying times. Here are some of the best distance learning tools for people of all ages. Click here to learn more.

Darma, Buddha & Sangha

FOR DHARMA, BUDDHA, SPIRITUALITY & MORE

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DEEPAK CHOPRA — All books I have read by Deepak Chopra are of great inspiration to manifest destiny and find meaning in life..

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"The Soul Frequency" – by Shanna Lee: Inspirational and deeply illuminating, The Soul Frequency  takes you into the unseen world of energy and emotion, which is the birthplace of every physical manifestation in your body and life.

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"Joyful Path of Good Fortune" – by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: We all have potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfill this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. — I believe this is great for slow training of the mind in Dharma.

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"The Power of Now" – by Eckhart Tolle: To make the journey into now, we need to leave our analytical mind and its false-created self (ego) behind. From the first page, we move rapidly into a higher altitude where we breathe lighter. — A life-changing book that I've read three times. It keeps you living in the present moment.

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"How to Think Like Monk" – by Jay Shetty: In this honest, inspiring, and empowering book, Jay focuses in on what he believes are the roadblocks to our potential and power, helping you develop the skills and tools to breakthrough negativity, anxiety, overthinking and peoples expectations.

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"inward" by Yung Pueblo: From poet, meditator, and speaker Yung Pueblo, comes a collection of poetry and prose that explores the movement from self-love to unconditional love, the power of letting go, and wisdom that comes when we truly try to know ourselves. — His book of poetry is a inspiration for love and growth.

Children's Bill of Rights

CHILDREN'S BILL OF RIGHTS​

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Episode 4 on my podcasts discusses the injustices and destruction of families within the divorce system. Below is information on The Children’s Bill of Rights. Hope it’s helpful! You can also find more information on www.erasingfamily.org. 

 

1. I have the right to love, and be loved by, both of my parents, without being made to feel guilt, pressure, disapproval, or rejection from anyone in my family. 

 

2. I have the right to be kept out of the middle of my parents' conflict and not to be forced to pick sides, carry messages, or hear complaints from either parent about the other.

 

3. I have the right to have a regular daily and weekly routine.

 

4. I have the right not to be made to choose between my parents. This includes not being asked to decide which parent will attend any particular event because both can’t be in the same place and not being asked to determine with which parent I will be spending any particular holiday.

 

5. I have the right to be asked about preferences and safety concerns, but not to be asked to choose with whom I want to live. Having to make this kind of choice will always hurt someone, and hurting the people I love hurts ME. I reserve this right even when I am a teenager and offered the choice by some adult authorities.

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6. I have the right to express my feelings to my parents in an appropriate manner.

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7. I have the right not to act as a friend or therapist to my parents. I am not responsible for their feelings or for cheering them up. I have the right to refuse to be subjected to their adult problems and complaints.

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8. I have the right to love and see as many people in my life as I want—including siblings, step-parents, and relatives—without being made to feel guilty or disloyal.

 

9. I have the right not be asked to replace a biological parent with a step-parent or to refer to anyone who is not my biological parent as "mom" or "dad."

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10. I have the right to remind myself and everyone around me that I did not choose my parents.

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They chose each other, and, together, they chose to bring me into the world. Anything that is said by one parent about the other is said about half of me. I may feel alone in my situation, but I need to realize that there are a lot of kids just like me dealing with the same circumstances, and we are always free to ask any trusted adult—such as a teacher, coach, or spiritual leader—for help. I can see how some of these other kids handle their situations by watching the documentary, Erasing Family. If I feel the need to ask for advice anonymously, I can always text (865) 4-FAMILY to get support without giving my name. My parents can receive advice from this number, too!

Addiction

FOR THOSE DEALING WITH ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

The Recovery Village: The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 18.7 million people age 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the United States. Furthermore, people who identify as gay or lesbian are more than twice as likely than those who identify as heterosexual to have a sever alcohol or tobacco use disorder (Healthline.com). These alarming numbers stress a need for more substance use resources readily available to the community.

TheRecoveryVillage.com provides information about addiction and mental health issues, along with paid services and resources. Here are a few articles from their organization:

www.therecoveryvillage.com/resources/lgbtq/
www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/news/finding-support-lgbt-community/

AddictionResource.net:  Many rehab centers advertise "LGBTQ-friendly" but their programs may not be focused on the unique challenges faced by community individuals. It’s important to find a center that keeps those needs in mind while being a safe environment to receive treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. To learn about the best LGBTQ+-Friendly Drug Rehabs in the U.S, along with other helpful tips, click here.

AddictionCenter.com: Due to the prejudice in everyday society, the LGBTQ+ community is prone to substance abuse at a higher rate than that of the general population, which is why AddictionCenter.com has created a web guide that analysis LGBTQ+ issues and their relationship to drug and alcohol abuse. Read more here. 

FreeRehabCenters.net: Free rehab centers in California offer reputable drug addiction services. Some free rehab programs include inpatient treatment, detox programs, and outpatient services. Our team has compiled the following list of free drug rehabilitation programs in California. Read more here.

StayHonest.org: StayHonest presents "The Ultimate Guide to Helping Those in Need of Addiction Recovery from Cannabis and Other Substances," featuring expert Nicole Arzt M.Sc., a licensed marriage and Substance Use Treatment Therapist whose clinical emphasis lies in working with individuals with substance use, eating disorders, and complex trauma. Read more here.

Addicted.org: Addicted.org is a substance use resource that's completely free. Their goal is to educate people about addiction and connect them to the treatment resources they need. They are committed to helping families and addicts find quality substance use information and treatment resources, and feature qualified professionals who work with them to ensure they are giving the most accurate, up-to-date information possible. Learn more here.

Drug Dangers: Pharmaceutical companies are trusted to put safe products on the shelves, yet thousands of people lose their lives each year due to prescription medications with adverse side effects. Drug Dangers's goal is to help keep the public educated and informed of defective medical devices and dangerous medications that are currently available on the market today. Learn more here.

Addiction Guide: Addiction Guide is your trusted educational guide to addiction and recovery, founded by recovering addicts and board-certified addiction specialists. Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or concerned about a loved one’s substance abuse, our mission is to lead you to a healthier, happier life. Learn more here.

Homeless

FOR HOMELESS AND RUNAWAY YOUTHS

StayHonest.org:  StayHonest.org, is a network of experts set to provide consumers with data-driven and research-supported information on cannabis. This comprehensive guide explores substance abuse among homeless and runaway youths, with the goal of helping that vulnerable community. Contributions come from Ms. Brittany McCarthy, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing substance abuse and mental health treatment working with marginalized populations, including children and families involved with the Department of Human Services Family Treatment Drug Court Program. Learn more here. 

Seniors

FOR THE ELDERLY

Medicare Guide for Nursing Homes: Nursing home can overwhelm seniors and their families very quickly. While programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and in some cases both, may be used to cover nursing home expenses, navigating and obtaining coverage can be challenging. Learn more about nursing home care and coverage with Medicare with these helpful overviews from Medicare Plans Patient Resource Center. Learn more here.

Assisted Living & Nursing Homes Near You: Locating the best assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and long-term care options in your area is helpful for both potential residents as well as potential employees. Check out the list from CNA Classes Near Me.

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