MOSAIC: A Dubois County youth group for LGBTQ+
In response to requests from students and parents over the years, the nonprofit Dubois County PRIDE has formed a youth group called MOSAIC in collaboration with VUJ and area social workers and teachers to support LGBTQ+ youth.
The new group’s first meeting will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, in the VUJ Jasper Campus Classroom Building (JCCB), Room 222. A separate parent lounge will be available in the first-floor lounge area. It is open to middle and high school age students.
According to the Dubois County Pride website, “As a youth group, MOSAIC aims to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. Through education, advocacy, and social activities, we strive to promote understanding and acceptance within our school community and beyond.”
MOSAIC is an acronym for the group’s target identity and goals — Multicultural, Outreach, Support, Advocacy, Inclusion and Community. It also represents what they hope to accomplish; the creation of a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity among students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“Our mission is to work towards a more accepting and supportive environment for our youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, through education, support, and advocacy,” affirmed Mary Warner, Dubois County PRIDE executive director and president.
She explained that the formation of MOSAIC is to meet a common request from local students that has gone unanswered over six years. With VUJ providing a collaborative space to meet and help from local social workers Paige Mundy and Jessica Miller, the plan is to facilitate a safe and welcoming environment for students and their families.
Additionally, the local educators that are involved will provide recognizable faces from the students’ own schools.
MOSAIC will also assist local parents of LGBTQ+ children in mentorship, guidance and education. Atalie Schroering, a Dubois County PRIDE Youth Advocate, explained the creation of a youth group as well as resources for parents/guardians has been a request for years.
“The requests were for a parent resource, like PFLAG (a national organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them), and for a youth group that assists middle school students with feeling a sense of belonging,” she explained.
However, only recently did the right elements of an appropriate space and team come together.
“We decided that we could provide both of the requests with the space provided by VUJ and our team of volunteers,” said Schroering.
Jessica Miller is a licensed clinical social worker with Rooted Counseling and Consulting Services. MOSAIC, or something similar to it, has been needed in the community for some time, she said.
“This was something I’ve been hearing from my kids for years — wanting/needing a place where they feel ‘normal,'” she explained. “Somewhere where they felt like they fit in, as opposed to being ostracized or criticized. In short, it was a need that needed to be met.”
Echoing Miller’s statement, Warner added that all youth have a goal to find a community that wants them to thrive and grow.
The article incorrectly identified Schroering as the co-sponsor for the Jasper High School GSA, that has been corrected. Though she was at one time, she no longer fills that role at the school.
