Our Mission
We Bring the Family and Community Together to Enable LGBTQ+ Youth to Thrive
Our Founding
2016: When Encircle Founder Stephenie Larsen heard about the alarming number of suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in her community in Provo, she decided to take action. Larsen said, “While driving downtown, I found this house with two rainbow-stained glass windows, and I knew that this was the place.”
Small House, Big Change
2017: Encircle, Provo’s first LGBTQ+ center, opens on Valentine’s Day, 2017. “This house may look small, but it’s going to do big things. This pebble is going to hit the water and make ripples—circles—circles upon circles encircling families and encircling LGBTQ+ kids for years to come,” said Barbara Young, founding Board Member and Encircle Champion.
Encircle Provo
The Clint Ford & Bruce Bastian Home
Est. Valentine’s Day 2017
91 West 200 South, Provo, Utah 84601
Music Festival Sparks Growth
August 2017 - After visiting Encircle, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds, held the first LOVELOUD Festival benefiting several LGBTQ+ nonprofits, including Encircle. We were later featured in the HBO Original Documentary Believer.
First Encircle Summit
December 2017 - The Summit included workshops, performances and discussion groups for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community and discussions for parents and supporters. “I’m really impressed at the lengths they’ve gone to make everyone feel welcome, even if they are just figuring things out,” said BYU student Sarah.
Two New Homes
2018 - Philanthropist, DC native, Encircle board member, and donor of the Encircle St. George and Salt Lake City homes Brad Clark said, “I envision a world where LGBTQ+ youth thrive. I believe Encircle’s unique approach and dedication to building homes where no one else will is what will drive its inspiring mission forward. We need Encircle homes everywhere.” With no debt, mortgage, or rent—Brad’s gift guarantees our Encircle homes will serve our communities forever.
The John Williams
Encircle Home
Est. Valentine’s Day 2019
331 South 600 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84012
Encircle Therapy
2019 - After 2 years of outsourcing, Encircle launches its own therapy arm, Encircle Therapy. With plans to expand further in Utah (both south and north), the intermountain west, and eventually the nation, Encircle Therapy will continue to be a world-class mental health provider for LGBTQ+ people and their communities.
Our Biggest Summit Yet
December 2019 - Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons, Kalen Allen from the Ellen Show, Max Emerson, Miles McKenna and several other stars, joined 2000+ LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, parents, allies, educators, and business leaders for a day of workshops and fabulous entertainment
Kim & Terry Turner Encircle Home
Est. Oct 17th 2020—190 South 100 East, St. George, Utah 84770
Encircle Therapy Assistance Grant
2023 - LGBTQ+ individuals who participate in the Encircle Therapy Assistance Grant program will gain access to life-saving LGBTQ+ specialized therapy that they otherwise would not be able to afford. The program's main objective is to reduce the financial barrier to gain access to therapy for those experiencing poverty.
Encircle Heber Grand Opening
January 2024 - On Valentine’s Day in 2023, Encircle Heber officially opened its donors to the Collin Russell home on Wasatch County! Now Encircle Heber is helping LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and families by providing life-affirming therapy and other resources to help our community thrive.
Only Love Gala
January 2024 - To break in the new year, Encircle held its first Only Love Gala to its many supporters throughout the state of Utah! This night was filled with wonderful donors, sponsors, and all around champions, who came together to support our mission and support our community of LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and families.
Collin Russell Encircle Home
Est. Feb 14th 2023—81 E Center Street, Heber City, 84032
How Encircle Impacts LGBTQ+ Youth and Families
Our Folk
Meet the house-builders, home-makers, and the homies that make Encircle happen.
