Over the past few years a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and questioning (LGBTQ) adults and allies established Efficacy, Inc., a non-profit organization. Efficacy’s primary mission is to create change through organizing and advocacy activities. One of Efficacy’s major contributions to the greater LGBTQ community over the past two years is sponsoring the annual Daytona Pridefest. The organization’s mission statement casts a wide net expressing concern for citizens affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, education and youth.

 Efficacy has identified two primary concerns to address in the LGBT community, advocacy for citizens affected by HIV/AIDS and addressing the needs the under-identified and underserved LGBTQ youth in the greater Volusia/Flagler County Areas.

 Efficacy’s youth program’s premise is that we perceive LGBTQ youth as resilient young men and women who have weathered a storm unlike many of their non-LGBTQ peers. These young men and women have great strengths, strengths which we seek to illuminate and harness in order for LGBTQ youth to address their needs and create change. The program has several components: 1) recruiting volunteers to answer a LGBTQ youth information line; 2) creation of a matrix and a network of human service providers and programs available to LGBTQ youth and; 3) development of a LGBTQ and allies youth council. Through our collaborations with vendors and service providers in the community, youth are coming to our attention and looking for support in addressing their needs. These young women and men are becoming the foundation for the LGBTQ youth council.

 Volunteers are being sought to answer an information line designed to respond to common questions for LGBTQ youth and as indicated provide information and referral to local vendors, human service providers, job resources and educational services.