Kids In Crisis and Bridgeport Pride Center Launch Collaboration to Expand Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

BRIDGEPORT, CT — November 7, 2025—Bridgeport Pride Center and Kids In Crisis celebrated a milestone partnership last week at the Center’s first Community Collaboration Event, hosted by Bridgeport Pride Center and co-hosted with The Leonard Litz Foundation and Lighthouse, a program of Kids In Crisis. The gathering marked the beginning of an expanded collaboration to provide welcoming, safe spaces and vital support for LGBTQ+ youth across Bridgeport and Fairfield County.

Building Safe, Welcoming Spaces

The event celebrated the start of an ongoing partnership aimed at strengthening community ties and increasing access to valuable resources. The Bridgeport Pride Center serves as a vital hub for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, offering counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and social events in a safe, welcoming space designed to foster connection, empowerment, and equality.

Lighthouse, a program of Kids In Crisis, provides peer-to-peer social support for students who experience marginalization or discrimination based on who they are. Through art, games, discussion, and community-building, Lighthouse creates safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can connect, share experiences, and develop confidence and resiliency. The program hosts weekly and monthly meetings throughout Fairfield County, including in Bridgeport, Darien, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport, and Wilton.

A Growing Need Across Connecticut

LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges, from bullying and isolation to higher risks of anxiety and depression, especially when they lack affirming spaces or supportive adults. Lighthouse aims to meet that need head-on by fostering inclusion, acceptance, and belonging through consistent, community-based engagement.

How to Get Involved

The next Bridgeport Lighthouse meeting will take place on January 22, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, at the Bridgeport Pride Center, located at 166 Elm Street.

Community members are encouraged to:

· Volunteer or donate to Kids In Crisis to help us maintain our mission and support our programs

· Visit kidsincrisis.org to view the full Lighthouse meeting schedule

· Share news of this collaboration to help expand awareness of Kids In Crisis programs across Connecticut

About Kids In Crisis

Kids In Crisisprovides 24/7 support to children and families throughout Fairfield County, including counseling, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, 24/7 Helpline, and community-based programs like TeenTalk and Lighthouse. Since 1978, Kids In Crisis has served more than 170,000 children and families, ensuring that no child faces crisis alone.