Our Mission Statement
GLYS WNY builds affirming cultures and supportive communities for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Our Purpose & Goals
GLYS provides a safe and positive environment for LGBTQ+ youth to learn more about themselves through peer interaction and educational experiences. The organization creates opportunities for emotional growth and community awareness.
Through GLYS outreach, other agencies learn about and increase their sensitivity to the needs of gender and sexual minority youth. GLYS provides LGBTQ+ youth with positive role models and a safe space, while promoting positive self-esteem and the integration of these youth into the larger community. GLYS can also assist youth and their families by providing resources and referrals.
Members range in age from 5-21 and represent many racial, ethnic, religious and class backgrounds.
Our Staff is also diverse in background, education, and experience. Each staff member is dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth.
Robert Roush
Robert uses his long-time non-profit skill set to manage the organization, raise funds and help keep things on track, while still being part of GLYS's "boots on the ground" for training, speakers and community outreach.
Faith Winship
Youth Leadership
Coordinator
Faith began her career at GLYS as an intern and has recently taken over the role as Youth Leadership Coordinator. She manages our new GLYS SHINE Team, is the liaison for our GSA advisors, and encourages programing that promotes leadership qualities in our GLYS youth. Faith is trained in restorative justice and has a background in psychology, women, gender, and sexuality studies.
Susan Frawley
Parent Outreach &
Youth-in-Care Facilitator
Susan is our new parent outreach facilitator! She is a parent, a retired educator and counselor, a minister, a PTA member and an involved community volunteer. Susan also is the facilitator for our on-site groups for youth-in-care at WNY inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities.
Galina Swords
Drop-in-Center
Coordinator
Galina took the position of Drop-In Center Coordinator in November 2019. They plan activities and events for the youth, as well as coordinating with our volunteers. Galina is a two-term Americorps Alum with 3+ years of experience in youth services, and currently attends the MSW program at University at Buffalo.
Mel LeMay
Transgender Youth
Group Facilitator
Mel facilitates GLYS's in-house social support groups for transgender and gender-expansive youth. Additionally, Mel conducts youth outreach through social media and by providing community trainings and support.
Michael Spears
Michael helps manage the GLYS offices, and is responsible for assisting our program staff manage many of the logistics around events! Michael not only helps balance the books and greets you with kindness, but also has a real knack for helping the people who contact GLYS!
Tim Snider
Social Media, Event, & Program
Support Intern
Tim is currently our Intern for all Social Media, Event Planning, and Programming Support. While also interning at GLYS, Tim is also finishing up their Bachelor's Degree in Women & Gender Studies at The New York State University at Fredonia. He will be attending Graduate School in the Spring for a Master's Degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration. Tim is trained in Restorative Justice, Diversity Facilitator Dialogue, and Diversity Education and also has a background in Psychology and Social Work.
Our Board of Directors
GLYS New York 2021
Board Member
Ed Drantch
President
Sheri Scavone
Board Member
John Carlino
Vice President
Khristopher Decker
Board Member
Diane Elze
Board Member
Michael Boucai
Treasurer
Michael Kugel
Board Member
Candice Fletcher-Pacheco
Board Member
Darren Brown-Hall
Secretary
Ifeoma Ifedigbo
Board Member
Finn Hennig
Board Member
Carlos Jones
Board Member
Abigail Skinner
Board Member
Gerard Williams
Board Member
Michael Wah
