In 2016, after learning about the rising number of suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in her community, Stephenie Larsen decided to take action. While driving through downtown Provo, she spotted a house with two rainbow-stained glass windows and immediately felt its potential. It felt like the right place to start something meaningful.

That vision became a reality in 2017 when Encircle opened its first home on Valentine’s Day. It was the first LGBTQ+ center in Provo, and it set the tone for what Encircle would become—an open, welcoming place where LGBTQ+ youth and their families could feel supported, heard, and safe. Encircle’s motto of, “No Sides, Only Love” means leading with empathy and creating spaces where LGBTQ+ youth and their families are embraced just as they are—without judgment or division.

Since then, Encircle has expanded to four locations across Utah, with a fifth opening soon in Ogden. Each home offers the same inviting environment where individuals can connect, express themselves, and feel a sense of community. 

Encircle runs weekly creative programs like music night and art night, giving people a chance for self-exploration and self-expression, and to connect with others.They also offer Friendship Circles, which are peer-led supportive spaces where LGBTQ+ guests can find community, tell their stories, and build lasting friendships. 

Beyond community programs. Encircle Therapy offers trauma-informed and affirming mental health support tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. They work with most insurance providers, and for those without insurance, therapy grants help remove barriers to care. What sets Encircle apart is its whole-family approach—parents, siblings, and caregivers can also access education and support to better understand and uplift their loved ones.

Encircle’s impact is made possible by people who care. Whether you stop by a home, volunteer your time, or choose to donate, there are many ways to get involved and support their mission.

To learn more or find a home near you, visit encircletogether.org.