Persad Center Friends for Life Program 


from Persad Center


In 2009, studies found that suicide was the third leading cause of death for individuals age 10-24. Numerous studies report that LGBT youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Persad Center, is taking a stand to prevent youth suicide. This year Persad Center will train 15 or more youth on suicide prevention. Youth will get an opportunity to impact their community with a youth lead community service projects that will be centered on suicide prevention. 


Persad Center, through the implementation of the Safe Spaces project, will offer counseling, mental health screenings, referrals, peer leadership, and many opportunities for suicide prevention to individuals ages 14 - 21. The Safe Spaces project will provide suicide prevention training and will empower youth to lead activities for other youth within the community. Youth will be educated on LGBTQ specific concerns and issues, including but not limited to suicide prevention. Meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, (meetings are subject to change due to availability, weather, ect) at the Community United Church. population alike. Trainings may include but are not limited to youth programs and agencies, creating inclusive programs, taking steps to cultural fairness, addressing harassment, meeting the needs of LGBTQ youth of color, meeting the needs of transgender youth, and addressing the challenges that face transgender youth. 


The project will be implemented in Erie County as well as Allegheny County Pennsylvania. 


The project will also help to build ally organizations within the community. Organizations will have the opportunity to become Safe Spaces and be known as allies for youth and the LGBT will be led by Persad Center Youth Counselor, Leann Romitti. For more information about the program contact: Leann Romitti, MSCP, Youth Counselor, Persad Center, Inc., 5150 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224. email. lromitti@persadcenter.org cell. 412-538-7862 p. 412-441-9786 ext 219


Meeting Location: Community United Church, 1011 West 38th Street Erie, PA