Destiny's House was organized by Gracelia Diaz, an Irvington, New Jersey resident in October 2002 in an effort to provide a safe haven for high-risk children and young adults who have been discarded by their families due to their sexual orientation. These are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) teenagers who have been living on the streets of Essex County.
This shelter was established in a 3-bedroom apartment in Irvington. Initially, the shelter was unfurnished. Through the generosity of such community organizations as PFLAG (Partents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays), GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Educators' Network) and Maplewood-South Orange Neighbors furnishings, food and necessasry appliances have been provided.
Destiny's House has provided these teens in need woth a safe and secure place to live, a structured environment supervised by an experienced adult, and a place to share concerns and seek support. |
