Odyssey celebrates one year on S. Perry

The Odyssey Youth Center is just about to celebrate an anniversary – its first year in a new location in Spokane’s South Perry District.

And along with that, its first year “out” in the community.

The Odyssey Youth Center has been serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in Spokane since 1992, until recently in a somewhat undisclosed location on Spokane’s near North Side. Odyssey had maintained a low profile to keep participants and volunteers safe from harassment.

“But, what kind of message was that, really?” asked Ramon Alvarez, Odyssey executive director. “We had been saying to our young people that they are as God made them, that it’s OK to be who they are, but that they should please not reveal the center’s location.”

When the center needed to find a new home, Odyssey decided it was time to lead by example – to “out” the agency, to be officially visible.

Located since April 2006 at 12th Avenue and Perry Street, with its rainbow flag and sign prominent on the deck, Odyssey serves 334 youth each year (for a total of 3,431 visits). These young people are 14 to 21 years old, with the highest percentage between 14 and 16.

Females make up 60 percent; about 26 percent are self-identified as heterosexual friends and allies.

Although begun initially under the umbrella of the Spokane Regional Health District, Odyssey Youth Center is now a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with about one-third of its support coming from the local community. It partners with outside agencies in its programming, including a social/emotional/learning curriculum on healthy relationships, leadership development, preparing for the world of work or college – or any of a host of skills important for young people to take away with them once they leave Odyssey, Alvarez said.

There are drop-in hours during which a certain amount of just “hanging out” takes place, snacks are consumed, and books and arts and crafts are available, but the focus is on the youth development programs.

“If they’re here, they’re participating in our programs,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez, a graduate of Gonzaga University, said young people are identifying and coming out about their sexual orientation earlier in life than even a decade ago, which is why the center focuses its services on those under 21. Most stay involved with Odyssey for two to three years.

“We’re also hearing from parents with kids as young as 11 calling for help, often with how to reconcile their faith with loving their gay or lesbian child,” Alvarez added.

In addition, Odyssey provides facilitated youth panels and resource materials for schools and other organizations and recently was included in Spokane Public Schools Human Growth and Development Citizens Advisory Committee. The idea, Alvarez said, isn’t to be visible for visibility’s sake but to model behavior, to provide the education and support to help youth be confident in who they are and, finally, to make a positive difference in the community.

The new visibility also has made it easier for lesbian and gay youth and those who care about them to find the center and be able to stop by for information and with questions. And the new openness also prompted Odyssey to undertake a highly successful communitywide fundraiser, a masquerade ball, last fall.

“The story of Odyssey on South Perry Street is not just about them coming out of the closet,” said the Rev. Paul Rodkey, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church and a member of Odyssey’s board of directors. “That Odyssey can be so upfront is a positive statement not just for the organization itself, but it says a lot for the larger Spokane community as well.”

To prepare for their move and newer level of visibility, Alvarez and board members visited with the East Central Neighborhood Association, the South Perry Business Association and individual neighbors.

“We wanted to be good neighbors and to answer any questions anyone might have,” Alvarez said.

And there were questions, mostly about what it would mean to have a youth center – any kind of youth center – in the neighborhood. And there were a few issues once Odyssey moved in. Neighbors brought to their attention that there was more trash (candy wrappers, cigarette butts) on the street near the center and near some of the adjacent private homes.

“We were glad to respond, talked with our youth and placed containers outside, especially by the bus stop, and we’re participating in clean-up activities in the neighborhood,” Alvarez said.

“They’re a part of the neighborhood, and that’s great,” said Jason Williams, an owner of The Shop, a cafe and community gathering place just down the street. “They’re part of the diversity of the neighborhood, which is a thoroughfare for everything.”

“Frankly, it’s great to see the reinvestment into the neighborhood on the east side of Perry Street, improving the area,” said Spencer Grainger, who lives in the area and is working on a community development project there. I hope the kids will continue to volunteer and create even more community partnerships.”

Renovations continue at the former triplex that is now Odyssey’s home, where Alvarez said he and the board, staff and volunteers are warmed by the South Perry community’s welcoming environment.

There Odyssey is easily accessible and visible, in a location that’s easy to get to by public transportation, and – well, in a place that feels like home.