Community Highlights: Meet Holly Atkins of Hope for Teens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Atkins

Hi Holly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hope for Teens was started in 2010 due to six teen suicides over a 12 week period in the news. I asked myself, “if 6 suicides made the news, how many DIDN’T?” All six were due to being part of the LGBTQ+ community and the bullying they incurred.

I remembered being bullied when I was younger because I grew up in a biracial family. My Dad was black and I would be called names just because of my family, something I had no control over.

So, I looked for an organization that supported the LGBTQ+ youth only, and didn’t find one, so I created one.

We are still the only organization in Wake County dedicated to the LGBTQ+ youth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sometimes your perception and reality don’t match, that was the issue early on. Trying to identify the best way to show support was ever changing; especially since we’re seeing an increase in acceptance which is awesome!

We try to listen as best we can to the teens and support as best we know how. We have shifted into a more advocacy role over the years, speaking at legislative sessions, school board meetings, and county commissioner meetings. We try to make them see that while they can’t vote yet, we will vote for them.

We’ve been impressed with Hope for Teens , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are known for being a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ youth and hosting Wake County’s FIRST EVER Queer Prom in 2023. Due to the popularity, we have decided to make it an annual event.

Brand wise, we are proud to be noticed in the community for keeping youth safe, feel supported, and our unwavering dedication to them and the LGBTQ+ community overall.

We offer presentations to corporations and companies in ways they can be better allies to their children and employees overall. In addition, we are currently scheduling SB49 Open Forums statewide to show teachers, parents, and school administrators how to keep our youth safe in school.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest supporter has been my husband since Day 1. He never once asked me to stop pursuing my vision. He let me jump in with both feet and held my hand when I needed it. I will be forever grateful for his unwavering trust in me and love.

The Board has also been a huge sounding board and advocate for all that happens. I couldn’t operate Hope for Teens without them.

Pricing:

• Presentations at Corporate Events – $500
• Open Forums are free
• School Presentations are free
• PTA Meetings – $250

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/Hope_for_teens13
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/hopeforteens