We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer (they/them) Stucka-Benally (LCSW) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer (they/them), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I moved to Durango in July 2013. I began working as a behavioral health provider inside the school based health clinic in Durango High School. Over that first year I discovered that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth did not feel safe in their schools, community, or own home. And there were no resources or support services and historically, supportive resources had never existed. This population is at severe risk for suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and physical and emotional abuse from family and peers all due to the daily oppression and discrimination they face from their own families, peers, and community members. These youth voiced concern and need for a space they could attend after and outside of school that would accept them for who they are and assist in their growth and healthy development. A couple of us held focus groups with youth, allies, and family members to gather more information about the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and families that first summer. Youth voiced, “even if there was a club at my school, I am not even sure I would feel comfortable going.” Another youth stated, “I would love to be able to have a place to go and feel comfortable with my peers.” A parent stated, “Sometimes, I am not sure how to handle as a parent everything my child is going through.” During these focus groups, youth and adults unanimously stated there needed to be a safe and accessible space. They wanted to begin building a community to enable support for one another. At our soft open house in the summer of 2015, about 100 adult and youth community members attended voicing the need for a safe space in our community for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to feel cared for and nurtured. Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center (RYC) exists directly from a call to action from our community. RYC exists because we believe there are greater possibilities for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth if they receive the necessary and appropriate support. We give youth the tools they need to be strong, healthy and self-advocating, while encouraging them to live their fullest authentic lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
How did I get to where I am today with RYC? I would say a combination of passion, privilege, perseverance, amazing humans, and grit. Was it easy? Heck, no! How did I overcome? Well, I would say I am still overcoming the challenges. I don’t give up because I know the difference we are making in people’s lives. In youth’s and families lives. In the lives of the people who work and volunteer with us. I have learned so many lessons. I have learned so much more about myself and who I am. I have gained an even deeper understanding of myself which has strengthened my ability to work with youth and families. I have learned that attempting to do real inclusive and equitable work means making the hard decisions and having the tough conversations. I have also grown my confidence and leadership skills.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them hiking up Engineer and go camping up at Rainbow Hot Springs. Favorite places to eat are Rice Monkey’s and El Moro. Favorite place to get a cocktail and a haircut is Bookcase and the Barber.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today and RYC would not be where it is today without Denae Stucka-Benally (they/she) and Rowan Blaisdell (he/him). Denae is my spouse, the greatest love of my life, and all around the best human I have ever met. Rowan is (now) my best friend (and best man at my wedding) and the other co-founder of RYC (met during the founding and became great friends). They have both played significant roles in my life and in the life of RYC. Denae always had my back and was and is extremely supportive of this venture. They were also the very first volunteer and gave countless hours of the time, for free, to help us provide brave and safe space for youth and families and would give me unconditional support through all the “blood, sweat and tears”. Rowan knew the importance of this journey and both of us knew how much dedicated time this would take to build from the ground up, with no money or resources. He worked tirelessly to build the relationships and resources needed to build our capacity for a great future. No amount of words could even express how grateful I am to both of them and their continued support today!

Website: www.rainbowyouthcenter.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowyouthcenter/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-stucka-benally-189b82228/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4crainbowyouthcenter

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.