The Outloud Foundation in St. Albert, Alberta, which provides community support for LGBTQ2 individuals, announced that it has ceased operations as of Friday. In a social media statement, the organization expressed gratitude for the support it has received over the past ten years, with their final event being a crosswalk painting in front of City Hall on May 26. The founder, Terry Soetaert, noted that financial constraints were the main reason for the organization’s closure, despite his efforts to keep it afloat by taking on multiple roles and forgoing a wage for nine out of the ten years he was involved with Outloud. Soetaert also acknowledged the impact of the decision on the community and expressed his heartfelt devastation.
The Outloud Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary in March, highlighting the importance of continuing to meet the needs of vulnerable LGBTQ2 youth despite the organization’s closure. Soetaert emphasized that the support provided by the city and individual and corporate sponsors throughout the years has been instrumental in sustaining Outloud’s mission. The organization’s legacy event, the crosswalk painting, symbolizes the positive impact they have had in the community over the past decade. The announcement of the closure brings to light the ongoing challenges faced by non-profit organizations in securing funding to sustain their operations and support their programs.
The closure of Outloud Foundation raises concerns about the future of LGBTQ2 community support services in St. Albert and the impact on vulnerable youth who relied on the organization for assistance. With the loss of this vital resource, there is a growing need for other groups or initiatives to step in and fill the gap left by Outloud’s closure. The statement from Soetaert acknowledges the difficulty of the decision and the profound effect it will have on those who benefited from the organization’s programs and services. The commitment and dedication of the founder and supporters of Outloud are evident in their efforts to maintain the organization despite financial challenges.
The Outloud Foundation’s decision to cease operations underscores the ongoing struggle that non-profit organizations face in securing sustainable funding to support their mission and serve their communities. Despite the dedication and hard work of individuals like Terry Soetaert, financial constraints can ultimately lead to the closure of essential services for marginalized groups. The closure of Outloud serves as a reminder of the importance of public and private support for organizations that provide crucial services to LGBTQ2 individuals and other vulnerable populations. The impact of this closure will be felt not only by the organization itself but also by the individuals who relied on its support and programs.
The legacy of Outloud Foundation will be remembered through the positive impact it had on the LGBTQ2 community in St. Albert, as evidenced by the organization’s ten years of service and the support it received from the city and various sponsors. The decision to cease operations was a difficult one for the founder and supporters, reflecting the challenges faced by non-profit organizations in maintaining financial sustainability. The closure of Outloud serves as a call to action for continued support for LGBTQ2 community organizations and the need for sustainable funding to ensure their longevity and ability to meet the needs of vulnerable youth. The dedication and commitment of individuals like Terry Soetaert highlight the importance of advocacy and support for LGBTQ2 individuals in St. Albert and beyond.
In conclusion, the closure of Outloud Foundation in St. Albert, Alberta, has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ2 community organizations in securing sustainable funding to continue their important work. Despite the dedication and hard work of individuals like founder Terry Soetaert, financial constraints ultimately led to the decision to cease operations. The impact of this closure will be felt by vulnerable youth and the community as a whole, underscoring the need for continued support for LGBTQ2 services. The legacy of Outloud will be remembered through its positive impact over the past decade and the community support it received. The closure of Outloud serves as a reminder of the critical role of non-profit organizations in supporting marginalized populations and the need for ongoing advocacy and funding to sustain these vital services.
