PHILADELPHIA — November 15, 2009 — Sapphire Fund, a community-based non-profit that champions the multi-faceted needs of Philadelphia-area Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community members, has announced its 2009-2010 beneficiaries. They are:

Drexel University Program for LGBT Health:
The Drexel University Program for LGBT Health aims to address the complex issues confronting the health disparities and health-seeking behaviors of LGBT people —a marginalized population facing adversities within the healthcare system such as discrimination and a lack of understanding of LGBT needs. Drexel’s program addresses these concerns through in-depth research and evaluation, education and training, partnerships with health and social services providers, and public health policy and advocacy. http://publichealth.drexel.edu/lgbthealth/

LGBTQ Womyn of Color:
LGBTQ Womyn of Color’s mission is to create a safe space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) women while increasing visibility, promoting holistic healing and addressing key issues within their communities. Each year, LGBTQ Womyn of Color holds a major conference—a grassroots effort championed by a planning board consisting of 18 members from various professional, technical and artistic fields spanning the Greater Philadelphia region. The group’s 2010 conference will include up to 300 self- identified LGBTQ women of color between the ages of 16 and 60+ who will convene for a weekend of workshops and action planning. http://www.myspace.com/lgbtqwomyn

Mountain Meadow:
Mountain Meadow, a pioneer in the field of serving youth from LGBTQ families, is an organization that has been servicing our community for nearly three decades. Its work consists of a combination of social, recreational, educational and advocacy efforts geared towards encouraging positive responses to negative encounters such as homophobia and oppression. Mountain Meadow envisions a society in which all families are recognized and treated fairly. http://www.mountainmeadow.org

Smoke Lilies & Jade:
It is the mission of the Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative to portray the stories and struggles of those suffering from the continuing scourge of HIV/AIDS. By bringing these memoirs, with all their complexities, out into the open and on-stage, Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative hopes to increase understanding, build unity and develop a greater sense of pride among audiences. The initiative’s ultimate mission is to use these narratives to help those who must bear the daily burdens of living with HIV and AIDS, to support organizations that reach out to youth in search of a welcoming embrace and to inspire all to take responsibility for their own and their loved ones’ lives. http://www.liliesandjade.org/

“We are very proud to announce these organizations as our 2009 – 2010 beneficiaries,” says Ryan Maxwell, President of Sapphire Fund. “In true Sapphire Fund fashion we have chosen a wide variety of diverse organizations that represent our community and its needs. Even during the current struggling economic times, Sapphire Fund will continue to support and impact Philadelphia’s LGBT community through our grant process.”

Last year, Sapphire Fund awarded more than $23,500—through its grant program and through its Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship. In addition, since its inception in 2002, Sapphire Fund has returned over $250,000.00 to our community. Sapphire Fund also co-produces our community’s World AIDS Day remembrance. Sapphire Fund: Our Mission is Our Community. For more information, visit our website at www.sapphirefund.org.