February 2025 Programs

February is here and we’re turning self-love into action! At Prism United, we know that learning to value and care for yourself is a lifelong journey—one that shapes confidence, resilience, and community.

This month, we’re creating space for self-discovery and growth, with activities designed to help nurture self-worth, embrace self-expression, and find joy in the little things. Whether it’s through creative expression, mindful practices, or meaningful conversations, we’re here to remind you: you are worthy, just as you are.

Want to get involved? Send us an email at [email protected] to learn more about our programs and events.

Prism Teens (Ages 14-18) – Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, & 22
Each Saturday brings something new! Explore Black History, connect with a special guest, and wind down with a Self-Care Night designed to help you recharge. Every session is crafted to encourage empathy, inclusivity, and self-awareness—because loving yourself starts with understanding who you are.

Prism Families (Parents & Family Members) – Thursday, February 6
Strengthen connections with an Interpersonal Effectiveness session using the DEARMAN technique. This practical tool helps improve communication, set boundaries, and foster understanding within families.

Prism Preteens (Ages 10-13) – Thursdays, February 6 & 20
Get ready for a Courage 2: Growth Challenge! On February 6, kick things off with a scavenger hunt and show-and-tell, designed to build confidence and connection. Then, on February 20, celebrate your progress with a Courage Badge Ceremony, recognizing bravery, personal growth, and the power of being yourself.

We’re bringing another Prism Social to the Eastern Shore, and this time, we’re hitting the lanes! Join us for an afternoon of bowling, laughter, and community as we come together to connect, unwind, and make lasting memories.

Lace up your bowling shoes and get ready for a fantastic time on Sunday, February 23.

We’re proud to share that Prism United has been awarded a $50,000 grant for the second consecutive year through the CenterLink Capacity Building Initiative! This continued investment will help us strengthen our programs, expand our impact, and build a more sustainable future for LGBTQ+ youth in our community.

With this funding, we’ll engage in leadership coaching, strategic planning, and national collaboration, ensuring that we continue growing in meaningful and lasting ways. Thank you, CenterLink, for believing in our mission once again!

A huge thank you to Progressive Insurance for their incredible support in equipping our youth with the tools they need to thrive! As an LGBT+ Delegate for Progressive, Vanessa Meriweather went above and beyond to secure 192 fully packed school bags—100 for middle and high schoolers and 92 for grade schoolers—along with personalized care items for our customizable care kits, art supplies, gaming consoles, and new furniture to enhance our space.

Pictured here are Progressive employees organizing programming supplies in preparation for their delivery, demonstrating their hands-on commitment to our community. We are so grateful for Vanessa and the entire Progressive team for their generosity, hard work, and dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth!

Prism youth now have the chance to explore exciting new worlds through virtual reality! This amazing addition has already been a hit, offering our teens an exciting way to explore, relax, and interact with cutting-edge technology.

One participant shared, “I love this headset, it’s so awesome to be able to play cool games with it! It gave me something to do when I was feeling kind of anxious today.”

Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, Ariel Chavez moved to Mobile to attend the University of South Alabama, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2005. After years as an engineer, Ariel’s passion for travel and exploring different cultures led him to start his own business.

Ariel is a dedicated advocate for diversity, a value reflected in his incredible travels to all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries around the world. Ariel and his husband, Cai, have also been foster care parents since 2020, demonstrating their commitment to creating a loving and supportive community for others.

Relocating from Arkansas to the Gulf Coast in 2021, Jesse Hardin Hufstedler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Central Arkansas, and a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. An environmental attorney in Mobile, Jesse brings a unique blend of legal expertise and a lifelong commitment to sustainability and social justice.

In his free time, Jesse enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, traveling, and playing with his cats, Jack and Sinatra. We’re honored to have Jesse’s environmental expertise, legal acumen, and adventurous spirit on the Prism United team.