Pizza Klatch COVID-19 Response

Posted on by

Due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic, as of March 9, 2020, Pizza Klatch and its satellite groups are closed to in-person, face-to-face gatherings of youth until further notice. Pizza Klatch now has online groups available for LGBTQ+ youth. Check out our COVID-19 Response page located under both ‘Resources’ and ‘News/Events’ on our menu for information regarding our ongoing youth advocacy efforts and resources to aid and support LGBTQ+ communities during the COVID-19 crisis. If you are a student and or the parent of a student and you or your student are in need of one on one support or group support in our online klatches, our COVID-19 Response page has contact information on each of our staff, all of whom work as facilitators within our schools. If you need a picture rather than a name to recall the staff member assigned to your school, you can check out our ‘Meet Our Staff‘ page for photos along with bios of each staff member. You can also contact our general email, info@pizzaklatch.org for any questions or concerns.

Pizza Klatch Serves Up to 440 Students in 2019!

Posted on by

Pizza Klatch is serving on average, 440 LGBTQ+ students and their allies weekly across twenty-eight (28) support groups in all fourteen (14) public high schools and one (1) middle school in Thurston County.  All youth are welcome, including allies, the only key to participation is to be respectful and validating of the unique experiences and concerns of LGBTQ+ students.

We are still working on compiling Student Survey results for this school year. However, a look at our most recent survey reveals:

  • 91% of participants report feeling more supported and listened to since attending Pizza Klatch
  • 44% report an increased ability to speak up when they hear anti-LGBTQ+ statements
  • 47% report an increased willingness to stand up against LGBTQ+ bullying
  • 56% report decreased incidents of thoughts of self-harm
  • 67% report reduced attempts of suicide

Pizza Klatch is on the Move! – New Location

Posted on by

Pizza Klatch is on the Move!

The past year has brought tremendous growth and challenges. Just last year we moved into a new space, grew our team to over thirty volunteers and five staff, and celebrated our first school year partnering with a record number of schools hosting Pizza Klatch support groups for LGBTQ+ youth. We’re thrilled to announce that we’re on the move once again!

Pizza Klatch will be relocating to downtown Olympia this summer! This new location is centrally located, is ADA accessible (the ground floor only) and will give us room to grow and space to invite the community in. In fact, we anticipate having up to 3 office spaces (on the ground floor) to sublet to businesses or partner organizations that may be a good fit to share space with. Details on this are still under consideration and will announce more as we are able.

The new location is 312 4th Ave. E., Olympia, WA. 98501
The office will be closed during July. We will resume normal operations in August.

For now, we are busy packing and gearing up for our next move! Keep an eye out for SAVE THE DATES for an Open House and Community Celebration in our new space!

NTPS: “Pizza Klatch supports a safe space where everyone belongs!”

Posted on by

Huge thanks to North Thurston Public Schools for a recent piece highlighting our work within their district!

“…Through Pizza Klatch, students have a place to feel welcome and accepted. They can express themselves and talk about whatever is going on in their lives with other kids in person — an exception in today’s fast-paced, online technological social system…”

You can read the full article here.

Q13 Changemakers Segment

Posted on by

Pizza Klatch was recently selected to appear on Q13 News for a special new series entitled “Changemakers.” “Changemakers,” intends to highlight local folx that are making our community better and we are extremely honored to be a part of it. Huge thanks to Matt Lorch and the team at Q13 for highlighting our organization and the LGBTQ+ community! Because of the attention garnered for PK regarding this segment, we were also asked to appear on iHeart Radio (a link to that interview is available in our News/Events section) so we are eternally grateful for this opportunity and all the continued support.

You can check out our “Changemakers” segment here!

iHeart Radio Interview

Posted on by

Recently our Executive Director, Rosalinda Noriega and Program Manager, Brett Rader were invited to speak about the history and mission of Pizza Klatch on iHeart Radio. You can listen to the interview here!

OlyTalks Interview

Posted on by

PK Executive Director, Rosalinda Noriega, sat down with Emma Margraf and Jim Cooper of the local OlyTalks podcast in November of 2018 to talk about Pizza Klatch and supporting LGBTQ+ youth in general. You can listen to the full interview here.

 

March 17th Show at Le Voyeur!

Posted on by

This Sunday (March 17th) Pizza Klatch has partnered with local venue Le Voyeur as well as some really great bands for a night of  music and community support! A percentage of the evening’s proceeds will go towards Pizza Klatch so you can enjoy some great music AND support the LGBTQ+ youth of Thurston County! Huge thanks to Le Voyeur and all the participating bands for this awesome partnership! The show is all ages and $5 at the door. See you Sunday at 7PM!