The mission of Safe Zone Athens is to promote an inviting and inclusive environment that is emotionally and physically safe for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or another sexual identity) students, faculty, and staff. This is achieved through (1) increasing awareness and education about LGBT+ identity, (2) developing and expanding Athens State University’s network of LGBT+ allies, as well as increasing visibility of designated ally Safe Zones on campus, and (3) fostering an environment of diversity and inclusiveness where all individuals can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
The Safe Zone Athens program is designed to provide a visible network of support to sexual and gender minority students. Members of Safe Zone Athens are allies who have been trained on the issues and terminology affecting the LGBT+ community and are prepared to offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for students who need assistance. Allies are trained to listen and offer support, but they may also help connect students with campus and local resources such as the University Counselor and/or Title IX coordinators. The Safe Zone symbols found around campus identify the allies who are trained to provide a safe place to assist students.
Resources
Crisis Services of North Alabama – can provide emergency shelter and 24/7 phone counseling
Phone: 256-716-1000
Toll Free: 800-691-8426
Athens Pride Coalition – provides local support groups, advocacy, and social opportunities for the Athens LGBT+ community.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/athenspridecoalition/
Dr. Mitch Robertson, LICSW, PIP – a professional counselor in Athens who works with the LGBT+ community.
600 South Clinton Street
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: 256-414-9147
Athens State University Counseling Services – provides free counseling sessions to Athens State University students.
Lisa Philippart, LPC
Phone: 256-233-8144
Email: [email protected]
Location: Waters Hall, Room S103D
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Healing Arts Center – Lisa Philippart, LPC, BCPCC, DCC – an LGBT+-friendly counselor who also serves as a Christian counselor.
527 Fountain Row
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-326-0909
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.urlifematters.net
Tamara Pellant, LPC – specializes in support for transgender individuals
603 Ward Ave.
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-464-9755
Fax: 256-774-7579
Thrive Alabama – provides HIV/AIDS testing, medical care, and social services in North Alabama.
600 Saint Claire Ave, Building 3
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-536-4700
Web: https://thrivealabama.org
Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church – an Athens congregation that is accepting of the LGBT+ community.
207 Washington St. E.
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: 256-232-3541
Email: [email protected]
Spirit of the Cross Church – a Huntsville congregation that ministers specifically to the LGBT+ community.
3015 Sparkman Drive NW
Huntsville, AL 35810
Phone: 256-851-6914
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.spiritofthecross.org
Unlimited Ministries of Alabama – a Madison congregation that is open and affirming of the LGBT+ community.
101 Westchester Dr.
Madison, AL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedMinistriesAL/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – provides 24/7 phone or chat counseling
Toll Free: 800-273-8255
Web: https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The Trevor Project – provides 24/7 counseling for LGBT persons via phone, web, or text
Phone: 866-488-7386
Web: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Information for Counselors