Crafting Positive Change

The Need for Volusia Pride.

At a time of rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, increasing hate crimes, and persistent discrimination, the need for a strong, visible, and supportive LGBTQ+ community space has never been greater. Across Florida and the nation, policies targeting LGBTQ+ people are creating a climate of fear, isolation, and marginalization.

A Growing Culture of Fear: Laws that restrict LGBTQ+ rights — including book bans, censorship of discussions about identity in schools, and attacks on transgender health care — send a clear message that LGBTQ+ people are unwelcome. This kind of systemic discrimination can push people into silence and away from the community and affirmation they need to thrive.

A Mental Health Crisis: LGBTQ+ young people, especially transgender and nonbinary youth, face alarming rates of depression and suicide. According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 national survey, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people. The fear of being rejected, harassed, or criminalized simply for being themselves can drive young people into despair.

Escalating Hate Crimes: The FBI continues to report hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, with violence and harassment affecting many individuals in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

Now, more than ever, LGBTQ+ people in Volusia County need a safe space where they are valued, supported, and empowered. Volusia Pride provides that space. We are more than an organization. We are a lifeline.

By investing in Volusia Pride, we can reduce isolation, build resilience, and help create a future where LGBTQ+ people in our community can live openly and authentically — without fear.

Our mission is to be a voice for the voiceless by fostering belonging, serving the community, advancing equality, and empowering youth in Volusia County and beyond.

Our Impact.

Volusia Pride is not just an organization — it is a lifeline, a refuge, and a force for change in Volusia County. In a world that too often tells LGBTQ+ people to hide, shrink, or stay silent, we are building a place where they are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Through advocacy, education, and community-building, we are helping rewrite the story of what belonging looks like in our region. Our safe spaces, support groups, workshops, and youth leadership programming give people the tools, confidence, and community they need to live openly and authentically.

We do not stop at support — we create momentum. By partnering with schools, businesses, and local organizations, and by bringing thousands together through Love is Love Pride Fest, we are spreading visibility, strengthening acceptance, and proving that inclusive communities are stronger communities.

Every donation helps expand this work. Every act of support helps protect dignity, deepen belonging, and build a future where every LGBTQ+ person in Volusia County can thrive.

  • "Volusia Pride has played an essential role in helping my family and I find new lifelong friends and add to our ever growing chosen family. Through their various weekly and annual events, and with the recent opening of the community space, they have given us an opportunity to be a part of this community in a way that personally makes me feel like I am back home in Hawaii and a lot less homesick."

    Kamea B.

  • "I got involved with Volusia Pride because I wanted my children to be able to walk down the street holding the hand of whoever they love—without fear. Volusia Pride has played a vital role in building a vibrant, welcoming community here in DeLand, where everyone can feel safe, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Through this incredible organization, I’ve built lifelong friendships and found a sense of belonging that I never knew was possible. Volusia Pride is truly making a difference, and I’m grateful to be part of its mission."

    Ann-Marie W.

  • "I was confused and floundering in my identity, as it pertained to sexuality. I had heard about Volusia Pride's Love is Love Fest in early 2022, and discovered there were several events spanning a week or two. I was moved by the acceptance, kindness, and tender and welcoming hearts of the people I met at these events. All of this is to say, it took a lot for me to show up - and keep showing up in the beginning - to these events, due to my own internal judgements about not aligning with the mainstream. Simply by existing, (there was no official physical headquarters at the time), Volusia Pride consistently enabled me to come to peace with myself, as an individual and as a human being in the world, through access and interaction with the local LGBTQIA+ community. Since then, I've had the privilege to observe and participate as Volusia Pride grew and evolved into providing more activities and formal support groups, benefitting both the LGBTQ community and the local community at large. May it continue to build bridges and understanding far into the future. Thank you."

    J.D.

  • "DeLand Pride, which has now expanded to be Volusia Pride, was an extremely important aspect of our family’s decision to move back to DeLand. Seeing DeLand change over the decades has been wonderful, and as a queer and multiracial family, we feel more welcome then ever in DeLand because of the great work that Volusia Pride does. Shortly after we moved here we went to our first DeLand Pride event and were welcomed immediately. Now, years later our bonds with Volusia Pride and our community have only grown deeper and stronger. The events that are available at the Volusia Pride space, are very important to our family, and many others. Our teenage son has made so many good friends, and now has an extended network of Aunties and Uncles that care and supports him. We attend events weekly at the Volusia Pride space where we learn together, play together, and support each other, all while giving back to the community. Volusia Pride is my chosen family, and I’m humbled to be part of such a wonderful community of dedicated and caring people."

    Aaron B.

  • "Volusia Pride is family that nurtures my family and me. Friends that become family as we celebrate ourselves, our lives, our loves, knowing we are seen and loved for all we are. Sharing a love for our community and confidence together that we can nurture and support our local community, seen, heard and part of the whole. I am home, and I love it. Thanks to DeLand and Volusia Pride."

    Helen S.

Our Programs.

  • The Community Space is the heart of our work: a safe, welcoming place for people to gather, learn, celebrate, and simply belong. It hosts events, workshops, and community activities that bring people together and remind them they are not alone.

  • Advocacy and Education equips our community with the tools to create change. Through workshops, trainings, and outreach, we help shift hearts, challenge barriers, and build a more equitable future for everyone.

  • Groups and Connections offers support groups for individuals, families, and allies who need understanding, encouragement, and shared experience. These gatherings create a refuge where people can speak openly, build trust, and find strength in community.

  • Youth and Family programming focuses on nurturing the next generation by creating safe spaces for young people to connect, grow, and lead. Through youth programming and family-centered support, we help build confidence, resilience, and pathways to engagement.

  • Pride Fellows is an internship and leadership pathway designed to nurture emerging changemakers and invest in the future of our movement. By giving young leaders real-world opportunities to learn, serve, and grow, we are helping shape the next generation of advocates, organizers, and community builders.

  • History honors where we come from and preserves the stories that made our movement possible. Through our timeline, oral history projects, and community storytelling, we are making sure LGBTQ+ lives, experiences, and contributions in Volusia County are seen, remembered, and celebrated.

Here are some of the things we are able to do because of your support…

Volusia Pride’s 2025 annual report tells a story of hope, resilience, and deep community care. In a time when so many LGBTQ+ people are facing fear and uncertainty, our work has helped create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and reminded that they matter. We expanded programs that bring people together, strengthen youth leadership, support families, and offer vital resources when they are needed most. We also grew our advocacy, outreach, and history work so that more voices are heard, more stories are preserved, and more people can find a place to belong. Every step forward reflects what Volusia Pride has always stood for: belonging, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves a community where they can thrive.

Volusia Pride's 2025 Annual Report

Our Vision for the Future.

See our full Strategic Plan

Fostering Belonging

Fostering Belonging focuses on creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and authentically welcomed. It emphasizes building a culture of connection and mutual support, ensuring that all members of our community can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Our initiatives aim to amplify underrepresented voices, highlighting the importance of cultural competence, and creating accessible spaces.

Fostering belonging enhances individual well-being and strengthens collective creativity, cohesion, and resilience.

  • As part of our 10-Year Anniversary celebrations, we will prioritize hosting our inaugural Pride Parade and securing a prominent location for a public mural to join the Downtown DeLand Mural Walk, ensuring our message of inclusion and pride resonates for years to come.

  • We will offer a broader range of engaging opportunities that inspire connection, growth, and creating safe spaces where youth can feel supported. These efforts include adding more multigenerational programming to our existing calendar of events.

  • Community events have been the cornerstone of our organization from the very beginning, and they will remain a vital part of our efforts, offering a space where individuals can be their authentic selves and find representation year-round. In celebration of our 10-Year Anniversary, we will highlight the positive impact we've made in Volusia County, while providing a clear vision of our goals and aspirations for the next decade.

  • Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the chance to find meaningful connections and a supportive community where they feel valued and understood.

Serving the Community

Serving the Community focuses on addressing the needs of the broader community by fostering meaningful relationships, delivering impactful programs, and leveraging resources to create positive change. It emphasizes collaboration with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities, ensuring that efforts are aligned with the community’s goals and values.

By prioritizing service to the community we demonstrate our commitment to being a positive force for change, strengthening trust and mutual support while enhancing the well-being and resilience in the communities we serve.

  • These Guides will cover a wide range of topics, designed to help individuals navigate systems and situations with greater ease and confidence. These guides will serve as valuable tools for our community, providing practical information and support when it's needed most.

  • In addition, we will take time to reevaluate the program’s impact, exploring new and innovative ways to enhance its effectiveness and better serve our community through these initiatives. By partnering with other local organizations, we will ensure that our efforts stay adaptable and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of those we serve. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to build a stronger, more unified support system that uplifts everyone in our community, creating lasting and meaningful change for all.

  • These initiatives are designed to provide essential support and empowerment to individuals and families in need, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the critical resources they need to thrive. Our expanded mental health services will offer professional support and counseling, while the clothing closet and food pantry will provide immediate relief to those facing economic hardships. Additionally, our educational workshops will equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to improve their lives and build a stronger, more resilient community. By addressing basic needs alongside mental health and educational support, we will create a holistic approach to community care that promotes well-being, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.

Advancing Equality

Advancing Equality is centered on promoting fairness, equity, and justice for all individuals by addressing systemic barriers, reducing disparities, and ensuring equal opportunities for success.

We strive to create policies, programs, and initiatives that actively combat discrimination and bias, while fostering a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

By prioritizing this work, we can be a part of creating a more just and inclusive society, where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals have the chance to reach their full potential.

  • Including initiative like our DEI Book Giveaway and LGBTQ+ History Program, these initiatives will play a critical role in preserving and celebrating LGBTQ+ stories, ensuring that our history is recognized, valued, and shared for future generations.

  • This program aims to address barriers to accessing affirming mental health care with a dedicated team of therapists and coaches committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and transgender community members. By offering personalized support and accessible resources, we aim to create a safe, inclusive space where individuals can seek healing, guidance, and empowerment.

  • This platform will provide young people with an opportunity to express themselves, share their stories, and showcase their talents, while fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within their community.

Empowering Youth

Empowering Youth focuses on equipping young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead meaningful, impactful lives.

Our programs emphasize fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency in youth, enabling them to take charge of their futures and contribute positively to their communities.

By cultivating a supportive environment where young people can explore their passions, build competencies, and form connections, empowering youth ensures the development of a generation capable of driving social progress and innovation.

  • By listening to their perspectives, we aim to create programs and initiatives that truly reflect their needs and aspirations. Additionally, we will continue to partner with local universities to create internship opportunities that empower students to engage politically on LGBTQ+ issues, fostering the next generation of leaders and advocates.

  • We will continue to expand our fundraising efforts for the Volusia-Flagler Rainbow Alliance Scholarship Program, enabling us to provide more scholarships for higher education and support the academic success of LGBTQ+ youth. In addition, we will develop a Youth Leadership After-School Program and a Summer Institute in collaboration with the Stetson University Bonner Program. These initiatives will provide young people with leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to engage in community-building and social justice work.

  • Our goal is to create an environment where young people can build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, and find support as they grow and connect with one another. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a strong sense of community and empowerment for youth in our area.

  • By placing the direction of our youth programs directly in the hands of young people, we will empower them to shape initiatives that reflect their needs, ideas, and aspirations. This approach will ensure that our programs are youth-driven, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and leadership among the next generation of advocates.

Funding Needs.

Volusia Pride’s 2026 budget reflects a thoughtful investment in the programs, services, and infrastructure that sustain our mission and meet growing community need. Our projected expenses of $110,000 support core operations, building costs, program delivery, youth engagement, advocacy, community outreach, and signature events that bring people together and strengthen belonging across Volusia County. This budget is intentionally balanced to keep our organization stable while expanding access to the services and experiences our community depends on.

A major portion of the budget supports the maintenance of our community space, including rent, utilities, repairs, security, and communications, because a safe and reliable physical home remains essential to our work. We also continue to invest in programs that directly serve our community, including counseling, community service initiatives, LGBTQ+ advocacy and education, youth programming, scholarships, and cultural events that create joy, visibility, and connection. These investments allow us to respond to immediate needs while also building long-term community strength.

Our 2026 income plan includes donations, grants, sponsorships, events, fundraisers, and counseling income, reflecting a diversified approach to sustaining our work. In addition, this budget does not yet fully reflect the growing contribution of Tucked Away Boutique, which is helping diversify revenue through thrift store income and is currently on track to cover approximately 65% of our rent expense. That earned-income stream is an important part of our long-term sustainability strategy, reducing dependence on philanthropy alone and helping ensure that our community space remains affordable, accessible, and secure.

Even with that progress, we still rely on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grant partners to fully fund our mission-driven work and close the gap between what our community needs and what earned income can cover. Every contribution helps us keep our doors open, expand our impact, and provide the programs, support, and hope that LGBTQ+ people and allies in Volusia County deserve.

Our Leadership Team and Volunteer Staff.

Volusia Pride is powered by people who care deeply about this community. We are a volunteer-led organization with a working Board of Directors, volunteer leadership teams, committee members, interns, and community volunteers who help carry out the day-to-day work that keeps our mission moving forward.

Our Board of Directors serves as an active working board, providing governance, financial oversight, strategic direction, policy support, and leadership across the organization. Board members and volunteer leaders also take on operational roles in youth programming, advocacy, education, community events, communications, volunteer coordination, and organizational planning.

In addition to the Board, Volusia Pride relies on committees, working groups, project-based leadership, and community feedback opportunities to ensure our work stays responsive, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. This structure allows community members to contribute their skills, perspectives, and energy in meaningful ways while helping shape the direction of our programs and events.

That same volunteer spirit extends to Tucked Away Boutique, which is 100% volunteer staffed and serves as both a community asset and a growing source of earned income for the organization. Together, our volunteer leadership and volunteer-run boutique reflect the heart of Volusia Pride: a community built by community, for community.

  • Ann-Marie W

    President

  • Heather M

    Vice President

  • Aimee H

    Secretary

  • PJay P

    Outreach Director

  • Kirk D

    Event Entertainment Director

  • Kamea B

    Member at Large

  • Elexa V

    Public Information Officer

  • Tom A

    Board Member

Socials
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Phone & Email
(386) 232-8551
info@volusiapride.org

Location
235 North Amelia Ave. Unit B
DeLand, Florida 32724