More than three years after EnCircle broke ground on its new facility for LGBTQ youth and teens on Washington Boulevard in Ogden, the building is nearing completion. Construction was originally scheduled to break on March 25, 2021, but pandemic-related issues caused construction to be delayed multiple times. Now, EnCircle representatives are optimistic about opening this fall.
“The widespread and long-lasting impacts of the pandemic have caused delays in ordering materials and other components. We are back on track and hope to open later this year,” Carrie Birdsall Chambers, EnCircle’s vice president of marketing and communications, said in an emailed statement. While an exact opening date has yet to be determined, the removal of scaffolding from the building marks major progress.
The Ogden facility, originally scheduled for completion in late 2021 or early 2022, will be EnCircle’s first newly constructed center. Previous centers in Provo, Salt Lake City, St. George and Heber City were converted from existing homes, contributing to the unique challenges facing the Ogden project.
Founded in Provo in 2017, EnCircle provides counseling and resources to LGBTQ youth, teens, young adults and their families, and aims to be a safe and supportive space for the community. Founder Stephanie Larsen started the organization in response to the “alarming” suicide rates among LGBTQ youth in Provo, and prioritizes mental health over political advocacy.
In preparation for the expansion, Encircle is conducting a community assessment to tailor its services to local needs, and Birdsall-Chambers has committed that the Ogden facility, at 2458 Washington Blvd., will offer similar programming as its other facilities, including individual and family therapy and support groups.
“Once an opening date is announced we will share specific services and timing, but friendship circles, therapy, daily programs, community events and drop-in times will all be available,” Birdsall Chambers confirmed.
For more information about Encircle, visit encircletogether.org.
