We Are Family

What We Are Family does

We Are Family is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1995 and headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, that provides life-affirming and life-saving programs for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-24, with explicit focus on BIPOC and low-income youth. As South Carolina's oldest nonprofit in this space, it operates an integrated portfolio of programs centered on peer support (SafeSpace for ages 13-17, NextGen for ages 18-24, The Q Crew for queer and trans BIPOC), clinical mental health (the Mental Health Assistance Program connecting youth to a network of 25 culturally competent affirming therapists for free short-term therapy), school-based advocacy (state partner for the National Association of GSA Networks running a Lowcountry GSA Coalition), and recurring signature events (Queer Youth Fest, Charleston Queer Prom youth and adult editions, SC BLOOM Wellness & Leadership Retreat). Additional programs include LGBTeach evidence-based training for organizations, Gender-Affirming Gear distribution, Trans Love Fund microgrants, a Discord virtual community, and a Community Resources Index covering legal, medical, housing, and educational supports.

The organization's business model is a hybrid of philanthropic and earned income. It is funded primarily by individual donations (online via Charity Proud, mail-in checks, peer-to-peer fundraising) and event/business sponsorships for signature events. It operates a wholly-owned social enterprise, the Closet Case Thrift Store — the only LGBT-owned and operated thrift store in South Carolina, located at the North Charleston headquarters and supported by textile recycling partnerships with Green Zone Recycling and ReSupply — which generates retail revenue and a community hub. LGBTeach represents a paid B2B service line priced at $400-$600+ per session with sliding scale and multi-year contract terms. All direct youth programs (mental health therapy, support groups, GSA support, gender-affirming gear, microgrants, events) are delivered free of charge to participants. Distribution is statewide across South Carolina via direct program delivery, telehealth, school partnerships, physical retail, and digital community channels (Discord, Instagram).

Name

We Are Family

Legal name

We Are Family

Website

https://waf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

We Are Family is South Carolina's oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1995, providing free mental health services, peer support groups, advocacy, and community events to LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 across the state. It also operates the Closet Case Thrift Store social enterprise and fee-based LGBTeach training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Youth Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Wraparound Student Support & Case Management Services (At-Risk K–12) (EDAJAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ youth services
• Peer support groups
• Mental health assistance
• Nonprofit youth advocacy
• Thrift store social enterprise

Headquarters

HQ city

North Charleston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute via online portal, mail-in checks, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. The organization runs annual giving campaigns and accepts tax-deductible contributions.
2. Event Sponsorships: Business sponsorships for signature events including Charleston Queer Prom (Youth and Adult) and Queer Youth Fest. Sponsors receive visibility at events and association with LGBTQ+ youth advocacy.
3. Closet Case Thrift Store: Gender-inclusive thrift store generates revenue through retail sales of donated clothing and goods. Store is the only LGBT-owned and operated thrift store in South Carolina.
4. Business Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at various levels provide funding in exchange for brand visibility and association with the organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

We Are Family is South Carolina's oldest nonprofit providing life-affirming and life-saving programs for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-24, with a focus on those who are BIPOC and low-income. Its core offering is a portfolio of free direct services including mental health therapy through a network of 25 affirming therapists, peer-led social support groups segmented by age and identity, signature community events (Queer Youth Fest, Charleston Queer Prom, SC BLOOM retreats), GSA Coalition support in schools, LGBTeach training, gender-affirming gear distribution, Trans Love Fund microgrants, and a Discord virtual community. Closet Case Thrift Store operates as a social enterprise retail subsidiary that generates revenue to fund the mission.

Product overview

We Are Family is South Carolina's oldest nonprofit providing life-affirming and life-saving programs for LGBTQ+ young people. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on peer support (SafeSpace, NextGen, The Q Crew), mental health services (Mental Health Assistance Program with 25 affiliated therapists), community events (Queer Youth Fest, Charleston Queer Prom, SC BLOOM retreats), advocacy (GSA Coalition Support, LGBTeach training), and a social enterprise (Closet Case Thrift Store). Additional programs include Discord virtual communities, gender-affirming gear distribution, the Trans Love Fund microgrants, and a comprehensive Community Resources Index. The organization serves youth aged 13-24, with a focus on BIPOC and low-income communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Closet Case Thrift Store Gender-inclusive thrift store and the only LGBT-owned and operated thrift store in South Carolina. Offers curated clothing, accessories, and items ranging from vintage to trendy. Proceeds support WAF's youth programs.
• Mental Health Assistance Program (MHAP) Free short-term therapy services for LGBTQ+ youth across South Carolina, connecting youth with a network of 25 culturally competent, affirming therapists for individual and group therapy. Available in-person and virtually.
• SafeSpace Supportive and affirming peer-led group for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-17, facilitated by therapists. Incorporates support services, leadership development, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities. Meets biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• NextGen Supportive and affirming peer-led group for LGBTQ+ young adults aged 18-24. Incorporates support services, leadership development, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities. Runs bimonthly on 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
• The Q Crew Peer-led support group specifically for queer and trans Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), facilitated by WAF staff and trained volunteers.
• SC BLOOM Signature wellness and leadership retreat program bringing LGBTQ+ young people from throughout South Carolina for transformative experiences including workshops, community building, and educational activities.
• Queer Youth Fest Annual day-long festival held during Pride month for LGBTQ+ and ally youth, featuring friendship activities, art stations, gaming, and community-based organization booths in a safe, celebratory environment.
• Charleston Queer Prom Annual events comprising a free Queer Youth Prom for middle and high school students and a fundraising Queer Adult Prom for adults 18+, providing inclusive prom experiences free from anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination.
• GSA Coalition Support State partner program for the National Association of GSA Networks, providing ongoing support, technical assistance, leadership development, and coalition building for Gender & Sexuality Alliances in schools throughout South Carolina.
• Discord Virtual Community Virtual social community on Discord for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24, offering game nights, discussions, movie nights, and spontaneous online programming activities.
• LGBTeach Evidence-based community education program offering trainings and technical assistance on gender identity, sexual orientation, and creating LGBTQ+ affirming spaces to various groups and organizations. Pricing: $400+ first hour for small groups (under 25), $600+ first hour for large groups (over 25), with sliding scale available.
• Gender-Affirming Gear Program providing gender-affirming products and gear to transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in South Carolina.
• Trans Love Fund Microgrant program providing financial assistance to trans-identified individuals in South Carolina for medical, legal, and emergency housing costs.
• Community Resources Index Comprehensive resource database connecting LGBTQ+ youth and allies with COVID-19 support, emergency financial/housing resources, gender-affirming products, legal resources, medical care, mental health services, and student/educator resources.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20 LGBTQ+ youth served at SC BLOOM Leadership Retreat
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Harriet Hancock CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for SC BLOOM Wellness & Leadership Retreat. Co-hosted 2025 retreat bringing 20 LGBTQ+ youth to Columbia, SC for four-day transformative experience including workshops and museum sessions.
• Uplift OutreachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host partner for SC BLOOM Wellness & Leadership Retreat 2025, supporting LGBTQ+ youth leadership development in South Carolina.
• Transgender Awareness AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SC BLOOM retreat, leading workshops on gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth participants.
• PALSS (People Against Lubbock Syndrome)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SC BLOOM retreat, providing sexual health workshops for LGBTQ+ youth participants.
• Queer Haven BookstoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted banned books teach-in at their location during SC BLOOM retreat.
• Columbia Museum of ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted museum session on Black artists and cultural legacy for SC BLOOM retreat participants.
• Park Circle PridecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueer Youth Fest is an official event of Park Circle Pride. Charleston Queer Prom Adult event is also part of Park Circle Pride festivities.
• Green Zone RecyclingcoreOthersTextile recycling partner for Closet Case Thrift Store. Headquartered in Durham, NC, Green Zone Recycling supports sustainable fashion by recycling textiles that cannot be resold.
• ReSupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeteran-owned company partnership for donation pickups from homes, helping divert goods from landfills while supporting Closet Case donation collection.
• Palmetto Community CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free safe sex items for Closet Case Thrift Store bathroom/fitting room. Partnership supports LGBTQ+ health access.
• Park Circle CounselingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor for Charleston Queer Prom events.
• Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor for Charleston Queer Prom events.
• Palmetto Community CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor for Charleston Queer Prom events.
• National Association of GSA NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWe Are Family is the state partner for the National Association of GSA Networks, supporting Gender-Sexuality Alliances in schools throughout South Carolina.
• Jericho, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for first Closet Case Pop-up thrift shop in January 2016, which launched the social enterprise concept.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Point Foundation: Point Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. Comparable to We Are Family in offering LGBTQ+ youth scholarships and leadership development (e.g., SC BLOOM retreat), though Point operates nationally while WAF focuses on SC.
• GLSEN: GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on safe and affirming K-12 schools for LGBTQ+ students, including direct support for GSAs. It is a direct peer to We Are Family's GSA Coalition Support program, though GLSEN operates nationally while WAF runs SC-specific programming.

Broad incumbents

• PFLAG National: PFLAG is the largest family-and-allies LGBTQ+ organization in the US, with 400+ chapters providing support, education, and advocacy. Comparable to We Are Family because both serve LGBTQ+ youth through family/community support models, though PFLAG operates as a national federation rather than direct-service provider.
• CenterLink: CenterLink is a network of 270+ LGBTQ+ community centers across the US, providing shared resources, training, and advocacy. Comparable to We Are Family as a community-based LGBTQ+ organization delivering direct services, though CenterLink functions as an umbrella/coordinating body rather than direct provider.
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the largest national LGBTQ+ youth crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization, offering 24/7 chat/text/call support. It is comparable to We Are Family as a peer LGBTQ+ youth services nonprofit, but operates at national scale with a much broader mental-health focus rather than community-based programming.

Emerging players

• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a peer-support hotline run by and for trans people, providing crisis support and resources. Comparable to We Are Family in offering trans-specific peer and resource support (and overlapping with Trans Love Fund), though Trans Lifeline operates nationally via phone/digital channels rather than in-person community programs.
• It Gets Better Project: It Gets Better Project is a media and education nonprofit connecting LGBTQ+ youth with stories of hope and educational resources. Comparable to We Are Family as an LGBTQ+ youth-facing nonprofit, with overlap in educational content and storytelling, but operates primarily online/nationally rather than as a community-based direct services org.
• Southern Equality Alliance (Campaign for Southern Equality): Southern Equality Alliance advocates for LGBTQ+ rights across the South, including resources referenced by We Are Family's Community Resources Index. Both organizations serve Southern LGBTQ+ populations with overlapping resource directories and advocacy goals, though CSE focuses on legal/policy advocacy rather than direct services.

Regional players

• SC Equality: SC Equality is a statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in South Carolina pursuing legislative and policy change. It operates in the same geography as We Are Family and shares overlapping beneficiary populations, though its work is policy-focused rather than direct youth services.
• Harriet Hancock Center: Harriet Hancock Center is an LGBTQ+ community center in Columbia, SC that co-hosted the SC BLOOM retreat with We Are Family. Both organizations serve SC LGBTQ+ populations with overlapping programming (support groups, resources, community events) but in different regional markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ClosetCaseThrift
• Instagraminstagram.com/closetcasethrift
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/we-are-familychs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about We Are Family