Phoenix LGBT youth center starts new chapter, with the opening of a new location

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A fire this summer, set by an arsonist, destroyed an LGBT Youth Center in Phoenix.

A suspect, identified as Darren William Beach, Jr., was arrested. He was reportedly a former client of the center.

Wednesday, however, marked a new chapter for one-n-ten, as the youth center reopened in a new building in Downtown Phoenix.

It was a moment they waited quite a while for.

"We've been so looking forward to today, especially since that tragic fire we had," said Director Linda Elliot.

The center spent months and months in a temporary center, before finally opening their new location Wednesday morning. This is now a permanent home for leaders to keep supporting young people like Richie Jay.

"Having that suppot to regain yourself, and know who are you are again, is really amazing," said Jay. He joined one-n-ten, after being diagnosed with HIV.

"Not only did I regain the resources that I needed, but I also regained my worth and self love," said Jay.

A big portion of the funds that helped turn the dream into reality for one-n-ten leaders came from the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation.

"They serve to youth, they serve to homeless youth, they serve to kids who are bullied," said Elliot. "These are the folks that Bob and Renee care deeply about."

The creation of the center allowed their doors to be open to help even more teens who have nowhere else to turn.