Channyn Lynne Parker, currently the project manager for Chicago House's TransLife Project, will be leaving her post effective Aug. 31 and taking a new position as manager of youth drop-in at Broadway Youth Center [BYC].
Parker, who begins the new job Sept. 15, told Windy City Times that she has "a passion for youth work, particularly around marginalized youth. This new position offers me a platform where I can expand on that work and help [BYC operator Howard Brown Health] continue that good work they do, providing resources that help stabilize the lives of homeless youth."
BYC's work, Parker added, benefits not just unstably housed youth and youth experiencing homelessness, but the entire community as well. "Helping young people to stabilize lives helps us to stabilize ours. If they're better equipped to take the torches that we're making the world better for us. They're tomorrow's leaders and our caretakers."
She further noted, "I have loved my time with Chicago House TransLife Project. From this program, I have grown and learned so much. I know that the good work there will continue, as the TLC team will continue to serve those most marginalizedtrans women, particularly trans women of colorin the most meaningful way."
Statement from Chicago House and Social Services:
Chicago House and Social Services congratulates Channyn Parker, Manager of the TransLife Program, on her next career endeavor as Drop-In Manager at the Broadway Youth Center, effective September 1. Channyn will lead youth development services at BYC, a satellite clinic of Howard Brown Health's with a focus on LGBTQ and homeless youth ages 13-24. At Chicago House, Channyn served as TransLife Care (TLC) Project Manager, and in this role, Channyn has been a fierce and tireless advocate for all TLC program participants. Through her unending determination, advocacy and optimistic sprit, Channyn has changed the lives of hundreds of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals who have passed through the TLC Program. While she will be sorely missed, Chicago House and Howard Brown enjoy a collaborative partnership that will only grow stronger as Channyn brings her wealth of experience in organizing to BYC.
Learn more about TransLife atwww.chicagohouse.org and BYC at www.howardbrown.org .