Insurance company volunteers to help upgrade local LGBTQIA+ youth center

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Local employees of Progressive Insurance dedicated their day on Thursday to volunteering at a local organization that empowers LGBTQ+ communities of color. The volunteers worked to transform the Youth Drop-in Center at In Our Own Voices on Lark Street in Albany. Their goal was aimed at helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for children in the community.

Every year, Progressive Insurance recognizes the importance of employee community involvement and resource groups. This year, the organization, In Our Own Voices, received $8,500 from Progressive’s LGBTQ+ Group that will be put towards improving the youth center. 

Nearly 14 volunteers organized furniture, installed a television and games, and other essential items. Their efforts transformed the space into a welcoming refuge for LGBTQ+ youth. Devin Salvione, a representative from Progressive Insurance, emphasized the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the community’s youth.

“The goal with any type of situation like this is just to build a better and stronger community, especially with this being in central Albany for LGBTQ+ people, especially people of color," Salvione said. "It would build a stronger sense of community and a lot of people with space for them to come together and have fun and enjoy themselves.”

The center is expected to open its doors in early 2025.