These days, however, Brad Schlaikowski spends most of his time seeking grants
to support the youths who depend on them.
Research from The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide and violence against LGBTQ youth, estimates they represent 40% of homeless youth nationwide, often because they are kicked out of their caregivers homes or escaping abuse.
Courage House takes referrals from social welfare systems for homeless LGBTQ youth, who work with staff to deal with any trauma or abuse in their past while living in a shared space, attending school and participating in quarterly volunteer projects. It is an extension of the Courage MKE nonprofit, which they founded five years ago.