Hello! My name is Janessa Judd, and I am representing the LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and families of Heber City, Utah.

I was born and raised in Heber, and for years I have been advocating for a safe space in my local community. I have presented to the city council, worked with non profits, and other stakeholders in continuous attempts to make my hometown a better place for my younger brother, and all of the other LGBTQ+ youth in my community.

in 2023 the nonprofit Encircle opened a home in Heber. My family was extremely involved with this organization and helped establish the roots of this home. We have actively contributed to encircle through donations, volunteering, and fundraising to support the Encircle Heber Home.

On July 1st, we received the devastating news that Encirlce would be shutting down the home in Heber and withdrawing their support from the community. This was a complete betrayal to me, my family, and anybody else that has given to encircle in the past four years.

After years of fighting for this, I have decided I am not done advocating for these kids. The queer youth of Heber and every small community deserve to have a space where they feel supported and loved.

Please support me and my community as we try to raise funds to buy the home, and turn it into an independently run community center for LGBTQ youth, families, and young adults.