About us
It is our mission to strengthen LGBTQ+ youth and allies by promoting individual and community wellness. We use a holistic mind and body approach and have a safe space to empower LGBTQ+ youth and allies to grow as individuals and within their community. Our intention is to strengthen the LGBTQ+ youth community and allies through advocacy, support, education, and celebration.
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Colors+ is run by two licensed professional mental health counselors who founded the youth center because they saw a large gap in services for LGBTQ+ youth in our community.
Colors+ believes that everyone deserves a place to feel safe and be themselves. This is exactly what we are providing for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. We welcome youth from anywhere in the state to come to our
center, or participate in programming virtually.
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You are wonderful just as you are.
- Founders -
K, Co-Founder and Executive Director
They/Them/Theirs
K Pepera is a licensed professional clinical counselor who is dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. They received their undergraduate degree in psychology from Ashland University and their graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Kent State University. With over 13 years of experience, they have a passion for working with people of all ages but particularly loves working with LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2018, K Pepera and their spouse founded Colors+, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to be their authentic selves. They believe that youth should not just survive childhood but thrive on their journey to adulthood. They are also the co-owner of Colors+ Counseling, a private counseling practice that offers affordable and welcoming mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community.
Their work has been recognized through various awards, including the 2022 CAVS Community DIFF Maker Award, the 2022 Cleveland Stonewall Democrats Stephanie Tubbs Jones Freedom Award, and the 2023 Cleveland's LGBTQ+ Heritage Day Award for Advocacy and Activism. Inspired by the words of Carl Rogers, They strive to walk alongside others and help them in any way they can, believing that people are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be.
L, Co-Founder
She/Her/Hers, They/Them/Theirs
L Pepera, earned their undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and graduate degree from Kent State University. They have been dedicated to fostering positive change in the mental health field for over a decade.
As the founder of Colors+ nonprofit and Colors+ Counseling, they are passionate about promoting human rights and advocating for inclusivity. Through these initiatives, they aim to create a supportive and empowering environment for individuals seeking mental health services.
In their role as a counselor and counseling supervisor, they draw on their extensive experience to guide and mentor others in the field. Education is a key aspect of their advocacy, and they are committed to spreading awareness about mental health issues and the LGBTQ+ community and breaking down stigmas surrounding them.
In addition to their counseling work, they have been recognized for their commitment to community betterment. They are the proud recipient of the 2022 CAVS Community DIFF Maker Award, Cleveland Stonewall Democrats Stephanie Tubbs Jones Freedom Award in 2022, and Cleveland's LGBTQ+ Heritage Day Award for Advocacy and Activism in 2023.
Beyond their professional life, they are a parent who values quality family time and recreational time spent outdoors. They find inspiration in meeting new people and reflecting on the diverse tapestry of human experience. Join them on this journey of empowerment, education, and human connection as they work towards a more compassionate and understanding world.
