In the late 90’s, services for queer and trans (LGBTQ+) youth in the Twin Cities slowly began emerging as providers, particularly homeless youth service providers, became aware of the specialized support needed for this community. A few support groups and therapeutic services for queer and trans youth were developed as programs of larger non-profits, and these services met an incredible community need until the recession of 2008 dramatically impacted the scope of services available to youth. Though providers recognized the importance of having specific programs to support queer and trans youth, the newness and smaller scope of these programs, compared to longer-standing programs, meant most services and staff were lost in widespread budget cuts. It was out of this loss that RECLAIM was born. Janet Bystrom, a clinical social worker and community advocate, was intimately involved in the creation and implementation of the services that were cut in the recession. In early 2009 she mobilized her community in a campaign to create a new space for queer and trans youth and raised over $30,000. This money, in addition to $3,000 raised by youth who used these services, was put forth to gain fiscal sponsorship support from a local homeless youth non-profit so RECLAIM could take shape as a new “home” for queer and trans youth. Since 2009 RECLAIM has grown in many ways. The organization went from having Janet Bystrom as its founder and sole staff person to becoming a 501c(3) in 2012. Our clinical team has grown and evolved over the last 17 years to support the ongoing mental health needs of queer and trans youth throughout Minnesota. We’ve also expanded training and consultation services to help our community partners (mental health providers, schools, non-profit partners, and parents/caregivers) better serve their constituents as part of our goal to change the landscape of access to care for queer and trans youth.