Love on a Mission
About Love on a Mission
Love on a Mission was born from a deeply personal journey in Mansfield, OH, when founder and Executive Director Deena discovered her twin sons' coming out letters and experienced a transformative spiritual awakening. What began as a mother's commitment to understanding and supporting her own children evolved into a grassroots movement addressing a critical gap in community resources. In 2015, after learning of a high school senior forced to leave home following his coming out, Deena's vision crystallized into Love on a Mission—a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth seeking unconditional love and acceptance. The organization operates on a simple but powerful philosophy: you matter, you belong, and love is love. Today, Love on a Mission creates authentic spaces where young people in Mansfield can be themselves without fear of judgment, building friendships and discovering their authentic identities alongside supportive peers and caring adults. The organization's impact extends beyond individual students to encompass entire families through its Pride at Home support group, recognizing that acceptance and understanding must grow within households and communities. Led by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising community leaders with expertise in training, advocacy, and education, Love on a Mission represents the transformative power of turning personal struggle into community healing. The organization's long-term vision includes establishing a dedicated facility and emergency shelter services, ensuring that no young person in the Mansfield area faces homelessness or isolation simply for being authentic to themselves.