About Us
What is Our Goal?
- To provide long-term housing and support to LGBTQ+ minors who experience homelessness.
- To create group homes where LGBTQ+ teens can safely live their high school years.
- To embrace diversity without prejudice, provide a brighter future, and reward society with responsible citizens.
How Can You Get Housing?
Please visit the Get Help page for more information
Meet the Team
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a passionate group of individuals committed to providing safe and supportive group housing for LGBTQ+ youth. They come from various backgrounds, bringing together their expertise to guide our mission. With their leadership, we ensure our operations are effective, our finances are transparent, and our core values of inclusion and empowerment are upheld. Their dedication helps create a nurturing home where LGBTQ+ youth can feel safe, valued, and supported.
Dganit Sivan Cohen
Dganit is a counsel with IBM. Deeply committed to social justice, she contributes her strategic insight and legal acumen to QNEST's board.
Eliahu Efrat
Eliahu is an experienced entrepreneur, executive and advisor who has spent over three decades building companies, leading teams, and helping innovative ideas grow into sustainable businesses. He brings a practical, strategic mindset to QNEST’s board.
Sarela Bliman-Cohen
Sarela is the founder and Executive Director of QNEST. She leverages her extensive product managment background to drive the organization's mission of providing long-term housing solutions for homeless LGBTQ+ adolescents.
Advisory Board
Our Board of Directors is a passionate group of individuals committed to providing safe and supportive group housing for LGBTQ+ youth. They come from various backgrounds, bringing together their expertise to guide our mission. With their leadership, we ensure our operations are effective, our finances are transparent, and our core values of inclusion and empowerment are upheld. Their dedication helps create a nurturing home where LGBTQ+ youth can feel safe, valued, and supported.
Jason Aluko-Williams
Jason is a dedicated equity advocate with 20+ years in education and philanthropy. At Social Venture Partners International, he leads equity-focused initiatives and supports affiliate partnerships. His work centers on inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and communities of color. He lives in Boston with his husband, Shinor Aluko.
Wendy Foster
Wendy is a mission-driven leader with 30+ years in corporate and nonprofit roles. As COO of Social Venture Partners Connecticut, she advances equity through early childhood and workforce initiatives. She previously led Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA and held executive roles at Success Academy. Wendy lives in Norwalk, CT, with her wife, Claudia.
Craig Gordon
Craig is CEO of Communities for People, bringing 45+ years of experience in youth and family services across MA and RI. Starting as a Direct Care worker at Brandeis, he rose through the ranks to lead RI operations, serve as COO, and now CEO. He oversees 15+ programs and supports five nonprofits, with a focus on equity, innovation, and strong partnerships.
Supporters and Affiliations
