JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A nonprofit in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood that's served the young LGBT community for more than 20 years will be increasing security in response to the mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, early Sunday.

Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network is a youth center that creates a safe space where LGBT youth can gather to play games, access computers, have a meal or start a dialogue.

"It's breathtaking to know that you can actually come to a place and not only be heard and to be respected but also gain resources that have been taken away from you," said Edmon Galloway, an outreach specialist at JASMYN.

The nonprofit offers the young LGBT community development opportunities and resources to promote equality. Galloway said he spent years utilizing JASMYN's services before he began working there.

"It gave me the opportunity to not only have a safe space here, it gave me a development of life skills," Galloway said.

Galloway said he's concerned about his safety, especially at JASMYN, after the massacre at Pulse.

"Just a little bit, I am. But we have to remember to not let fear discourage us. We have to continue the work that we do here. I think it's very important," Galloway said.

Cindy Watson, executive director of JASMYN, said the center has a long history of being a safe space for LGBT youth, but it'll be amping up security to give everyone peace of mind.

"We've been speaking with JSO (the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office), and we asked them to step up patrols in this neighborhood. We have secured off-duty officers," Watson said.

Watson said the Orlando shooting, so close to home, has a huge impact on the young LGBT community -- a community she said is already a target.

"They're bullied. They're harassed in schools, sometimes in their homes, certainly in their neighborhoods. There's already a sense for LGBT youth that they have to watch over their shoulder," Watson said.

JASMYN staff members have already been trained for emergencies and have security protocols in place, as well.

"I really want to send that message to our community that we're doing everything in our power to maintain our safety and to enhance it," Watson said.

Despite the tragedy in Orlando, JASMYN services will continue to comfort, support and empower the local LGBT youth.

To find more information about JASMYN and resources for young people, parents and advocates, visit jasmyn.org.