Youth Programs
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth often feel they have no place to go where they feel safe, supported and accepted for who they are. The Center OC Youth Program provides LGBTQ youth and allies a safe space to gather, build friendships and learn life skills.
Rainbow Youth Group: Wednesdays, (The Center OC) 6 – 9 p.m.;
Fridays (South County/ Shanti OC), 5 – 7 p.m.;
Saturdays (The Center OC), 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Center’s Rainbow Youth Groups are lively social drop-in groups for LGBTQQ youth and allies ages 14 – 19. Join us for fun social interaction and engaging discussions where youth make lifelong connections with their peers in a safe and supportive environment. We have an annual Queer Youth Prom, Bon Fires, Open Mic Nights, Queer Film series, youth-focused discussions, and attend numerous events such as OC Pride, concerts, conferences and more. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/rainbow.storm.youth.
We are pleased to announce our new Rainbow Youth Group in South Orange County, Fridays, from 6 to 8 p.m. The group will meet at Shanti Orange County, 23461 South Pointe Dr, Suite 100, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Download the Rainbow Youth Group flyer for more information.
Center Orientation squared (CO2): Mon. through Thurs., 3 – 6 p.m.
CO2 is our after-school drop-in program open to youth who want a safe place to hang out with friends, connect with mentors, do homework, and use the computers and internet in the David Bohnett CyberCenter. Free, drop-in counseling for youth with the Center’s Mental Health Department is available upon request.
Youth Empowered To Act (YETA): Mondays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
YETA is a coalition of LGBTQQ youth leaders in Orange County working to create safe, supportive, and nondiscriminatory environments for ALL youth through education, organizing and advocacy. YETA is open to new members who are interested in defeating homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and in becoming agents of change in their communities and beyond. Find out more about YETA here.
GSA Network
The Center OC is also excited to collaborate with the Southern California Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network. We'll be hosting meet-and-greets for GSA leaders, members and advisors from all over Orange County. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 6, here at The Center OC.
Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities
The Center OC is developing both a Youth Leadership Council and a Parent Advocacy Guild, which will educate community members and influence local systems to improve policies and practices related to LGBTQ youth. These leaders and advocates will create a culture of safety and support for LGBTQ youth in Santa Ana and Orange County.
Weekly schedule
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Saturday |
3—6 p.m. CO2 5:30–7:30 p.m. YETA |
3—6 p.m. CO2 |
3—6 p.m. CO2 6—9 p.m. Rainbow Youth Group |
3—6 p.m. CO2 |
5–7 p.m. Rainbow Youth Group @ Shanti O.C. |
11 a.m.—2 p.m. Rainbow Youth Group |
There is no charge to participate. No reservations are required.
For more information, call (714) 953-5428, ext 205. If no one answers, please leave a message and someone will call you back. Let us know if it is okay to leave a message if we reach your voice mail.
CONTACTS
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HIV Testing Info
Email The Center
phone
(714) 953-LGBT (5428)
fax
(714) 246-8907
counseling info
(714) 953-5428 x330
location
1605 N. Spurgeon Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
lobby hours
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
rapid hiv testing
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