Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center Inc

ADULT SERVICES: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: THE CENTER IS A NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS (OASAS) LICENSED, OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. THE CENTER OFFERS A MEDICALLY SUPERVISED, INTENSIVE PROGRAM FOR SUBSTANCE USE. IT USES A CLIENT-CENTERED AND TRAUMA-INFORMED MODEL WHICH INCORPORATES A RANGE OF HOLISTIC SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AGES 18 AND OLDER, INCLUDING DROP-IN RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUPS, ALONG WITH NARCAN, FENTANYL TESTING STRIPS AND XYLAZINE TESTING STRIPS. THROUGH SHORT-TERM MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, THE CENTER (VIA INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES, AND FAMILY COUNSELING) ADDRESSES A RANGE OF MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS THAT IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY, INCLUDING COMING OUT, HIV AND AIDS PREVENTION AND EDUCATION, LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS, IMMIGRATION, COMMUNITY TRAUMA AND MORE. THE CENTER'S LIFT (LGBTQ+ INSTITUTE FOR FAMILY THERAPY) CERTIFICATION PROGRAM TEACHES CLINICIANS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CONFIDENCE NEEDED TO REDUCE REJECTING BEHAVIORS OF FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO ACCEPT THEIR LGBTQ+ CHILDREN WITH THE OPTION OF CE HOURS FOR CLINICIANS. CASE MANAGEMENT & SURVIVOR SUPPORT: COLLABORATIVE AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO SUPPORT ROUTES TO STABILITY AND SAFETY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. ROUTES TO STABILITY AND SAFETY INCLUDE HOUSING, FOOD SUPPORT, CRIME VICTIMS SUPPORT SERVICES, REFERRALS TO IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES AND CONNECTIONS TO SHELTER, FOOD, AND MEDICAL CARE FOR IMMIGRANTS AND OTHER LGBTQ+ PERSONS IN NEED OF SUPPORT. PATIENT NAVIGATION: THE CENTER ASSIST COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EXPLORE AFFORDABLE COVERAGE OPTIONS, COMPLETE AN APPLICATION TO ENROLL IN A PLAN AND SECURE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT HEALTH CARE COSTS. THE CENTER IS A DESIGNATED NAVIGATOR AGENCY FOR THE NY STATE OF HEALTH, THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE FOR NEW YORK THROUGH THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. HIV AND SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES: PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH AND AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS. THE CENTER OFFERS ON-SITE, MAIL-HOME, KITS FOR HIV AND HEP C TESTING, SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND EVENTS. SOCIAL GROUPS: VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON SAFE SPACES FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY, LEARNING, COLLABORATING, DISCUSSING AND MEETING COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

YOUTH SERVICES: CENTER YOUTH: IS COMPRISED OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP, YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION, & YOUTH CLUBHOUSE SERVICES. CENTER YOUTH PROVIDES A SAFE, INCLUSIVE AND AFFIRMING ENVIRONMENT TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND THE EVOLUTIONS OF IDENTITY. OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13-21, THE PROGRAM BUILDS SELF-ESTEEM AND HELPS READY YOUTH FOR VARIOUS LIFE STAGES. SERVICES INCLUDE PEER LEADERSHIP TRAINING, SUMMER CAMP, DISCUSSION GROUPS, COLLEGE PREPARATION, CAREER AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE, MENTORING, INDIVIDUAL PREVENTION COUNSELING AND ACTIVITY GROUPS, MUSIC & ARTS PROGRAMMING, AND PAID EXTERNSHIPS/INTERNSHIPS. CENTER YOUTH ALSO LEADS A CITYWIDE COALITION OF YOUTH PROVIDERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AND HOMELESSNESS. THE COALITION CONDUCTS AN ANNUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE TARGET POPULATION AND MAKES POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE CITY AND STATE LEVELS.