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Hi Everyone – It’s Yey (they/them)!
As the Youth Services Manager, I work with our amazing Youth Services staff to meet the needs of our LGBTQIA+ youth through programming, outreach, and coordination of our two youth sites: South Bay Youth Center (SBYC) and Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC). I’d like to focus today’s message on SBYC and give an update on the fantastic work happening there, including upcoming events to celebrate our 4th Anniversary!
SBYC was established in 2019 in Chula Vista as a critical LGBTQIA+ youth-focused space in the South Bay. We served 96 youth in our first year in our new space before we were forced to shut down by the pandemic. We continued to serve youth virtually during the closure, but we knew that youth yearned for a physical space to feel safe and supported.
We re-opened our doors at SBYC to youth and families one year ago and have seen more than 300 youth come through our doors since then, with close to 1000 service visits!
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Watch our video for a virtual tour of SBYC and join us for our
SBYC Community Open House on Friday, March 3rd!
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We regularly host celebrations for our youth at SBYC, whether its birthdays, completion of a name/gender marker change process, updating pronouns, securing housing or counseling, or other milestones in their lives. Many youth have shared that they were likely not going to celebrate these milestones at home due to unsupportive environments, financial challenges, or simply due to folx in their lives choosing not to celebrate their accomplishments.
One youth, Sam* (they/them), celebrated their 18th birthday at SBYC with cake and friends. Sam shared that they had been looking forward to, and also dreading, their 18th birthday because they knew they were finally a legal adult and that meant they could leave their toxic home environment. On a day with such mixed feelings, Sam shared that they were deeply thankful for having a community like the one they have at SBYC and that this celebration helped them brace themselves for the road ahead. In the lives of our LGBTQ youth, we rejoice every victory, every milestone, and every new discovery because they might not be getting support at home or within their other communities. Each of our LGBTQ youth’s joyful moments should be shared with a supportive community.
The largest shift we made at SBYC recently was to move from a drop-in only space to a community-centered wholistic program that meets youth and families where they are. This means providing not only one-on-one support, but building a community that can come together through events, educational workshops, mental health resources including an on-site therapist one day a week, and distribution of basic resources to help our youth flourish in a safe and affirming space.
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We are excited to invite you to celebrate our iconic 4-year anniversary at SBYC with two celebratory events! The first one is this Thursday, Feb 16th from 3-7pm for youth 10-24 years old and will include activities like a make-up workshop, a plant workshop, yummy food, and community! Additional staff will be on-site to facilitate activities and chaperone. The second event will be the SBYC Community Open House on Friday, March 3rd from 3-7pm for parents, providers, partner organizations, and any community members who want to see what is happening at SBYC!
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Please join us and, if you are able, please consider a donation to South Bay Youth Center so we may continue this affirming and life-altering work for the next generation.
In community,
Yey Morales (They, Them)
Youth Services Manager
*The name of our client has been changed to protect their privacy
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There's still time to join us tonight, February 13th from 6-8pm, for a Love and Advocacy Trivia Night hosted at Gossip Grill!
Bring your friends, lovers, and chosen family for an evening of trivia and networking with The Center’s Advocacy & Civic Engagement Team! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with other like-minded folks who are passionate about our community and looking to help make a difference. We are building a team of community advocates and want you to join us! Trivia questions will focus on the history of the LGBTQ social justice movement and local San Diego politics. We have a mystery prize for the winning team that will be announced on our social media channels!
Be one of the first 30 people to arrive and get a free drink token! Light appetizers will also be provided. Must be 21+ to attend. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/love-and-advocacy. Questions about this event or want to get involved with our advocacy volunteers? Contact advocacy@thecentersd.org. We can't wait to see you there!
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THANK YOU FOR COMING TO RED HOT DANCE
What an amazing night in community at The Center as we brought back the much requested Red Hot Dance this past Saturday! Music and joy filled our auditorium as we celebrated the diversity of queer women’s love with dancing, food, beverages by women-owned businesses, laughing, photos, and community. Thank you to all who danced the night away with us and to the amazing volunteers and staff who made this memorable night a reality! Click here to see more photos from this memorable night.
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The 2023 Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance.” Check out some of the community events happening in San Diego this month!
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We celebrate Bessie Coleman as one of the next women featured in the American Women's Coin Program. Bessie Coleman was the first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn an international pilot’s license. She inspired and encouraged many to reach their dreams and continues to do so to this day.
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BLACK SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Black Services at The Center provides regular and ongoing support and discussion groups for our Black LGBTQ community. Find our schedule of events on The Center's website.
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FREE FOOD RESOURCES AT THE CENTER
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At The Center, we believe that food is a human right and we want to be sure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. Our programs include:
Both Food Banks have a walk-up or drive-up option for safety. If you, or someone you know needs access to food, know that The Center is here for you. Please reach out to Sarah (she/her) at 619.692.2077 x 214 or smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Want to make new friends, make a difference, and give back to the LGBTQ community? Why not become a Center Volunteer - there is an opportunity for everyone. Click here to learn more.
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HIV/HCV AND STI SCREENINGS
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
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It's time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today - call us at 619.692.2077 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. Monday-Friday 11am-6pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.
Please note that we do not offer MPOX testing as part of our testing services, please call 211 for testing assistance. Testing and screening clients are required to be vaccinated and masked while in the building, but exceptions can be made on an individual basis. Please reach out to us to ensure we can accommodate your needs!
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Join The Center's Training Institute for a free webinar about Opioid and Stimulant Use in the LGBTQ2S+ community on Thurs, Feb. 16 from 12-1pm. Hear about substance use trends and get the tools you need to meet the needs of your community! Register: https://bit.ly/training-feb16
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Únete al Training Institute de The Center con nuestro webinar gratuito "Entrenamiento sobre el uso de estimulantes y opioides en la comunidad LGBTQ2S+ " el jueves 16 de febrero de 12 pm a 1 pm. Aprende sobre las tendencias en el uso de sustancias y obtén las herramientas necesarias para satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad. Regístrate aquí.
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Room rentals are back at The Center! To get more information about reserving a room at The Center, please visit our website. We hope to see you soon!
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The Center's Library is now open! Get your library card, check out one of the LGBTQ+ books from our vast collection, or get a recommendation from one of our library volunteers!
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50+ AND BETTER TOGETHER - SENIOR SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Find our full list of events, programs, and services for 50+ & Better Together Senior Services on our website.
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LATIN@X SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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All Latin@x Services support and discussion groups are now meeting in person! View all our groups on the Latin@x Services page on our website.
¡Todos los grupos de discusión y apoyo de Latin@x Services ahora se están reuniendo en persona! Vea todos nuestros grupos en la página de Servicios Latin@x en nuestro sitio web.
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PROJECT TRANS AT THE CENTER
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Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week of February 19th-25th! Project TRANS at The Center offers something for everyone in our transgender and nonbinary community!
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YOUTH SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Discover our latest offerings at the Hillcrest Youth Center and South Bay Youth Center by visiting our Youth Services at The Center page on our website.
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San Diego Foundation awarded scholarships to 983 students last year, with nearly 70% of them being first-generation college students. Students can apply for the 2023-2024 Common Scholarship Application. Deadline: March 8, 2023.
https://www.sdfoundation.org/students/common-scholarship-application/
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At The Center, we have something for everyone in our community! Check out our Events Calendar at The Center or visit our Community Program pages:
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If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, please take a few moments to complete this #Out4MentalHealth survey and share it with your networks. It supports LGBTQIA+ community members in identifying system strengths and barriers based on our own lived experiences. Your responses will be utilized to help create a statewide mental health policy agenda.
Share your experiences accessing mental health care by taking the Mental Health Advocacy Priorities Survey: bit.ly/O4MHPP2022
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BECOME PART OF THE CENTER TEAM!
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Make a change and work at The San Diego LGBT Community Center - one of the most rewarding places to work, renowned for dynamic and creative teamwork, professionalism, and unparalleled heart and dedication. Employees experience a collaborative and caring environment where community building, compassion, and respect are uniquely combined with an insistent striving toward excellence and best practices. Check out the job listings here and apply today!
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STAY HEALTHY: UPDATES & RESOURCES
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Get the latest and most up-to-date information our website at thecentersd.org/mpox/. To sign up for the County's MPOX text message alert system and receive real-time information about MPOX, text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.
- MPOX vaccine eligibility has expanded in San Diego County. MPOX is now available to anyone who may be at risk. Visit our website for more information about the MPOX vaccine. MPOX vaccination appointments are available at myturn.ca.gov for those without health insurance or healthcare provider.
- To get notifications of vaccine availability, please sign up to the MPOX alert system by texting COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.
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RECURSOS Y ACTUALIZACIONES SOBRE MPOX (VIRUELA DE MONO)
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Obtenga la información más reciente y actualizada directamente del condado de San Diego. El sistema de alerta de mensajes de texto MPOX del condado envía información en tiempo real sobre MPOX a través de mensajes de texto a los residentes del condado de San Diego. Para inscribirse, envíe un mensaje de texto con COSD MONKEYPOX al 468-311. Visite nuestro sitio web en thecentersd.org/mpox/ para obtener la información más reciente.
- La eligibilidad para la vacuna contra MPOX se ha ampliado en el condado de San Diego. La vacuna MPOX ahora está disponible para cualquier persona que pueda estar en riesgo. Visita nuestro sitio web para más información sobre la vacuna contra MPOX. Las citas de vacunación MPOX están disponibles en myturn.ca.gov para personas sin seguro médico o sin proveedor de atención médica.
- Para recibir notificaciones sobre la disponibilidad de vacunas, regístrese en el sistema de alerta MPOX enviando un mensaje de texto con COSD MONKEYPOX al 468-311.
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Read the latest about COVID-19 including travel, vaccines, treatment, prevention and more. Resources to help you and yours stay healthy include:
Updates from The Center for Disease Control (CDC) including risks, vaccines, symptoms, and more.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here's what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVID.gov/tests has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)
- Orders will ship free starting the week of December 19, 2022
Visit sandiegocounty.gov to schedule your vaccine and booster appointment today! Find a location and schedule appointments on My Turn.
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