Safe Homes is a program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people between the ages of 14 and 23. Led by youth and professional staff, as well as volunteer adult advisors, we offer support and resources in a safe and nurturing environment.
Safe Homes is a program of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, a human services agency headquartered in Worcester. Safe Homes is one of thirty three programs operated by The Bridge and is the only program in Central Massachusetts which provides specialized services to GLBTQ youth.
Vision
Our goal is to decrease isolation and to nurture the health and well-being of GLBTQ youth. We do this through education, outreach, advocacy and support. There is something for everyone at Safe Homes.
Drop-In Center
Now in two locations!
From 5 - 7 p.m.
326 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA
Thursdays
From 6:30 - 9 p.m. at The Bridge, G. Stanley Hall School
4 Mann Street, Worcester, MA
Safe Homes Drop-In Centers are the cornerstone of the program. At the Drop-Ins, we provide refreshments, as well as social time and the opportunity to discuss any concerns with our volunteer staff. In addition to our social activities and educational programs, we also provide on-site crisis intervention and counseling. The Drop-In Center is open to youth ages 14-23, and is free to all.
The program part of the Drop-In Centers is different each week. A wide range of activities, speakers and presentations are scheduled for each month. One week might find participants listening to a presentation on preventing dating violence, and the next week might be a roundtable discussion of Coming Out stories, or preparing pride items for the Safe Homes table at a festival.
For details of upcoming programs, please see our Safe Home Calendar.
Peer Leadership
In addition to the Drop-In Centers, our Peer Leader Program is a vital part of Safe Homes. Comprised of 8-10 dedicated young people who help shape Drop-In Center programming, they act as representatives of Safe Homes and conduct activities. Peer leaders meet weekly to discuss the goings-on of Safe Homes and to identify key themes/problems they feel the Drop-In Center should address. They welcome new members, and act as ambassadors of Safe Homes in their schools and communities. All youth have the opportunity to become a Peer Leader.
Outreach
Safe Homes is also an advocacy and outreach program. Our program manager and peer leaders often travel to area schools, GSAs and other groups to discuss GLBT issues. Keeping our neighbors informed of the services we provide is very important to Safe Homes. In addition to our outreach projects, Safe Homes youth take part in many community events like Pride Week and the Queer Prom, and fundraising events like the AIDS Walk in Boston. It is important to Safe Homes that we educate and advocate within our own communities - thereby ensuring the safety of youth. We pride ourselves on being good citizens!
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