Outlet is looking for volunteers! Are you interested in supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in the Bay Area? Consider volunteering with Outlet to facilitate youth support groups, provide local outreach, and learn to provide SOGIE 101 trainings. Complete our short Volunteer Inquiry form and an Outlet staff will contact you within 24 hours
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Outlet is building a library! Check out our Amazon Wishlist and donate a book!
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ABOUT OUTLET
Founded in 1997, Outlet empowers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Agender + (LGBTQIA+) youth and builds safe and accepting communities through support, education, and advocacy. Outlet envisions a world that embraces, empowers, and celebrates LGBTQIA+ youth. Outlet officially became a program of ACS in 2013.
Outlet is youth-centered, respecting all individuals and honoring their differences. Outlet program staff provide a safe environment that is confidential, inclusive, and non-judgmental. Striving for social justice and engaging youth in achieving freedom, fairness, and equality for all are the core elements of the program. Outlet services support the emotional, physical, and social development of youth as whole individuals.
OUR SERVICES
LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SERVICES
Outlet provides LGBTQIA+ affirmative and gender expansive counseling services to youth between 10-25 years of age. Complete our screening form to inquire about individual, couple, or family therapy. If you have any questions, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.
*We do not take insurance or Medi-Cal, however, we can provide a superbill or a receipt of services that can be submitted to your insurance company. Please inquire for our fee scale based on family income.
SOCIAL GROUPS:
Social groups provide informal peer support and are facilitated by Outlet Program Coordinators. They are a great place to build community, explore identity and work on developing social skills and relationships. Our social groups are open, meaning we are always accepting new members and there is no attendance limit. Activities and topic discussions based on each group’s specific needs and wants.
Outlet social groups are free, drop-in, confidential and meet year-round (unless otherwise specified):
MONDAY LGBTQIA+ YOUTH GROUP
AGES 10 TO 18
Monday 4:30-6:00 PM
A peer support group for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 10-18. This group is a safe and confidential space to share experiences and build community. This group is English speaking.
TUESDAY QTBIPOC GROUP
AGES 14-25
Tuesday 6:00-7:30 PM
A peer support group for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color ages 14-25. This group is a safe community space dedicated to exploring, supporting, and educating ourselves and others on the intersectionality of being LGBTQIA+ and a Person of Color. This group is English and Spanish speaking.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
6:00-7:30 PM, September-May
An action oriented group for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-25. This group is dedicated to identifying and working to address issues LGBTQIA+ young people currently face. This group is English speaking. Please reach out to yoselin@acs-teens.org with any questions or to apply.
THURSDAY TRANS GROUP
AGES 14 TO 25
Thursday 5:00-6:30 PM
This group meets in-person and virtually in a hybrid format
A peer support group for Trans* folks ages 14-25 who identify as part of the Trans* community or who want to explore their gender identity. This group is a safe and confidential space to share experiences and build positive relationships in a welcoming environment. *Trans = transmasc, transfemme, non-binary, agender, gender-queer/fluid, questioning, and more. This group is English speaking
How to sign up for Outlet social groups:
STEP 1: Complete our Outlet Social Group Form
STEP 2: Email us at outletprogram@acs-teens.org. Include which group(s) you’re interested in so that the appropriate Outlet Facilitator can contact you.
STEP 3: An Outlet Facilitator will schedule a brief 10 minute video orientation and answer any questions you have at that point. We look forward to being in community with you!
THERAPY GROUPS:
Therapy groups differ from social groups in the following ways:
- They are facilitated by mental health clinicians and specifically offer evidence based strategies to manage stress/challenges.
- Therapy groups are usually psychoeducational, meaning they have set content goals, the therapist takes an instructor role and the focus is coping skills around a particular topic OR process-oriented, meaning the group engages in relational dialogue, the therapist takes a facilitator role and the focus is on relationship building, support and idea sharing.
- Our therapy groups are a hybrid. They have psychoeducational components and are process oriented. They are also closed, meaning all members begin and end at the same time. Attendance for each group cycle is limited to between 6-10 members.
LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group
8 consecutive weeks
This is a therapy group for parents & caregivers of LGBTQIA+ youth. This group is both educational and process-oriented, meaning you will learn about LGBTQIA+ experiences and identities, develop coping skills and gain support in community with others who are navigating their experience of raising an LGBTQIA+ youth. To begin the intake process for this group, please fill out our intake form. For more information about this group, please email us or call 650.424.0852 x107
GROUP CALENDAR:
CONSULTATIONS & RESOURCE REFERRALS
Outlet works closely with parents, caregivers, families, providers, schools and youth to build safer living and learning environments. Outlet is dedicated to co-creating communities in which all young people can thrive.
Please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.
GSA SUPPORT
Outlet provides the following guidance and support to local GSA /Pride Clubs:
- Starting a GSA or help getting it off the ground.
- Model facilitation for your already established GSA
- Hosting panels or Q&A discussions
- Providing education and training to your school administrators, teachers, club or parents
- Co-hosting events with your GSA
- Co-creating mentorship opportunities with members of your GSA and Outlet or the San Mateo Pride Center
To schedule a meeting with one of our program coordinators, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Outlet offers a SOGIE 101 training that can be tailored to the specific needs of your organization or group. We train service providers, educators, employee resource groups of many industries, other nonprofits, government organizations, parents, youth, and community stakeholders. Our SOGIE 101 training covers the differences and relationships between Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression and how these identity categories impact everyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We also dive into the unique experiences and challenges that LGBTQIA+ folks face and the specific ways one can support them. Trainings about topics beyond SOGIE 101 may be available upon request.
Please note: Our trainings require at least one meeting with Outlet staff prior to the training to determine the exact educational needs of the intended audience. Trainings are typically 90 minutes and at a cost – both the time allotted and price per hour can be negotiated during the planning meeting. Trainings are offered in-person or virtually (be advised that in-person trainings are more difficult to schedule and necessitate advance notice).
Please inquire with the specific needs of your organization. For more information, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.