Youth Services

In order to develop into successful adults, our LGBTQ youth need a safe, welcoming, and affirming space where they can be themselves and access the resources they need. Established in 2000, Our Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC) was the first LGBTQ drop-in and recreational center in San Diego County, and our South Bay Youth Center (SBYC) was established in 2019 as a hub for youth and families in Chula Vista. Both Youth Centers are dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ and nonbinary youth, as well as youth living with HIV.

Please reach out to HYC@thecentersd.org and/or southbayyouth@thecentersd.org or see calendars below.

Welcome to Youth Services at The Center

We are excited to connect with you! To stay up-to-date on our programs and services and what’s going on at Your Center, sign up to receive our weekly E-News and connect with us on social media. 

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Follow South Bay Youth Center on Facebook for Center announcements, groups, and events and more.

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Hillcrest Youth Center Offerings

Social Meet-Up at HYC (Ages 10-13)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

Gender Identity Group at HYC (Ages 10-13)

Join our peer-led group intended for youth exploring, questioning, and curious about their gender identity and expression. This group is facilitated by a clinician.

Social Meet-Up at HYC (Ages 14-18)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

GENDER IDENTITY GROUP AT HYC (AGES 14-17)

Join our peer-led group intended for youth exploring, questioning, and curious about their gender identity and expression. This group is facilitated by a clinician.​

HYC Teen Book Club
(Ages 14-18)

Join our Teen Book Club at HYC! Every 4th Wednesday of the month, join us for an LGBTQ-themed graphic novel. We'll have snacks and free books!

Healthy Leaps at HYC
(Ages 14-17)

This program features a series of interactive and fun workshops centered around how to build healthy platonic and romantic relationships with a BIPOC, trans/nonbinary LGBTQ+ centering lens.

HYC Tour Day

Join us for Community Tour Days at Hillcrest Youth Center - come check out what we have to offer!

Social Meet-Up at HYC (Ages 18-24)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

Hillcrest Youth Center
Youth HIV Testing

Sexual health and wellness is self care! Youth ages 18-24 are welcome to get a free HIV Test at Hillcrest Youth Center. All participants are eligible for a $20 gift card while supplies last.

SOUTH BAY Youth Center Offerings

Community Day at SBYC

Join us for Community Fridays at the South Bay Youth Center! This is a day for programs, events, tours, and community!

Social Meet-Up at SBYC (Ages 14-18)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

Social Meet-Up at SBYC (Ages 10-13)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

Social Meet-Up at SBYC (Ages 18-24)

Meet other peers, connect to resources, and hang out in a safe and affirming place.

Youth Housing Assistance Hours (Ages 18-24)

Meet our Youth Housing Department liaison and get connected with local housing assistance resources and programs.

South Bay Youth Center
Youth HIV Testing

Sexual health and wellness is self care! Youth ages 18-24 are welcome to get a free HIV Test at South Bay Youth Center. All participants are eligible for a $20 gift card while supplies last.

Hillcrest Youth Center 

The Center’s Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC) is the first drop-in and recreational center in San Diego County dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ and nonbinary youth, as well as youth living with HIV. HYC offers safe space and affirming programming for high school youth ages 14-18; middle school youth ages 10-13; and transitional age youth from 18-24. For more information, contact us at HYC@thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x626. 

New Location:
514 Pennsylvania Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Daily Schedule: 
Monday – Friday 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Tour Day: Thursdays, 11:00am – 7:00pm

Social Media:
Facebook: HYCSD
Instagram: @hillcrestyouthcenter

 

South Bay Youth Center

The Center’s South Bay Youth Center (SBYC) in Chula Vista is the first LGBTQ and nonbinary youth-focused agency in the South Bay. SBYC provides similar programming to HYC, offering a drop-in and recreational center for LGBTQ and nonbinary youth, youth living with HIV, and their families and allies. Established in 2019 to meet the increased demand for services and increase access to vital support and programs. For more information, contact us at southbayyouth@thecentersd.org or 619.800.3203.

Location:
1180 3rd Avenue, Suite C1, Chula Vista, CA 91911 

Daily Schedule: 
Tuesday – Thursday 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Community Days: Mondays & Fridays, 3:00pm- 7:00pm

Social Media:
Facebook: SBYCSD
Instagram: @southbayyouthcenter

Youth Services at The Center
Programs and Events

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To view more events from The Center or other events going on in the community, click here. 

Additional Offerings at The Center

Engagement

Engagement opportunities include creating and performing arts programs, support and discussion groups about gender identity, and amazing social activities taking place virtually with limited 1:1 meetings with Center staff and youth.

ESSENTIAL SUPPORT​

Programs to promote individual wellness, quality of life, and building community including Peer to Peer support, 1:1 check-ins, tutoring, support groups, basic financial education, youth leadership training, and more.

Critical Services

Critical health and social-support services, and collaborations with other agencies, including HIV prevention, testing and support, connections to behavioral and mental health services, connections to housing, health education, and more.

HIV Testing & Education

HIV testing at The Center is open to youth as young as 13 years old. Our Youth Services Team strives to educate youth and families on the importance of overall health and wellness, including sexual health and wellness. Our goal is to make sure youth have access to the resources, information, and tools they need to make healthy and informed decisions for themselves.Click here to learn more.

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