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.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of The Center’s services are virtual, but both HYC and SBYC are now open during our phased reopening. Please reach out to HYC@thecentersd.org and/or southbayyouth@thecentersd.org for specific information during this time, or see calendars below.
THE CENTER'S SERVICES
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.
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 x122.
Location:
1807 Robinson Ave, Suite 106, 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.
Location:
1180 3rd Avenue, Suite C1, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Daily Schedule:
Tuesday – Thursday 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Tour Day: Mondays, 3:00pm- 7:00pm
Social Media:
Facebook: SBYCSD
Instagram: @southbayyouthcenter
The Center Programming and Events
To view more events from The Center or other events going on in the community, click here.
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