8. What organizations are you involved in? Explain what they are and what they do. 

On Thursday nights from 6-9 I go to Safe Homes and usually everyday I go to the Kiva from Monday to Thursday 9 or 9:30 to 2:30 or 3:30. I go to the Kiva depending on their support groups they are having. 

Safe Homes is a program supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, and their straight allies, between the ages of 14 and 23. The group is lead by youth peer leaders, professional staff, and volunteers who offer support, resources, and opportunities for socialization in a safe and nurturing environment. 

Safe Homes is a program of Open Sky Community Services (Used to be The Bridge), a human services agency headquarted in Worcester. Safe Homes is one of 100 programs operated by Open Sky and is the only program in the area which provides specialized services to LGBTQ youth. 

Safe Homes youth create, follow and enforce a set of values that are integral to the Drop-in Center: 

Safe Homes is a safe space for all participants

Everyone has the right to have a voice and to feel heard

Participants show compassion to all other members

Everyone is accepted unconditionally

All members show respect to each other and the space

The diversity of our Safe Homes family is celebrated

Their goal in offering support to LGBTQ youth throughout Central Massachusetts is to decrease isolation and foster general health and well-being. Their mission is to provide safe and supportive services for LGBTQ youth so that they feel nurtured and validated in all aspects of their identity. 

There is something for everyone at Safe Homes. Whether you are looking for advice, information, or new friends, we hope you will consider checking us out. 

Laura Farnsworth is the program Manager of Safe Homes. She is also the Director of Greater Worcester PFLAG, a support group for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ people. They meet every third Wednesday of each month from 7-9. I have also go to that since I turned 18. I been going to Safe Homes since 10th grade. 

Laura has been working with LGBTQ youth, families and community members for many years with Open Sky Community Services (previously Alternatives and The Bridge). She has extensive experience providing positive youth development programming, supports, education, free counseling and advocacy for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies in Worcester County. She has become a known resource for youth workers, educators, health care providers, faith based communities, DCF, DYS and others working with LGBTQ youth. 

Her passion and dedication to the community she serves has brought support, education, and a friend to those in need in Worcester County and the surrounding areas. 

They always welcome new faces whether you are in the community or an ally. There are a wide range of speakers, fun filled activities, Peer Support, and pizza every week. 

They also have support services for Homeless youth such as Supportive materials, one on one Counseling, information is confidential, FREE hot meals, Emergency Backpacks, and Transportation for services. They have free bus passes if you need to take the bus. 

A few years ago Safe Homes have also started a group within a group call T-time. T-Time is a safe space for Trans and gender non-conforming youth, is held on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 5:30-6:30. T-Time is open to youth ages 14-23 who identify as Trans, genderqueer, bigender, agender, intersex, gender non-conforming, or questioning. 

For the summer they are having:

They are close for the 4th of July

July 11th Open Mic Night (I'm going to do "A thousand years" which is mine and Josh's song) I wish he could go to that. 

July 18th "The Surgery" with Elle & Rhys/Coming Out/T-Time

July 25th LGBT ASL with Otto (Which I am excited about because I am learning ASL) 

August 1st Friends and Family Pot Luck Night (Josh might come to that)

August 8th My Romantic & Sexual Orientations Don't Match?/Participating in Activism Iraq Large & Small with Elle (I might be interested in the Activism option but they are both good choices) 

August 15th Pride Prep-Jewelry Making/T-Time

August 22nd Pride Prep/Free Night (Worcester Pride is the first Saturday in September) 

August 29th Job interview skills with Connor 2/Safe Schools & Legal Rights in School (I am still trying to find a job) 

They also have a Transgender Closet "Safe Transitioning Supplies", Food Pantry, and a Employment Specialist. Their licensed counselors available Tuesdays from 4:00-6:30 & Thursdays 4:00-9:00. You can make an appointment or walk in. 

They have free on-site HIV testing through Aids Project Worcester at the Drop-in Center. All testing is confidential and you receive immediate results, counseling, and any needed referrals. There are state of the art training on wide range of topics concerning LGBTQ youth. Training are provided to Service Providers, Educators, Social Workers, Foster Parents, and other community members who work with LGBTQ youth. Some trainings that have been offered in the past include: 

Avoiding stereotypes, Suicide Prevention, Bullying/harassment, Working with LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care settings, Rights of LGBTQ youth in schools & foster care, Transgender and gender variant youth, and Creating an open and affirming workplace. 

Peer Leaders are a vital part of Safe Homes. I was a peer leader back in High School and they meet every Thursday at 4:00 planning activities for the drop in and have different roles such in Shape programming, Ambassadors for the community, Conduct Safe Homes activities, Meet weekly to discuss activities and to identify key themes/problems they feel the Drop-In Center should address, Develop Peer Support to other youth at the drop in center, Receive extensive trainings and Conduct trainings and presentations for community youth workers and educators. 

The Kiva Center is A Trauma Informed and Recovery Based Outcome Model. There is a location in Worcester on Shewsberry Street. 

They are dedicated to community, collaboration and healing.

They have different events in the community. They had their Independence Day Event yesterday. They opened at 5pm so everyone can come  o celebrate with the city by watching fireworks from their front step. I didn't go because I plan on going to Salem tomorrow to watch the fireworks with my parents and Josh. Ear plugs and trauma-informed socialization available too. They will not be open on July 4th or the 5th in observance of Independence Day and giving our staff a small summer break. They will reopen Monday July 8th for their regular hours. Members of the Kiva Community participated in several events such as the BUR (Blacks United in Recovery) Stakeholding Roundtables and the Worcester Juneteenth Festival. I actually went to my first Juneteenth festival this year. Juneteenth is on June 19th and it celebrate the day on 1865 when all the slaves were freed. Some in the African American communities celebrate this instead of the 4th of July because it was a day when everyone was free. That is why many feel that, that should be Independence Day instead of the 4th of July. 

Their main focus is on promoting wellness and resilience through mutual support. We believe in every person's right to mental health and their ability to achieve it. We believe that relationships are at the center of what heals people who have experienced mental/emotional health challenges. We are united by our shared experience and common humanity. Our stories, collective wisdom and strength, guide us and our community to wellness. 

The Schedule for this month (The Schedule might be different each month depending on any new groups or popular groups they offered and have) 

On Mondays from 9:30-10:30 they have Morning Jump Start (Peer Support) 

Start up your week with a hot cup of joe in a relaxed and supportive environment. (I only been to that ones. I usually don't because my mom has Mondays off so I let myself wake up at 8 so I can at least go to their ASL class) 

American Sign Language 10:45-11:45 (I have been going to this so I can learn how to communicate in ASL) 

Learn new stuff and meet new people. Topics may include education, socialization, culture development mutual support, mental health and more. Deaf jokes and ASL storytelling. American Sign Language also known as ASL will allowyou to learn how to sign and will also teach you the cultural aspects of American Sign Language. All are welcome. 

Coping with Anger from 11:00-12:00 

Learn and share ways on how to deal with, how to cope with, as well as how to release your anger in a non-harmful way. (I think Edgar should go to this because he has anger issues) 

Spanish Peer Support from 11:15-12:15. 

Breaking Cycles from 12:00-1:00

This group is focused on fostering wellness and compassion for ourselves while recognizing our ability for self-growth. We all make mistakes and sometimes harming others can also be a source of trauma for ourselves. This is a non-judgmental space where we share stories and strategies to empower ourselves in reaching our goals. (I have been wanting to go to that support group) 

Zumba with Andrei from 12:30-1:30 (I do that)

Dancing burns calories, strengthens bones and muscles; improves physical, emotional, and mental balance. Zumba also reduces pain, slows the aging process and contribute to wellness. "(Rachel should do this. My mom too)  

Yoga with Lindsey from 1:30-2:30 (I do that) 

On Tuesdays Sharing & Caring Conversation is from 10:00-11:00 (I go to that) 

They have their community gathering at 11:15 for any updates and events that are happening as well as anything going on in the community. (I love going to that and knowing what's going on in Worcester) 

It's an opportunity for the community to get together to discuss and make decisions in matters related to our center. 

They provide a Latin Lunch from 12:30-1:30 (I eat what they have if it is something I would like, like Spaghetti) 

Trauma Informed Addiction Dual Diagonals from 1:30-2:30

This weekly group is geared toward those of us with lived experience, while also dealing with the obstacles and challenges that other addictions i.e., alcohal, narcotics, gambling, shopping can bring to one's recovery.  

Yoga with Lindsey from 2:35-3:30 (I go to this one too. I love Yoga. It is relaxing) 

Join our instructor Lindsey in a relaxing and fulfilling experience, people of all levels and abilities are welcome. With a 15 minutes optional time for extra stretches.  

On Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 Wellness Wednesday (I go to that)

Various physical and mental health topics such as diet, eating habits, exercise and peer support.  

Peers of Color Support from 10:45-11:45

This meeting has been designed for Peers who identify themselves as people of color. It is safe space to all that are working on personal growth and strength by sharing recovery stories, power, and wisdom in a setting of mutuality and non-judgement. (I have been to that group a couple of times to learn more on issues surrounding their community and more about Juneteenth) 

Compulsive Behavior Support from 12:00-1:00 (I have been to that) 

This is an opportunity to get support or give support around behaviors that are compulsive, including but not limited to over eaters, shopaholics, etc. (I have talked about when I used to self harm) 

They used to have Life with and without limits from 1:00-2:00 but now they have Life after Violence at that time.

This is a non-judgmental space to discuss the trauma of having harmed others. In this group, we make intentional space to share stories and strategies towards accountability and self-recovery while fostering compassion for ourselves. (It's not a group for me)  

Spanish Peer Support from 1:00-2:00 as well. 

Guitar 101 from 2:00-3:00 (I started going to that so I can learn how to play the guitar) I would love to play the guitar to Josh like how he played for me.

Learn to play guitar and enjoy the healing power of music.  

On Thursdays they offer a walking group with Andrei from 9:15-9:45

Living with Loss from 10:00-11:00 (I went to that group a couple of times to talk about Flower and Tigress. I might go back next week because I am still sad about what happen to them)

An opportunity to share and listen to experiences about loss and together can provide help, hope, and grieving support to one another.  

Alternatives to Suicide from 11:15-12:15 (I been going to that) 

This group is a safe space where people with similar experiences get together to talk about all the alternatives we have, surrounding the topic of suicide, in a non-clinical and non-judgmental space. 

Voice Hearers & Alternative Realities from 12:30-1:30

A support group for those who hear voices and/or experience reality in different ways. (I don't need this) 

Spirituality and Wellness from 1:35-2:35 (I go to that and talk about my Wiccan believes and how it connect to my wellness) 

This is a time to spend with others who want to share how their spirituality has helped them along their journey toward wellness and healing. (A non-denominated group setting)

System Survivors Group from 2:35-3:30 (It's a new group that started last month. I have been going to that and we talked about different systems such as the Education system, the Mental and Medical Health systems, and DCF) 

The system survivor movement is an emerging movement born from an understanding that systems and constructs intrinsically affect all aspects of the human experience. This group will offer an opportunity to discuss what it means to be a system survivor and how systems of oppression inherently create movements that look to uproot them. Awareness of such movements, systems and constructs allow for people to become better allies to those who identify as systems survivors as well as use their own experience within systems to contribute to a culture of empathy. 

On Fridays they don't open until 12:00. 

Sharing & Caring Convention from 12:30-1:30

This is a time to spend with others who want to share thoughts and support each other. 

Recovery through Art from 1:45-3:15 (I go to that and make something sometimes)

This group we will use creativity as a tool of relaxation and wellbeing. All art and craft projects will fit all artistic levels, from beginner to advanced. Projects may include drawing, collage, painting and more. (I made a collage, I painted a Kindness/pride rock for pride month, and I painted the Juneteenth Flag)  

Recovery thru Rhythms (Drum Circle and more) from 3:30-4:30 (I go to that sometimes) 

Come find the rhythm master in yourself as you drum, play and sing with other peers! Open to all-You don't need experience, and drums will be available. We'll have a blast creating freestyle rhythms! 

Karaoke/Spoken Word from 4:30-6:00 (I go to that every week and they provide Pizza for dinner)

Join us for a fun afternoon full of conversation, pizza, Karaoke, singing, and dancing. (I would love for Josh to come to Worcester for that) 

There will be Death Cafe on Wednesday July 24, 6:00-7:30. A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. 

Our objective is to increase awareness of death with, a view to helping people make the most of their lives. (I am interested in going to this) 

There is a Silent Dinner on Saturday, July 13th, 4:30-7:00pm at Hien Vuong Restaurant on 76 Green Street in Worcester, MA. There is ASL coffee chat on Tuesday July 23rd, 5:0-8:00pm at Fuel America 6 Mercantile Street in Worcester, MA.  

Peer Support Meeting: An opportunity to share and listen to experiences and together can provide help, hope, and support to one another. Daily. Thursdays 2:35-3:30.  

The Kiva had also expended to having a Zia Access center open to youth from 16-22. They meet at Open Skies. I found out about Zia at Safe Homes last year. I tried to go the next week when I thought it was going to start that week but no one's there. I gave up trying to go to that and just go to the Kiva because the Kiva is for anyone 18 and up and I am 22 so it is too late for me to start going to Zia.