Safe Spaces Youth by The NIA Project: A Purpose-Driven Mission
Our purpose is to create a safe, empowering environment for LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized youth. Through community support and essential resources—like housing, transportation, and education—we foster a space where these young individuals can find mental health support, resilience, and a true sense of belonging. Our mission is to help LGBTQ+ youth not just survive but thrive in a supportive, inclusive community.
What do we do?
The NIA Foundation’s “Project Safe Spaces” is dedicated to addressing the mental, social, and psychological needs of young people aged 5-24. Here’s an outline of our program’s key components:
- Targeted Services:
- Counseling
- Housing support
- TAP card transportation
- Self-awareness workshops
- Community-building information
- Youth-led forums
- Youth-led community-building circles
- We offer a gender-affirming closet for those who are unable to obtain or afford clothing that matches their identity or gender expression.
Who’s the community we serve:
We’re looking to provide services to LGBTQIA+ youth teens, young adults, and their families. Especially those who also face the challenges of intersectionality in their everyday experiences, regardless of race, religion, or ability.
- Goals:
- To support at least 100 young people by June 2026.
Our Approach and Practices:
Our program prioritizes trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to assist students dealing with high rates of traumatic events. Here’s how we plan to achieve this:
Utilizing the Clubhouse Intl. Model
- We are implementing their mental wellness model of support.
- We are incorporating restorative activities that focus on strengths and abilities.
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We have Partnered with Kinny Small Family Home
At Kinney Small Family Home we strive to deliver individualized care plans that cater to specific needs, who have physical and mental disabilities ensuring they receive the best possible support. We aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and included. Resident ages range from 2-17 who may exhibit significant challenges in taking care of themselves, necessitating the use of task analysis, and who have challenging support needs.
Providing a Safe Space
- Community-building
- Circles Counseling Support
- Access to resources
- Mentorship
- Access to clinical support for mental health services
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Provide family/group therapy sessions
- For those who need mediation when approaching difficult subjects with loved ones
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Community Engagement
- Holding 8-10 community building meetings weekly, both in-person and virtually.
- Offering drop-in and scheduled clientele options.
Academic Assistance
- We’ll support members in obtaining their high school diplomas.
- We’re offering academic tutoring sessions in English Language arts or mathematics if needed.
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Partnerships
At A NIA’s Safe Space Clubhouse
Our Core Values
A Safe Spaces with a Purpose is a Standards-Based Clubhouse designed specifically to address the unique needs of youth and young adults living with mental health challenges, with a focus on reaching LGBTQIA youth and young adults.
At The Nia Foundation, we are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where LGBTQIA youth can engage in peer-led activities and find the support they need to thrive
That is why having a Safe Space Clubhouse can be your lifeline to get through this difficult time you are living in.
Our Counselors are here to help you!
Help us in our future expansion
We anticipate significant growth in our services and partnerships under this newly funded program. We plan to implement the Rise training and coaching curriculum during our group sessions to further support youth-driven peer-led community building.
Are you a Parent to a LGBTQ+ Youth?
Do you notice signs or have concerns about your child’s well-being, consider seeking LGBTQ+ youth support with affirming counselors, therapists, and support groups.
Changes in Expression
Social Withdrawal
Mood Swings or Irritability
Self-Esteem Issues
Avoidance of Certain Topics or Conversations
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Changes in Academic Performance
Here’s what we strive for at NIA’s Project Safe Spaces
Mission
To provide accessible, inclusive, and affirming counseling and support services to marginalized youth.
Vision
We envision a society where LGBTQ individuals have equitable access to high-quality mental health care. And mental health care that respects their identities and experiences.
Values
Our core values ensure a supportive and affirming environment for LGBTQ youth, we are a youth-driven LGBTQ counseling center, and we handle young people from ages 5-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Services do Safe Space Center Offer ?
Safe Spaces Youth offers counseling and Clubhouse Safe Drop-in Contact to LGBTQ+ youth & marginalized youth, including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and resource referrals.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a top priority at Safe Spaces Youth. What you share in counseling sessions is private and will not be shared with anyone without your consent, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
How do I know if counseling is right for me ?
Counseling can be helpful if you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Our counselors are here to listen, provide support, and help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental space.
Are there any fees for counseling services ?
The youth who seek support from Safe Spaces will do so without direct costs.. We believe that everyone should have access to mental health support regardless of financial barriers. However, we can bill via Medi-care for those who quailfy
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Our Focus Is On Our Youth
"Our mission is to provide accessible, inclusive, and affirming counseling and support services to marginalized youth particularly within the LGBTQ community. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their identities, address mental health concerns, and cultivate resilience and empowerment."
If you are in distress right now! And you might harm yourself... CALL
NIA's Project Safe Spaces Center
5830 Overhill Drive, Suite 2
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 348-4262
Info@safespacesyouth.org
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