Social Support Groups

We Are Family currently offers three social support groups for young people — SafeSpace (middle and high school), NextGen (18-24 age), and The Q Crew (for queer and trans Black Indigenous People of Color). Groups are peer-led and facilitated by We Are Family staff and trained volunteers.

SafeSpace is a supportive and affirming group facilitated by therapists. The group incorporates support services, leadership development, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.

SafeSpace is open to youth aged 13-17.

This group meets biweekly on Tuesdays (5-6:30PM) and Thursdays (4-6:30PM), with both in-person and virtual options.


NextGen is a supportive and affirming group that incorporates support services, leadership development, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ young adults.

NextGen (formerly QueerSpace) is open to young adults aged 18-24.

Groups are run bimonthly (1st and 3rd Saturdays from 12-3PM).


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Stay up to date with our programs by visiting our EVENTs CALENDAR!

 

To Join Our Groups:

If you are new, complete our youth intake form by clicking here. Once this intake form is completed, youth will receive a link for a brief welcome meeting with programming staff so they can go through program details. For questions or additional information, email our Director of Mental Health Programs, Alejandra De La Vega at alejandrad@waf.org or our Program Director, Luka Romanova at lukar@waf.org.

Welcome Group Members!

WAF staff has started a trial of a new virtual group structure. This new structure will involve spending around 30 minutes in separate virtual groups for folks (safe space, nextgen, q crew), and then coming together for the main activity or discussion. We will also share notes for whatever we do in this Discord so people can continue the conversation. 

Know Before You Go!

All attendees must have an intake form and intake meeting completed to attend social support groups. Please click here to complete a form if you have not.

Please visit www.waf.org/mha to complete intake for our group therapy programs.


 

Drop In Hours at WAF’s Community Center

 

Looking for a welcoming space to hang out, relax, or connect with others?! Our drop-in hours are open to SafeSpace and NextGen — no registration needed!

Come by to:

  • Play games (board, card, or video)

  • Read from our LGBTQ+ library

  • Get creative with crafts

  • Use our public computers

  • Access a kitchen with all the snacks!

  • Or just chill in a safe, affirming space

There’s no formal programming during drop-in hours — just an open, supportive environment where you can be yourself.

Check our events calendar for age-specific times and stop in whenever it works for you!

*Note that all participants are required to abide by our drop-in hours policies.


 

I’ve never felt more understood than I do with We Are Family. They’ve been my anchor, reminding me that I belong in this world.

Skylar, 16

 

 
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