New Alternatives provides the following services for Homeless LGBT youth (ages 16-24):
Life Skills
Weekly dinner is held Sunday evenings at 7pm
Life skills workshop is held Sunday evenings following dinner at 8pm
Location: 50 E. 7th Street between 1st and 2nd ave.
Since November, 2008 we have been holding a weekly dinner and Life Skills group that draws 35-50 youth per week. Originally planned with a focus on concrete skills, such as budgeting, the Life Skills group has evolved so that the focus is now on aspects of emotional competence, personal development, and communication skills. These groups are led by JD Melendez, with assistance from assorted volunteers and guest presenters. We are currently training additional facilitators, since the rising numbers of youth may create a need for two groups held simultaneously.
Case Management
Case management sessions are held Tuesday evenings between 5 and 9pm
Location: 50 E. 7th Street between 1st and 2nd ave.
Starting in early May 2009, we have been holding sessions of a weekly case management clinic that assists youth with a variety of issues, including name changes, identification, benefits, resumes, and legal problems, as well as general counseling.
Recreation/Community Building
Our recreation/community building programming offers a variety of trips and activities intended to provide youth with opportunities to feel connected with their communities and participate in activities that otherwise would be unknown or out of reach. All of our activities are safe, drug and alcohol free events led by our dedicated volunteers. Popular activities include the Transgender Health Conference in Philadelphia, Pride Parade and Dance, Queer Spirit Camp, Trans in the Sands beach trip, Halloween Costume Ball, and museum trips.
The Holiday Season can be a challenging time for youth. We offer traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations on the actual holidays, providing youth a place to gather when many other programs are closed.
Groups
Creative Writing: Sundays, 6-7pm, Balcony A
Led by Charles Austin of the NYC Writers’ Coalition, Creative Writing is an opportunity for youth to express themselves in a supportive setting.
HIV Support Group: For privacy reasons, the time and place are confidential
This group is for HIV+ LGBT homeless youth. Dinner and metrocard provided.
Please contact Howie: howieh914@gmail.com if you are interested in joining
Youth Pride Speechcraft, sponsored by Pride Toastmasters:
A place for LGBT homeless youth to develop their communication and public speaking skills in a safe and motivational environment. Weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Please contact Jim at new.alternatives@pridetoastmasters.com for more info.
Male-Identified Trans Youth: Contact JD: dabronxpoetri@aol.com for more info.
Starting Sunday, 6/20/10
A group for gender non-conforming youth on the masculine spectrum.
See our calendar of upcoming events here.
Basic Needs
New Alternatives provides items to meet the basic needs of homeless youth, especially those who are living on the street. In addition to hot meals, we have a food pantry of items that do not require cooking. We also distribute donated clothing; hats, gloves and scarves in winter months; socks; underwear; blankets; and hygiene items such as razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and sanitary pads.
