SERVICES
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
1
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
As residents demonstrate a desire and skill development level to lead, opportunities to lead discussion groups are made available.
​LIFE SKILLS CENTER:​​
At Circle of Colors we do our best to prepare LGBTQ+ homeless youth to succeed in mainstream society.​
Circle of Colors offers life skill programs to train homeless youth to merge into the mainstream of life. We offer group counseling and one-on-one counseling to help so that the issues which brought them to our facility will no longer keep them down. We also offer classes for fun.
Some of the programs we offer are:
12-Step Programs
Education (Budgeting, GED-Prep, Home Economics, Auto Mechanics)
Computer Lab
Gardening
Driving Lessons
Dressing for Success
HIV Education​
2
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
AND ADVOCACY
Residents and participants are encouraged to participate in community outreach programs aimed at educating LGBTQ+ individuals and their families about COCO's services and programs.
3
YOUTH-LED DISCUSSIONS AND WORKSHOPS
COUNSELING:
Residents are encouraged to participate and lead discussions and workshops on topics in which they are well-versed.
21+ drop-in hours per week with
​trained adult staff and volunteers
Staff are available around the clock to help LGBTQ+ youth when issues come up. Staff assist in processing problems that come up on a daily basis.
Support for youth around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity
When crises surrounding sexual orientation or gender identity arise, staff are available for one-on-one discussion. Group discussions are held twice weekly.
Crisis intervention and advocacy services for LGBTQ victims of crime​
Legal advocates are available weekly to assist LGBTQ+ youth who are in crisis due to criminal action against the program participant. Injured participants are taken to the local hospital for medical treatment.
24 hour crisis line​​
Crisis intervention
Safety planning
A 24-hour hotline number is available for anyone in crisis. The number is:
800-566-6000
Potential new residents are processed on Tuesdays and Fridays. Crises intervention allows for temporary housing one night at a time in the dorm area of the facility. When
We offer safety planning education for residents and daily participants. LGBTQ+ youth learn to practice safe transit and prepare "go" bags for emergencies. Safety plans are mapped out so each person has a plan of action in case of an emergency.
Mental health counseling
Navigation of legal and medical systems
Information, education and referral
Mental health counseling is available daily by appointment. Licensed counselors meet with residents to assist in processing their mental health needs. A psychiatrist partners with COCO to assist with medicinal needs.
Introductory packets contain materials, phone numbers, and step-by-step procedures to help the resident navigate legal and medical issues.
Introductory packets are provided to each new resident with information about the COCO programs. Educational opportunities are listed so the resident can attend classes. Referrals to outside educational programs are provided within the introductory packets.