Penny Lane Centers LGBTQ+ Youth Programs

Our aim is to empower youngsters while strengthening their support system through educational trainings and workshops for their parents and foster parents, as well as their teachers, counselors, mentors and other community members that can have a significant impact on a young person’s self-esteem, sense of acceptance, and emotional well-being.

Support from caring individuals like you will help us expand and implement the following:

Our EDGY Drop-In Groups for LGBTQ youth in the San Fernando Valley, with a satellite location in Antelope Valley, will provide discussion groups around topics such as Coming Out, Job Skills, Identity Expression, Healthy Relationships, and Safe Sex.  Groups will be held in a relaxed, safe space that will allow youth to speak openly with their peers and provide them with a sense of community and unconditional acceptance.  EDGY Groups will also serve as a bridge between community mental health services and the community at large by providing referrals for mental health services as well as linkage to other community agencies and resources.

EDGY Conference: As Penny Lane's work with GLBTQ youth and families expanded, so did the organization's knowledge of best practices for working with this population. In an effort to share this knowledge and experience, Penny Lane created the Annual EDGY (Embracing the Diversity of GLBTQ youth and families) Conference.  This one-day conference is dedicated to providing the tools for professionals, parents and advocates to empower and support LGBTQ youth and families. The overwhelming support we have received from the thousands of professionals that work with LGBTQ youth gives us reassurance that our mission with EDGY is forward thinking and effective.

Imagine Day Camp: Penny Lane will develop and implement a day camp dedicated to helping Penny Lane LGBTQ clients to develop interpersonal skills, work in collaborative ways, and develop a strong sense of self and community.  Clients will find empowerment in a safe and fun summer camp environment. Camp activities will vary and range from educational workshops on topics such as LGBTQ History, Healthy Relationships, and Dealing with Discrimination & Bullying to team-building exercises such as hikes and other outdoor activities.