The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Jeff Griffith Youth Center was created to help homeless youth make the transition into independent living and to create a comfortable space for in-school, at-home and at-risk youth to socialize with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in an alcohol-free, drug-free, safe, educational and affirming environment.
The Youth Center is designed to serve youth 18-24 years old, and to provide an environment in which youth can interact with other people like themselves. The Youth Center offers three hot meals per day, showers, lockers, laundry facilities and clothing. Also provided are: employment training and job placement, a peer-to-peer support program, HIV testing and health prevention education, creative arts programs, and psycho-social services. In addition, dance classes, weekend barbecues, "poetry slams," talent shows and karaoke nights are conducted each month.
Established in 1995, the Youth Center was named in memory of a young man from Minnesota who struggled on the streets of Hollywood. With the support of his friends and the help he received from the L. A. Gay & Lesbian Center, he was able to establish himself in the community and achieve the admiration and respect of his peers and colleagues. Jeffrey died of a heart attack in 1995 at the age of 32.
To contact the Jeff Griffith Youth Center, call
Hours
The Jeff Griffith Youth Center is open Monday,
Location
Jeff Griffith Youth Center
7051 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038