Groups follow a research-based curriculum to build courage, confidence, honesty, and communication skills.
One Circle
What is it?
These gender-separated groups provide a safe place to address conditions and risks, build on protective factors, and promote healthy passage through adolescence, discussing topics such as healthy relationships, communication skills, drugs & alcohol, body‐image, and self‐care. They take place in conjunction with the school year, follow an evidence-based successful curriculum, and are led by trained, caring adult facilitators. Youth are encouraged to engage in the discussions during these sessions.
Eligibility
Youth ages 10-18
What do youth get while in services?
Youth gain a sense of belonging and personal value being a part of these groups. The environment is structured to help youth feel welcomed, appreciated, and not discriminated against regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability. Participation will give youth a chance to practice developing their thoughts and voice in a safe atmosphere and it will help them make positive, healthy connections with other participants. Skills learned in these workshops will guide them toward a positive future.
How do youth access/how do partners refer?
Contact Jackson Street Youth Services (541-754-2404) or the schools for more information on dates and times.
Peer Support 541 (P.S. 541)
What is it?
PS-541 is a support group is led by the Next Steps Skills Coach that meets bi-weekly for transitional youth ages 16 to 24. Examples of meeting topics include how to overcome fears during a job interview and/or how to communicate with peers in a positive way, learning about job skills, basic finances, shopping on a budget, apartment renting, household maintenance, etc. The sharing and discussion processes are facilitated by Jackson Street staff who are skilled and trained to maintain a safe, trauma-informed environment in support groups. The process encourages youth to support and empathize with each other as they problem-solve issues as a group. Another part of this group experience is community service projects, chosen and implemented on a monthly basis by youth in PS-541.
Free, dinner is provided
Albany:
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 pm
at the Youth Service Center
960 SW Queen Ave, Albany, OR
Corvallis:
Thursdays 5:30-6:30 pm
at the Jackson Street Program Office
555 NW Jackson Ave, Corvallis
Eligibility
Ages 16-24
What do youth get while in services?
Youth will become more independent and learn the necessary life skills to improve their self-sufficiency. These meetings are very much tailored to those who are present: discussions are mainly driven by youth interest, addressing the situations that youth are dealing with in the moment. : youth are invited to give feedback about the direction and delivery of services
How do youth access/how do partners refer?
Contact Yvonne Dominguezfor more information (yvonne.dominguez@jacksonstreet.org; (541) 760-0516
Queer Peers
What is it?
Queer Peers is a gender and sexuality support group for high school youth and young adults (14-24) in Linn County that identify as LGBTQ+. The group creates community and excitement. Participants come together to talk about important topics to their physical, social, and emotional health. Come for the fun, stay with the community! Current Facilitator: Luke Kawasaki (Outreach Case Manager)
Location: 960 Queen Ave. SW Albany (Jackson Street Youth Service Center)Email: queer.peers@jacksonstreet.orgPhone: 541-220-2966
What do youth get while in services?
We work to support youth to build community, organize around issues of youth homelessness and LGBTQ+ in the community and nationally, and provide resources and referrals that are appropriate and meet youth needs.
Thursdays 5:30-7:30p HOT MEAL PROVIDED**Flyers attached**
How do youth access/how do partners refer?
DURING COVID-19: Did you know that Queer Peers is happening virtually? Well, it is! We’re still hosting the group on Discord every Thursday from 6-7:30p. Email our facilitator at queer.peers@jacksonstreet.org for the link!