The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling and Education Center is offering a new program, free for members of the adolescent LGBTQ+ community, ages 13-17. The Proud and Empowered program is intended to reduce mental health symptoms and exposure to minority stressors as well as help to build coping strategies. The program runs for five weeks on Mondays, from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, beginning July 17th through August 14th, 2023. Classes will take place at Horizons Counseling and Education Center. Registration for the initiative must be completed on or before July 13th, 2023.
“The Proud & Empowered program gives us the opportunity to work with adolescents in the LGBTQ+ community. This program allows us to support social issues, behavioral and mental health concerns, and provide a safe space for youth in the community.” - Alexa Stern, Drug and Alcohol Community Coordinator 2, Horizons Counseling and Education Center
Participants will take part in a five-week workshop covering topics such as stress and coping, disclosure, family, friendships, resilience, spirituality, equality, health and wellness. Each session is expected to run approximately an hour and a half to be held in the Community Room. Registration is required and can be done online by Clicking Here or scanning the QR Code on the program flyer.
This program was developed through a grant from the National Institute of Health by Washington University in St. Louis- Brown School and with the help of USC Social Work and The Center.
For more information on this and future youth empowerment programs, contact Kelly DeVito at Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center at (631)360-7578.
Horizons Counseling and Education Center is located at 161 E. Main Street, Smithtown, NY.