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La Sala LGBTQ Youth Drop-In Space

La Sala: A Safe Space to Connect, Grow, and Thrive.

Our Mission

The mission of La Sala Drop-In Center is empowering by providing a safe, affirming, and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth who experience marginalization due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. La Sala aims to empower participants by offering essential resources, skill-building opportunities, and access to supportive services that promote economic independence, housing stability, and overall well-being. Through community engagement, advocacy, and holistic programming, La Sala fosters resilience, self-sufficiency, and a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Program Highlights

Participants have access to:

  • A safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth to build community and receive culturally responsive support.
  • Education on sexual health, healthy relationships, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
  • HIV/STI prevention education, PrEP/PEP information, and referrals for HIV and STI testing.
  • Care navigation and referrals for healthcare, mental health, housing, employment, and other supportive services.
  • Health insurance enrollment assistance through New York State of Health Navigators.
  • Monthly food distribution, healthy snacks, hygiene supplies, and wellness resources.
  • Creative arts, peer support, and holistic wellness activities that promote healing, self-expression, and resilience.
  • Workforce readiness, leadership development, and life skills programming that empower participants to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Enrollment Process

La Sala serves LGBTQIA+ youth and allies ages 14–24.

To enroll:

  1. Complete a registration form.
  2. Meet with the Drop-In Coordinator for an intake and needs assessment.
  3. Review program expectations, confidentiality, and house rules.
  4. Receive an orientation to La Sala’s services, programs, and community expectations.
 

Participants are connected to services based on their individual goals and needs, including:

  • Case management and care navigation
  • Mental health referrals
  • Housing resources
  • Health insurance enrollment
  • HIV/STI prevention education and testing referrals
  • Food assistance
  • Employment and workforce development
  • Educational support
  • Wellness and recreational programming
Client Enrollment Form

Frequently
Asked Questions

La Sala is open

Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

During these hours, participants can access programming, supportive services, meals/snacks, wellness activities, and meet with staff.

No. La Sala is a drop-in center and does not provide overnight accommodations. Staff can assist participants with referrals to emergency shelter, housing resources, and other supportive services when needed.

Yes. Participants have access to healthy snacks during programming and may receive food through our monthly pantry distributions and other emergency food assistance programs, when available.

To ensure La Sala remains a safe and welcoming environment, all participants are expected to:

  • No smoking or vaping inside the space.
  • Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
  • Zero tolerance for discrimination, including homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, or harassment.
  • No drugs, alcohol, or drug use on the premises.
  • No weapons of any kind, including pepper spray, knives, or firearms.
  • Follow staff directions and respect program policies.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Participate respectfully in programs and activities.

Failure to follow these expectations may result in verbal warnings, temporary suspension, or termination from the program, depending on the severity of the behavior.