OVERVIEW

Side by Side’s Our Space program serves LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24 and provides the youth and their parents/caregivers with community and school-based advocacy and support groups. Workshops for educators and other professionals help create safer and more supportive communities. The program’s Community Center provides a safe place for youth to gather, receive individual and case management services, and access food and gender-affirming clothes. The annual Our Space Queer Love Youth Pride event celebrates LGBTQIA+ youths’ journeys to becoming their authentic selves. Program goals are to improve youths’ well-being, help them build safe communities, and support their journeys to stable adulthood. Side by Side was founded in 1895 and offers behavioral, mental health, and support services to youth ages 5-26 and their family members in Alameda, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. Its mission is to walk with young people impacted by adversity toward a future with connection and meaning.