The Q Center
A safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies to gather, share, and receive support. Programs include after-school activities, support groups, educational workshops, and special events like Pride Prom and Q Pride Celebration.
The Q Center Offers:
Case Management
Case management services are available for LGBTQ youth who need assistance with housing, advocacy, medical care, mental health services, transportation, identity documents, and other issues.
After-School Programs
Drop in time every week includes opportunities for tutoring, college counseling, the Eddie Future Greatness Award which provides 4 monetary awards a year to college bound Q members, a large LGBTQ library, and the David Bohnett CyberCenter, offering state-of-the-art resources and technology.
Support Groups
We offer weekly and biweekly support groups, such as:
- Q Kids (ages 12 and under)
- Parents/ Caregivers stay at group with youth. Siblings in this age range are also welcome.
- Tween Time for (ages 10-12)
- LGBTQ Youth & Allies (ages 13-18)
- LGBTQ Young Adults (ages 18-29)
- Q Kids (ages 12 and under)
- QT’s of Color (ages 13-29)
- Parent Support group for parents/caregivers of trans and gender expansive youth of any age
Outreach & Education
Cultural Competency/LGBTQ Sensitivity trainings for agencies and organizations are available free of charge.
Special Events
Annual Pride Prom, Q Pride Celebration, and several more. These events provide semi-structured socialization time, for youth to connect and realize they are not alone.
School-Based GSA Support/Education
The Q Center provides technical assistance to school-based Gender & Sexuality alliances.
Free LGBTQ-Affirming HIV/STD Testing
Q Center refers to affirming testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.
For providers or individuals, please fill out and return this form for referrals.
Adolescent Sexual Health Programming
ACR Health’s CAPP Services are designed to support LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and their families through inclusive, affirming, and empowering programs. These services aim to foster resilience, promote well-being, and create safe spaces for personal growth and community connection.
Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program
ACR Health implements a comprehensive and evidence-based pregnancy prevention program to equip youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Our program serves adolescents between the ages of 10 – 21.
Be Proud! Be Responsible!
ACR Health offers Be Proud Be Responsible, an evidence-based curriculum endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This curriculum has been evaluated and proven to decrease rates of STIs, HIV, and rates of unplanned pregnancies. It provides youth with the tools and resources they need to make healthy and informed decisions. Youth also learn negotiation skills and facts about contraceptives and condom use, which are essential for their sexual health and wellbeing.
We provide FREE information for adolescents between the ages of 10-21. We can also provide you with FREE mail-order Safer Sex Kits. All orders are free, private, and will come to your home in discreet packaging in the mail. Contact us to get yours! Text or call 315-702-4772 or CAPP@acrhealth.org.
Independent Living Skills
These workshops equip youth with the tools to become successful adults. Workshop topics include budgeting, nutrition, job-seeking skills, personal safety, and how to access resources. Contact us for information! Text or call 315-702-4772 or CAPP@acrhealth.org.
Peer Education
Peer Educators meet monthly to assist in developing monthly programming, co-facilitate HIV/STI Overviews, accompany staff at tabling events, and help with planning special events. Contact us for information! Text or call 315-702-4772 or CAPP@acrhealth.org.
Parent Presentations
These presentations equip parents/caregivers to be the primary sex educators for the young people in their life. Participants learn how to communicate with their youth about sexual and reproductive health, including puberty, sex and healthy relationships, and about local resources that help support the overall health and wellbeing of the young people in their life. Contact us for information! Text or call 315-702-4772 or CAPP@acrhealth.org.
HIV and STI Overviews
These presentations targeting youth provide essential information about HIV and other STIs, including best practices for preventing infection. Participants learn how to recognize and prevent HIV and STIs, as well as local resources for HIV/STI testing and treatment. Contact us for information! Text or call 315-702-4772 or CAPP@acrhealth.org.
These services are available across Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. For more information or to access services, please contact us at (315) 475-2430.
Family peer advocacy
When parents learn they have a transgender or gender nonconforming child, they often feel confused, anxious, and unsure where to turn. The Q Center’s Family Peer Advocacy program is here to help.
- Trans-affirming Medical Providers
- Family-centered Counseling services specific to the needs of transgender children/youth and their families
- Legal assistance for name and document changes
- TransYouth Support Groups in Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown
- Virtual Support Group for Parents in all regions
- Advocacy in schools
For questions, support group times and locations:
315.475.2430
FamilyPeerAdvocate@ACRHealth.org
For providers or individuals, please fill out and return this form for referrals. The Family Peer Advocacy program is funded in part by the Onondaga County Department of Children & Family Services and the New York State Department of Health.
Eddie Future Greatness Fund
The $500 Eddie “Future Greatness” award supports and promotes higher education. This award is dedicated to helping youth with the desire and ambition to succeed. It is available to all LGBTQ youth and their allies, 16-26, who are registered in an accredited post secondary institution (includes trade and vocational schools). Four $500 awards are given each year: two in the Spring semester (deadline March 16th) and two in the Fall semester (deadline September 16th). All applicants must identify as LGBTQ or an ally, and be between the ages of 16-26 years of age.
Eddie’s Future Greatness Fund was established by community members Laura Serway, Cindy Seymour and Paul Mahalick; in memory of Eddie Kirsteins who passed away in January 2012 at the age of 31.
Eddie worked alongside Cindy, whom he often referred to as his second mother. He and Cindy shared a strong friendship. “He just wanted to do good without any recognition for his deeds,” said Cindy. “Eddie would hand in all of his tips for a family in need or throw fifty dollars in a charity bucket at the mall.” It is in this same spirit that the fund will provide education-related general and emergency funding for Q Center youth.