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Teen Resources


Youth

 

Young people need access to important resources such as housing, mental health support, and paid training opportunities. These resources are essential for their learning and growth. The city and nonprofit organizations provide help and support to these young people.

 


 

Safe Shelters for Teens

 

Homeless youth are young people who don’t have a stable or permanent place to live. The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) funds Runaway and Homeless Youth services, including Drop-in Centers, Crisis Services Programs, and Transitional Independent Living programs.

 
While there isn’t a central intake center available, youth can directly go to a drop-in center where they can find the assistance they need. Below, please find a list of options.
 
Eligibility
Young people between the ages of 14 to 24.
 
Services
Food, clothing, showers, laundry, and case management services are available.
 


Manhattan

 
The Door Manhattan
555 Broome Street, New York NY 10013.
(212) 941-9090. Mon-Thurs: 11 am-6 pm.
 
Ali Forney Center Manhattan
321W 125th Street, New York NY 10027.
(212) 206–0574. Mon to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
 
Safe Horizon Streetwork Project Manhattan
209 West 125th Street, New York NY 10027.
(212) 695–2220. Mon, Tues, Thurs–Sun: 12pm–6pm
 
Safe Horizon Streetwork Project Manhattan LES
33 Essex Street, New York NY 10002.
(646) 602-6404. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
 
Covenant House
460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036.
(212) 613-0300. 24/7.
 


Bronx

 
Cardinal McCloskey
333 East 149th Street, Bronx NY 10451.
(718) 993-5495 | (917) 304-5118. 24/7.
 


Brooklyn

 
Services Brooklyn


774 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11211.
(718) 685–3850. 24/7.
 
Sheltering Arms (Brooklyn)
1600 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway NY 11691. Tuesday through Saturday 11am – 7pm.
In person services: Social distancing and other DOH health guidelines will be followed.
 


Queens

 
Sheltering Arms (Queens)
89-74 162nd Street, 3rd Floor, Jamaica NY 11432.
(718) 526–2400 ext. 2077. 24/7.
 


Staten Island

 
Project Hospitality
27 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island NY 10302.
(718) 876–4752. 10am – 7am (21 hours).
 
For more information about shelter locations and services for youth, please visit www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth.page
or call 311.
 
Updated on October 7, 2024.
 


Family Assessment Program for Families with Teens

 

New York City Administration for Children’s Services Family Assessment Program (FAP) offers valuable support to families with children up to 18 years old who are navigating challenges in their relationships. FAP is a constructive resource designed to help families address challenges and find positive resolutions without the need for court involvement.

 
FAP services focuses on assessment, tailored advice, counseling, and connecting families with a variety of community and home-based services. By strengthening family ties and reducing conflicts they seek to improve families relationships.
 
If your child is facing any of the following issues, FAP can provide assistance:
 

  • Skipping School: If your child frequently misses school or has difficulties with teachers or specific classes, we can help address these issues and improve their educational experience.
  • Running Away: If your child is missing often or consistently runs away from home, FAP can provide guidance and strategies to help ensure their safety and well-being.
  • Substance Use: If your child is using drugs or alcohol, FAP can connect you with resources and support to promote healthier choices and behaviors.
  • Negative Peer Influences: If your child is associating with friends who have a negative impact on their behavior, FAP can help you explore ways to encourage more positive relationships.
  • Mental Health Struggles: If your child is dealing with mental health challenges, FAP can offer support and resources to help them navigate their feelings and find the right care.
  • Defiant or Dangerous Behavior: If your child is displaying behavior that is defiant or puts themselves or others at risk, FAP can work with you to develop effective strategies for managing these behaviors.

 
When you reach out to FAP for assistance, a dedicated social worker specializing in family crisis resolution will conduct an interview if you choose to participate.
 
It’s important to note that families do not need to have an open investigation with ACS to receive help. However, if your family is referred to a preventive agency contracted through FAP, a case will be voluntarily opened. This voluntary case differs from a standard ACS child welfare investigation, ensuring your family receives the appropriate support.
 
FAP locations are available throughout the city and they are open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Email your inquiries at FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov.
 
Learn more about FAP at www.nyc.gov/site/acs/justice/family-assessment-program.page.
 
Updated on October 29, 2024
 


The Center

 

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center (The Center) offers the city’s LGBTQ+ communities services to support with mental health, legal services, housing assistance, and employment support. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome to participate.

 
Services are free and multifaceted. Please a list of services below:

  • Insurance Enrollment Assistance: Get free assistance navigating health insurance options offering comprehensive benefits and preventive care.
  • Community Casework:The Center offers a wide variety of LGBTQ+-affirming services, including access to mental health and trauma counseling, referrals to legal services, and connections to housing assistance.
  • Social Groups: Client may connect with a powerful and diverse community by joining one of our many social groups, including LGBTQ+ groups that center immigrants, people with disabilities, and ESL.
  • Economic Initiatives: The Center support LGBTQ+ job seekers with employment support services including resume editing, interview preparation, and safe escort to job interviews.

The Center is open seven days a week, 365 days a year and it is located in the historic West Village. Their complete address is 208 West 13 Street New York, NY 10011.
 
To learn more about The Center’s programs specifically for young people, please speak with a screening counselor at (646) 556-9300 or email youth@gaycenter.org.. To learn more about visit gaycenter.org
 
Updated on October 29, 2024
 


LGBTQ+ Medical Care

 

Several centers offer on-site primary care and psychiatry services to the LGBTQ community. Find a curated list below.

 

THE ALI FORNER CENTER
The Institute for Family Health, in partnership with Care for the Homeless, offers on-site primary care and psychiatry services in the Ali Forner Center to the LGBTQ+ community.

www.aliforneycenter.org/health-services
321 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.
Phone: (212) 222-3427 ext. 300.
 

Services & hours of operation

Monday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Doctor, Medical Office Assistant, and Insurance Navigator.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nurse and Medical Office Assistant.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Doctor, Nurse, Medical Assistant, Social Worker, and Insurance Navigator.
Saturday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Nurse.
 


 

CALLEN-LORDE COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Callen-Lorde Community Health Center offers comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay to the LGBTQ+ community.

www.callen-lorde.org.
Chelsea: 356 West 18th St. New York, NY 10011 | Phone: (212) 271-7200.
Bronx: 3144 3rd Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 | Phone: (718) 215-1800.
Brooklyn: 40 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Phone: (718) 215-1818.
 

Services

– Sliding fee scale.
– Adolescent Health, Crisis Text Line.
– Dental Care.
– Sexual Health.
– Behavioral Health.
 


 

PRIDE HEALTH CENTERS AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
NYC Health + Hospitals provides health services to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status.

www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/lgbtq-health-care-services
East Harlem: 1901 First Avenue (at 97th Street), New York, NY 10029 | Phone: (212) 423-7292.
Midtown: 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 | Phone: (332) 259-0404.
Lower East Side: 227 Madison Street, New York, NY 10002 | Phone: (212) 441-5469.
Bronx: 1400 Pelham Parkway Street, Bronx, NY 10461 | Phone: (718) 918-7787.
Bronx: 234 East 149th Street 8th floor, Unit 8A Bronx, NY 10451 | Phone: (718) 579-5264.
Brooklyn: 760 Broadway Brooklyn, New York 1120 | Phone: (718) 963-8033.
 

Services & hours of operation

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
— Transgender health care, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery.
— Women’s and men’s health.
— General medical/specialty referrals.
— Preventive care services.
— Social work.
 
Updated on September 15, 2024


Internships

 

An internship is short-term work that allows a student to obtain firsthand experience in a specific field. One of the most significant advantages of working an internship is that you will earn skills and experience that you can apply to future employment and classes. There are many opportunities in NYC.

 

GENERAL
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

NYC teens between 14 and 21 receive career exploration and paid work experience each summer through the nation’s biggest youth employment program, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants can earn money through their participation. Call 1-800-246-4646 for questions and learn how to apply at nyc.gov/syep. Applications usually close in March. Apply early!
 

Futures and Options

Futures and Options provides paid, mentored internships and career readiness workshops to high school juniors and seniors. Apply by visiting futuresandoptions.org/our-programs/our-programs-internships.
 

ARTS
The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship

The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program offers paid professional development opportunities for high school students pursuing administrative, programming, and production jobs in the arts and entertainment industries. The annual deadline is in January every year. Visit www.apollotheater.org/education to learn more.
 

The Met Summer Internships

The Met offers undergraduate and graduate students paid internships that would help them gain professional experience and explore museum careers in the arts. The annual deadline is in January. Learn how to apply at metmuseum.org/about-the-met/internships/undergraduate-and-graduate-students/summer.
 

HUMANITIES
Tech Scholars by New-York Historical Society

Tech Scholars engage 9–12 grade girls in coding through passion projects in the humanities. The program creates digital media projects that aim to have a social impact. Visit www.nyhistory.org/education to apply. Annual deadlines are usually in early May. Call (212) 873-3400 for more information.
 

New York District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

The New York District Attorney Internship Program is a robust internship that offers students hands-on experience with the criminal justice system. Application deadlines are usually in March. For questions, inquire at highschoolinternship@dany.nyc.gov or by calling (347-417-2001). Visit manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/high-school-internship to learn more.
 

SCIENCE
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP)

The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides high school students with hands-on experience in laboratory techniques. Visit mskcc.org/education-training/high-school-college/hopp-summer-student and start an application. Yearly applications start in November. For any questions, please reach out to the HOPP Summer Student Program at HOPPSummerProgram@mskcc.org or (646) 888-2013.
 

NASA

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to improve science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Learn more at nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.
 

Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) at Mount Sinai

Mt. Sinai is offering free virtual summer courses and in-person internships. For additional information, please visit https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/diversity/ceye/programs/summer or send an email to ceye@mssm.edu. The deadline for applications is in March every year.
 

Mount Sinai Computer Science Program

The Ma’ayan Laboratory’s Summer Research Training Program in Biomedical Big Data Science is a ten-week research intense program for undergraduate and master’s students interested in cutting-edge biomedical data-intensive research projects. For more information, visit labs.icahn.mssm.edu/maayanlab/summer-research-program. The application deadline is in February.
 
Updated on February 22, 2024
 




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