The Elevate Program creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to increase their advocacy and leadership skills. Through a trauma-informed, health-centered and asset-based approach, youth leaders will work to effect transformative and peer-led policy, systems and environmental change in Orange County.

Youth leaders work to identify healthy alternatives to suspension/expulsion related to substance use. Ultimately, LGBTQ Center OC is committed to ending the school-to-prison pipeline and transforming the pipeline to restorative justice, healing and rehabilitation through their Elevate Program.

Elevate Program Goals:

Reframe substance abuse as a public health issue
Combat the detrimental impacts from the War on Drugs on BIPOC/LGBTQ communities
Provide trauma-informed counseling and process groups at no cost
Raise awareness through social media campaigns, activities, and events