The Center Youth program at the Pride Center launched a new venture this summer with the creation of our first ever, therapist-lead mental health and wellness group for young LGBTQ adults ages 16-24. THRIVE Group is free, confidential and interactive with a focus on skill building and self-advocacy. We saw a space for this group as both a bridge between our youth and adult programs, as well as a needed supportive environment for young people who are dealing with the challenges presented by the transition into adulthood. The first cycle of THRIVE Group met for twelve weeks beginning in mid-July and ending this past Thursday the 27th.
As the members of THRIVE Group – lead by therapist Nancy Dunn and observed by Pride Center MSW Intern Nicole Phelix – met for the last time and celebrated with pizza and brownies, they were able to reflect on their time in the group. Several members of THRIVE Group provided feedback to the Pride Center that THRIVE Group lead to improvements regarding their emotional and mental health, self esteem and coping skills. Others remarked that the best part of THRIVE Group was the space for peer-lead discussions about their lives and that they had felt THRIVE Group had helped them improve their social interaction skills. We asked the members of THRIVE to scale their overall experience in THRIVE Group and every member with us at the final session indicated their experience was “very good.”
The Pride Center is excited and encouraged by the feedback from the first cycle of THRIVE Group. We are preparing to launch the second cycle of THRIVE early in 2013. Please stay tuned for more information. If you have questions about THRIVE Group please email programs@capitalpridecenter.org.