Part of our mission at the OAC is to provide support to youth, especially those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ). We also provide support to "straight" youth who want to ally themselves with their LGBTQ friends and family members.

To fulfill this mission, Center volunteers have created a Gay-Straight Alliance for local youth in grades 9-12, which they have named ALIVE (Allies & LGBTQ Individuals Visualizing Equality). At this time, there are no gay-straight alliances in our local schools, and so this group invites youth from all of Berrien County to come together twice a month for mutual support, education, and social activities.

We are hopeful that you will make our ALIVE brochure and YWCA membership materials available to interested youth. Because ALIVE is a program of the YWCA, youth who wish to join the group must complete a YWCA membership application, and a general student membership for youth under the age of 18 does require that a legal parent or guardian grant permission to join the YWCA. Also, student membership is normally $35, but coupons for free YWCA membership are available to youth under 18.

We have various YWCA forms available to the left to download and/or print.