Last updated on January 22, 2008

LYRIC is an organization founded in 1988 where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth develop peer-support systems, gain skills to make healthy choices and build an appreciation of their role in creating social justice. LYRIC's mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career training, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities.

Description:
LYRIC receives public and private funding for its peer-based services that build young people’s assets and abilities through skills-building and job training activities. LYRIC’s Health and Wellness, Community Building and Education and Economic Development programs annually conduct outreach to over 4,000 LGBTQQ youth and provide age-sensitive peer-based support and referral services each year to help more than 600 LGBTQQ youth live healthier and enriched lives, complete skills-building programs and attain living wage jobs in the nonprofit and public sectors. LYRIC also produces events that are fun and educational, including our Unchained Conference that mobilizes over 400 LGBTQQ youth for workshops on health issues, leadership training and community building.

Since its inception, LYRIC has become a premier community resource in the San Francisco Bay Area for diverse LGBTQQ youth. Many participants come from the Mission, South of Market Area, Tenderloin and Bayview-Hunter's Point. 72% of LYRIC’s participants are youth of color, 85% are low to moderate income and 65% come from San Francisco’s poorest. Many are at high risk for homelessness. At LYRIC these youth find safe spaces, social support and skills-building opportunities.

LYRIC’s peer-based services have been recognized as a model for youth development. For example, in 2004 an assessment by the Community Network for Youth Development gave LYRIC one of the highest scores for youth development outcomes and levels of youth satisfaction, an important recognition by experts in the field of youth development. As LYRIC nears its 20th anniversary in 2008, we have begun to evaluate our successes and assess “lessons learned” with the goal of sharing our model with others working in youth development. By sharing our model, we aim to mobilize and empower LGBTQQ youth to further develop safe spaces and strong futures in whatever community they happen to live.

History:
LYRIC was founded in 1988 by a group of women, men and young people to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. The founders recognized that even in San Francisco, lgbtq youth constitute an under-served community of young people who are often isolated and face barriers in accessing services to meet their needs. LYRIC remained an entirely volunteer-run organization until 1991, when our first staff members were hired. In 1993, with help from the San Francisco Mayor's Office, we were able to purchase our building at 123-127 Collingwood Street to serve as a community center for lgbtq youth.

Contact person: Jodi Schwartz, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 703-6150
Office fax number: (415) 703-6153

Address:

127 Collingwood Street San Francisco, CA 94114 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.lyric.org

Directions:

LYRIC is two blocks from the Castro Muni station and is one block from the 33 and 24 bus lines. To get to us from the Muni station, walk down Castro St. to 18th and make a right until you get to Collingwood and make a left. We are about a 1/3 of the block down on the left hand side -- you can't miss the lavender house.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Castro Muni,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3-5 minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: 24 or 33, 2 minutes minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish, Tagalog
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	None
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

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