Do you have a question about JRI services?
Younity works to empower youth 16-25 of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Everything about our access center - from the physical space to services and programming - is directly informed by the voices of the youth we work with. We offer young adults a place where they can find respect for the person they are now, and support for the person they want to become. Our team operates from a Peer Support model, and specializes in assisting youth and young adults who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, and/or have experiences with substance use, housing instability, mental health needs, or have experienced other barriers to their health and wellness that have not been met by "traditional" services.
Younity provides a variety of opportunities for youth to engage in individual and group activities designed to support them in working through challenges, overcome barriers, and explore what inspires them. Drop in for an art workshop or DnD campaign, use our shower and grab harm reduction supplies, help with a housing or job search, or just to use the laundry or wifi. Our food pantry and gender-affirming closet are open so folks can always take what they need, and our bathroom is always stocked with basics like hygiene, safe-sex and harm-reduction products too.
At a Glance
This service is for
Population: Transition-aged youth of all genders; as well as those with disabilities and co-occurring barriers.
Age: 16-25
Location: 6 Elm Street, Gloucester, MA
Younity is open for drop in and programming at 3pm Tuesday-Friday. Winter Hours: Tues. 3-5pm, Wed. 3-6pm, Th 3-7pm, Fri 3-5pm (Tuesday-Friday, we are operating "Library Hours" 11am-3pm)
During "Library Hours", youth are welcome to access our amenities as-needed or contact any staff directly to schedule an appointment to meet.
Accessing this service
Younity is located at street level; limited free parking available on Elm St. and ample metered parking on Main St.
Let's Connect
Shaina Doberman
Program Director
pronouns: they/them/theirs
978-270-0428
sdoberman@jri.org
Autumn Buhl
YYA Peer Coordinator
pronouns: any pronouns
978-405-4115
abuhl@jri.org
Cody Van Wittenberghe
Peer Mentor
pronouns: he/him/his
978-505-7112
Jessa Dunn
Peer Mentor
pronouns: they/them/theirs & she/her/hers
978-200-5145
jdunn@jri.org
Younity Programs and Services
The Younity staff pride themselves on being inclusive, dedicated, and completely youth driven. Helping YYA (Youth and Young Adults) find their purpose—or just someone who will listen—is what we do!
The center offers both recreational and psychoeducational groups to celebrate shared interests and promote self-empowerment. Our programming is directly influenced by the interests and needs of participants, and is therefore always changing. Past & current offerings include: Open Art Studio, Youth Advisory Board, Early 20s Peer Support, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, GLoss (Grief & Loss Support) Group, Cooking Club, Open Mic, and Gender Expanse. We also host additional events each month like interpersonal skill development, job & financial planning, free/anonymous STI testing and harm reduction workshops. Keep an eye on our Instagram account for the most up-to-date info on programs and seasonal hours: @younity_gloucester
Services for Providers and Community Partners
In partnership with DMH, with generous funding from SAMHSA’s Healthy Transitions (HT2) Grant, we were awarded the resources to open our physical drop-in location in 2020. Current funding is through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
We encourage providers and mental health professionals in Gloucester, Cape Ann, and Essex County to keep our low-barrier drop-in center in mind when considering transitional planning for your clients. Younity’s strength-based therapeutic programming aims to reintegrate, renew, and reinvigorate area youth.
We are building partnerships within the Gloucester community with those who support our mission to bring youth together. These Youth Ambassadors have day-to-day contact with local YYA’s and partner with us in outreach efforts to ensure every young adult receives the right care. If you’re a Gloucester-based business or service and would like to hear more about advocating for youth, please get in touch!
Program Event Calendar
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