SafeZones

Safe Zones

The Chemung County SafeZones Program provides middle and high school students with a safe, empowering and non-judgmental environment to learn about LGBTQ+ history, culture and relevant topics. SafeZones promotes diversity and encourages acceptance for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Chemung County SafeZones Program is made possible through the partnerships of Chemung County, the Elmira City School District and Pathways Inc.

Chemung County SafeZones
Phone: 607-425-6974
Email: arouse [@] gstcontractors.com

In School Services
The SafeZones group location is a designated safe space for students to get a break and be themselves . Programs and groups are facilitated by Ashley Rouse. Programs focus on kindness, acceptance, diversity, respect, and culture.

Lunch Breaks
Students who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed in the cafeteria during lunch can come to Room C104 on Tuesdays at EDA and Room A104 on Monday’s at BWA during Lunch. Students will be allowed to make new friends, play games, learn coping skills and process their thoughts with their peers and SafeZones program coordinator. Lunch breaks focus on helping students understand mental health and learn new skills to help themselves or others cope with feeling strong emotions.

Hope Squad Lunch Group
Hope Squad, a Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Program, will meet during lunches on Thursdays at EDA and on Wednesdays at BWA.

Community Education and Outreach
The SafeZones program offers community education and outreach. Trainings will be scheduled on a quarterly basis and will be open to the public. Registration for all community trainings will be required.

Community Youth Programming
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month group programming at The Southside Community Center from 6-8 pm.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month SafeZones Wednesday Youth Group at Steele Memorial Library from 6:30-7:30.

Parent Support
SafeZones provides support for parents of LGBTQ+ youth. Email Ashley Rouse at arouse [@] gstcontractors.com




If you have any more questions about Chemung County Safe Zones, or would like more information, please feel free to contact Ashley Rouse, Chemung County Safe Zones Coordinator at arouse [@] gstcontractors.com