Kaleidoscope Youth Center is located at 1904 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio--located between 15th and 17th Avenues (across from the Wexner Center on the OSU campus). The Center is the core of our programming, though we do provide many services that are done off-site. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm (summer hours). We are open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning youth and their allies aged 12 up to 21. All of our programs, services, and activities are always free. Kaleidoscope provides life skills and employment readiness programs, support discussion groups, creative arts workshops, HIV, substance abuse and tobacco prevention groups, HIV education as well as fun social activities. What Can I Expect at the Center? First of all, as you are walking down High St., look for a big blue arrow and colorful youth-designed mural on the front of the building. That’s how you will know that you’ve arrived! When you come in for the first time, someone, likely another youth, will give you a tour of the building. Center staff will ask you to fill out some information so that we know a little bit about you, and what kinds of things you are interested in. The first things you see when you come in are a small reception area, a very large pool table near a stereo system, and a lending library. We operate our library on the honor system—you never have to ask someone for a book, movie or cd. Just bring it back when you are finished with it. Around the corner is a kitchen where you will find a variety of snacks. Water and different kinds of juices are plentiful too. Upstairs is the David Bohnett Cyber Center, and our large living room. The computers are all internet connected and ready for most any project you might be working on. Throughout the week there are volunteer tutors available to help you with homework, and mentors to help with job applications. Once a month there is a special program that will help you learn about different computer programs, like Word and Excel. Our living room is a great place to hang out, talk with other young people and the adult mentors, participate in discussion groups or watch a movie--especially on “Movie Night,” show up early to get a good seat and pizza! The third floor meeting and activity spaces are where most of our more formal programs occur. These programs include Life Skills, Common Ground, an activity and discussion group focusing on being LGBTQ, Gender Blender, our weekly all-gender inclusive group and Queer & Healthy, a weekly sex-ed, safer sex and healthy sexuality group. The KYC Youth Advisory Board also holds bimonthly meetings. During all open hours, and every Kaleidoscope sponsored activity, there are two or more adult volunteers or staff present to assist the youth. All adults complete an application, interview and background check prior to direct interaction with youth. For more information about our programs and special events, click on the program link!