Mission Statement: Supports diversity in Somerset County by raising public awareness, and advocating for LGBTQ+ residents by promoting justice and equality, ending oppression and inequities, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard, and fostering mutual respect among residents and its leaders. The Advisory Board will also conduct ongoing outreach, promote education about LGBTQ+ issues, respond to community needs, and recommend positive changes. These and additional future actions will result in measurable outcomes that are lasting and sustainable.
Meets: 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm
Term: No specified term
Members: Appointed by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board consists of seven members who will serve one- to three-year terms depending on their role. Board members will include six public members who will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and a county liaison.
Support with PRIDE – Adults (1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month) – Open to the public
Support with PRIDE – Youth (2nd and 4th Friday of the Month) – Open to the public
These two groups grew out of the I Am Myself group that was established prior to COVID-19 which was an adult LGBTQ+ support group. The support groups utilize the evidence-based curriculum/activities from “Group Counseling LGBTQI Persons” by Kristopher M. Goodrich and Melissa Luke.
Life is More Than Labels – an adult co-occurring LGBT+ group to assist with relapse prevention strategies, self-exploration and to foster connection/social supports with others in the community.
Individual and Family Counseling
Individual and Family counseling services are available to those in the LGBTQ+ community. We regularly support those exploring their gender and/or sexual identity. We provide case coordination with primary care/endocrinologists as well as counseling to assist clients seeking hormone therapy via WPATH standards. Counseling is aimed to be affirmative of the individual highlighting their needs, identity, and personal strengths. Contact our ACCESS Center for additional information at 908-253-3165.