Drop-In Centers

Youth Outlook offers safe, supportive, and affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the community. Please see our list of online and in-person Drop-In Centers below, including locations and suggested ages.

Our Drop-In Centers meet weekly and are a social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about various topics that really matter to them, providing a place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Trained staff and volunteers lead all programming, which includes identity and self-esteem, physical and mental health, political awareness, healthy relationships, and other topics requested by attendees. *Most groups welcome youth ages 12-20, exceptions are noted by each location.

Click here to download current flyers for each off our drop-in centers. Feel free to post them at your organization!

Introducing Rainbow Sprouts

Rainbow Sprouts is for LGBTQ+ youth grades K-6 and their caregivers and families. We meet the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Naperville/Aurora area.

Please complete the registration form to confirm your attendance. Email carolyn.wahlskog@youth-outlook.org with questions.

Current Drop-In Centers Meeting Times & Locations

Please Note: Masks are still required for indoor, in-person drop-in centers. We will comply with CDC recommendations on any future statements issued on mask usage and temperature checks required.

DeKalb Drop-In

Mondays, 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Please email dekalb@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Peoria Drop-In *Coming May 2023*

Mondays, 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Please email peoria@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Naperville Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email naperville@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Joliet/Lockport Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email joliet@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Ottawa Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Please email ottawa@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Virtual Drop-In

geared toward youth 12-20 years old

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

Zoom – Please email virtual@youth-outlook.org for details.

Virtual Young Adult Drop-In

geared toward young adults 18-24 years old

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m.

Zoom – Please email youngadult@youth-outlook.org for details.

Transcend Palatine Drop-In

geared toward trans and non-binary youth, but open to all

Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Please email transcendpalatine@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Transcend Naperville Drop-In

geared toward trans and non-binary youth, but open to all

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Please email transcendnaperville@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Please email naperville@youth-outlook.org for location information.

Downers Grove Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email downersgrove@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Elmhurst Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email elmhurst@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Sterling Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email sterling@youth-outlook.org for more information.

Q Chat Space

Q Chat Space provides live, chat-based, professionally facilitated, online support and discussion groups for LGBTQ+ teens 13-19. Q Chat Space gives teens who can’t access in-person resources or are hesitant to attend face-to-face groups safe, affirming support directly through their digital device.