HAVEN  

             (Hope, Acceptance, Validation, Equality, Nurturing)
A Group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth

HAVEN is the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Youth Group hosted and sponsored by the UUCLV. Although part of the UUCLV, HAVEN it is not a religious group. And while it does operate under UU principles, this does not conflict with any other religious beliefs. HAVEN is not about conversion and all religious backgrounds are welcome.

Meetings and planning are run by the youth however, there will always be a minimum of two professionally trained adult volunteer facilitators to supervise all meetings & events.

Open to GLBT youth, their Allies & those questioning (ages 14-20 yrs.), HAVEN’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment, provide positive role models and peer support, & sponsor social and recreational activities. Weekly meetings occur on Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at UUCLV. And HAVEN activities have included:

  • Movie nights
  • Dances
  • Participation in community events, such as the Lehigh Valley Pride Festival & Parade
  • Hosting guest speakers, artists, & musicians
  • Outdoor events such as hiking
  • Trips to plays, films, or other cultural events.

HAVEN encourages parent involvement. However, in order to protect confidentiality, parents are not allowed at meetings. They are encouraged to talk with facilitators outside of the meetings. 

HAVEN is a non-profit organization. There is little cost to hold meetings. The church provides the space for free. Food served at meetings is donated. Costs to hold other events are acquired through various fundraisers & donations.

What if I need to talk to someone now?
There is someone available to talk 24 hours a day. If you need to talk with someone outside of the meetings, please call one of the helplines listed below.

Trevor Helpline for questioning youth and suicide prevention 800-850-8078

Valley Youth House (Runaway Hotline): 610-691-1200

National Runaway Hotline: 800-621-4000


HAVEN
 The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
424 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18018
Phone: 610-868-2153
Ilse Stoll Zinnes

E-mail