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: jshapiro [@] 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 Jenica Shapiro. Programs focus on kindness, acceptance, diversity, respect, and culture.

Lunch Breaks
Students who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed or just needing a break from the cafeteria during lunch can come to Room C104 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at EDA and Room A104 on Mondays at BWA during lunch. Students can 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 after school during APEX at EDA and during lunches on Fridays at BWA.

Community Education and Outreach
The SafeZones program offers community education and outreach. Email Jenica Shapiro at jshapiro [@] gstcontractors.com


Community Youth Programming
The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, there is a SafeZones Wednesday Youth Group at Steele Memorial Library from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Parent Support
SafeZones provides support for parents of LGBTQ+ youth. Email Jenica Shapiro at jshapiro [@] gstcontractors.com