About Zia
Our goal is to support young adults who express and self-identify with different human experiences (societal and/or social class impacts like trauma, mental health, and substance use). We believe that each individual is their own expert, and we prioritize youth autonomy, liberation, and support.
We believe in every person’s autonomy to determine what supports work best for them.
We believe that connections, relationships, and community are at the center of what heals people.
We are united by our shared experience and common humanity.
Services
Zia is an open invitation to all young adults who need support!
Trauma, mental health & wellness support
We support young adults in reclaiming and defining their own experiences. We are transparent about our own within a Peer Support process. Whether they understand them as responses to trauma, mental health struggles, or otherwise, we honor each person’s right to self-determined support. This can happen in one-to-one and group settings, in-person, and on virtual platforms.
Substance use & recovery resources
We believe every person has a right to define what healing means to them, and what recovery may look like, including when it comes to substance use. We understand that each person follows a different path, and we partner with young adults in determining what a “recovery process” is to them.
Other resource connections
The Zia Center is grateful to be connected to a variety of community resources. We can offer support and advocacy when navigating different aspects of System of Care (SOC). Whether they are looking for educational, employment, housing, financial support, or something else, we can connect young adults to the resources they are looking for.
Thanks to generous support from a grant through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and SAMHSA, our supports are free of charge.
Events and Activities
Join us on the Youth Committee to plan and create monthly activities, support group, workshops, and more!
Our Group & Activities
- Virtual Supports
- Peer Support (related to trauma and other self-identified human experiences)
- Advocacy and Volunteer Opportunities
- Queer and Trans Communities Supports
- Employment Supports
- Academic Supports
- Resource and Support Meetings
- Movie Nights
- Community Meals
- Person of Color and Multicultural Support
- And More!
FAQs
Do I need to be refered or have to register to visit the Zia Access Center?
No registration or referral required!
What is the cost of support/services?
We are FREE! Thanks to generous support from a grant through the MA Department of Mental Health and SAMHSA, our services are free of charge.
What types of resource connections can you help me with?
We offer resource connections to education, employment, housing, financial support, family supports, and more!
How old do I have to be to join Zia?
Zia supports youth and young adults ages 16-22.
Are you a clinical organization? Can you connect me to clinical resources?
The Zia Center itself is a non-clinical organization. We follow the Peer Support model. However, we can connect you to clinical resources through our connections with other community linkages.
Are there any volunteer opportunities at Zia?
Yes! Young adults who have aged out of our community (turned 23) have an opportunity to join our Peer Leadership Team! Volunteers can run groups, plan events, support with marketing, and more!
What can young adults expect when they first come to Zia?
When visiting the Zia Center for the first time, a member of our staff or Peer Leadership team will give them a tour of our space, introduce them to the rest of our team, share what we offer, and answer any questions they may have!
Does the Zia Center document or take notes?
The Zia Center firmly believes that it is not okay to document or take notes on members of our community without their consent. However, we do have a series of voluntary community surveys that young adults have the option to take to be a part of Zia’s community co-authoring.
What is community co-authoring at Zia?
Community Co-Authoring is an initiative at Zia that aims to support young adult communities in reclaiming the data collection process. Data collection has been historically weaponized against marginalized communities. Our data collection process aims to empower young people to play an active role in determining what ethical data collection processes look like in their communities (and what they shouldn’t look like).
Does Zia take appointments?
While we do not call them “appointments”, young adults can absolutely schedule a one-on-one meeting with any member of our team! (See “Want to Schedule a Peer Support Meeting?”)
