Young Adults Saga Program Celebrates a Year!

The Center on Colfax is the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. It’s known for helping and supporting people in the LGBTQ+ community through many community-building events and outreach programs. Last year we saw the launch of a new program called Saga, specifically designed for young adults aged 18 to 24. 

Saga isn’t just any program. It’s created to help these young adults grow, feel strong, and be proud of who they are. The main goal of Saga is to help them create personal and professional success. I got to talk to the program creator and manager Viet Nguyen and a few of the Saga members about how the program has helped. 

The Saga Program 

Saga is a special program at The Center on Colfax in Denver. It’s made for young adults, ages 18 to 24, who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. This program seeks to help these young adults through community support and by connecting them with resources. 

Saga also creates a place where these young adults can make friends and feel like they belong. It’s not just about learning; it’s also about being part of a community. They get to participate in educational workshops where they learn new things, and they also get to attend events that bring them closer to others like them. 

One of the big things Saga focuses on is helping these young adults grow in life and their jobs. The program provides participants with tools and knowledge they can use to be successful and confident. The program helps them learn important skills that are useful in everyday life and in the workplace. 

Another important part of Saga is helping these young adults find out what they want to do in the future. This could be choosing a college, going to a vocational school to learn a specific job skill, or figuring out other paths they might want to take in life. The idea is to help them find their way and make good decisions for their future. 

Interviews With Saga Participants 

 

Artie 

“I’m Artie, (He/it), I’m 23 years old, and my journey with The Center on Colfax started when I became homeless after relocating to Denver. Initially, I was just part of the Disability Program, but then I learned about a new young adult program they were starting. I joined in February last year, right when it began.

The Center started offering a program for 18 to 24-year-olds, focusing on life skills and better job opportunities, along with help finding housing. It felt like they were offering everything I needed at that moment – a sense of community, a space to discover myself, and a chance to connect with other queer individuals regularly. 

Back then, I was working for DoorDash, with no fixed schedule, little money, and living out of my car. Once I started attending The Center, I found something consistent in my life – a weekly event that provided me with the resources and network I desperately needed, and it was life-changing. 

Now, I’m no longer living in my car. I have a decent job, my car is running well, and I’ve made a lot of friends here. And the best part? It’s all been free. I’ve received immense social support and a wealth of resources. It’s a fantastic way to connect and network. If you’re thinking about joining, just go for it. 

It’s always a pleasant surprise to see new faces here. We have snacks, friends, and plenty of activities. It’s really transformed my life.” 

Omar 

“I’m Omar and I use he/him pronouns. I’m 23 and my main goal has been to find a community. I recently returned home after studying in California for a few years, where I was part of the queer community. Now that I’m back, the challenge is finding ways to connect with other queer young adults and make new friends in this new setting. Joining this group seemed like the perfect chance to meet these people and form new friendships. 

Honestly, the community here has been amazing. I’ve met so many incredible people. We even hang out beyond our regular meetups, doing things like trivia nights or just going out together. There have been numerous exciting opportunities. We’ve had events like a gala where we got to channel our inner Billy Porter, and outings to places like Meow Wolf and the Aquarium. These experiences outside the regular meetings have been really enriching. And yeah, it’s been wonderful to share these moments with new friends. Even though many regulars at Saga didn’t know each other initially, as the group grows, we’re always eager to welcome new people. 

So, my advice is to take a chance, come along, and see who you might meet. It’s about taking that leap and being open to new connections.”

Teddy 

“I’m Teddy, I am, 22, and I use she/they pronouns. 

My journey with Saga began through a friend who was already involved with the organization. He brought me in, knowing I didn’t have many queer friends, and I’m truly grateful for it. It’s been wonderful being in a space filled with other queer people. 

Before joining, my queer social circle was quite limited. Now, I feel I have a lot more queer friends. Even if we don’t often hang out outside of Saga, I still feel a strong sense of connection and always have a place to go, which is comforting. 

A significant part of my Saga experience is meeting my girlfriend here. We’ve been dating for about two months now, though we’d spent a lot of time together at Saga before starting our relationship. I believe joining this group is worthwhile, even for those who might be hesitant. It’s an incredibly welcoming place with kind people. 

You don’t have to be outgoing or overly active; just being there is enough. It’s a space where you can just exist as you are, which I think is vital, especially for queer individuals still figuring themselves out. In high school, I never felt like I had such a space. It’s only been a few years, but finding a genuinely accepting and casual environment like this has been amazing.” 

Tommy 

“I’m Tommy, I’m 18 years old, and I use they/he pronouns. 

Finding a community of people around my age, who can connect with me on a deeper, emotional level has been both rewarding and challenging. Thankfully, I’ve found such connections here. Two of my closest friends, Tatiana among them, have become a regular part of my life. Before joining this group, I lacked such companionship. Now, our bond goes beyond just hanging out; we really click well together. It’s a friendship that has grown and extended far beyond just the initial Saga meetings. Joining here has been a transformative experience, one that you can embrace or not. 

My first time here was a trial to see if it was a good fit for me, and I was astounded by the community I found. Deciding to join has been one of my best decisions. The people here and the sense of community have truly impacted me in a positive way.”

Viet Nguyen Young Adult Program Manager 

“My name is Viet Nguyen, and I use she/they pronouns. I’m 27 years old and manage the young adult programs at Saga. Saga represents a unique intersection of experiences. We welcome individuals who may or may not be in college, those attending vocational schools, or those pursuing various careers. It’s a place where everyone, aged 18 to 24 and queer, can gather and share their diverse life experiences without fear of judgment or expectation. 

What makes Saga special is its inclusive environment. We welcome individuals seeking friends, community, or resources like housing, and it’s fulfilling to see them find what they’re looking for. This has a profound impact on me and makes my work meaningful. Many come to Saga in search of a community but find much more, including established friendships. There’s an initial nervousness, like figuring out where to sit in a new lunchroom, but the welcoming nature of Saga quickly helps new members integrate. 

At Saga, we do a variety of activities. We watch movies together, like “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and have communal dinners. I used to run a small business and once cooked phở for our holiday party. We often have members of our community share their professional experiences, providing insights into various career fields and leadership roles. This helps in cultivating not just community bonds but also leadership and professional skills among our emerging leaders. 

Our activities extend beyond the confines of our regular meeting space. We’ve visited places like Meow Wolf and the Museum of Nature and Science, exploring various parts of Denver together. Our program isn’t just about socializing; it also focuses on professional development, helping members pursue their career goals and develop soft skills. This aspect of Saga is as important as the social connections we foster, setting our members up for success in various aspects of their lives.” 

Getting Involved with Saga 

Getting involved with Saga, whether as a young adult seeking support or as someone looking to help, is an opportunity to make a positive impact. Here’s how to get involved with the Saga Program. 

Joining Saga as a Young Adult 

Joining Saga is an easy and simple process. Any young adults aged 18-24 in the LGBTQ+ community are eligible to join Saga! The process starts with signing up on their website! You can also reach out to Viet if you have any questions. 

Other Ways to Support Saga 

Saga is always on the hunt for new experiences for its members. If you are interested in hosting Saga members or giving a talk about your profession, please fill out The Center’s Contact Us form and select “Saga – Young Adult Program (18-24) as the subject.