Life Help

On the Web | Books | In Our Community | Telephone Hotlines

 

 

On the Web [back to top]

If you know where to look, the web can be a great place for finding information and getting help with life's questions and problems, both big and small. Here are some excellent sites that provide information, feedback and support to teens...

Go Ask Alice!

"Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by Alice!, Columbia University's Health Education Program. Alice! answers questions about relationships; sexuality; sexual health; emotional health; fitness; nutrition; alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs; and, general health."

Teenwire

"This is your private place on the Internet where you can get information and news about teen sexuality, sexual health, and relationships."

OutProud

"OutProud serves the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender youth by providing advocacy, information, resources and support. Our goal is to help queer youth become happy, successful, confident and vital gay, lesbian and bisexual adults. We provide outreach and support to queer teens just coming to terms with their sexual orientation and to those contemplating coming out. We let them know they're not alone by helping them find local sources of friendship and support."

Youth.org

Youth.org is a service run by volunteers, created to help self-identifying gay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning youth. Youth.org exists to provide young people with a safe space online to be themselves. Youth.org was formed to provide for the needs of GLBT youth; the need for a rare opportunity to express themselves, to know they are not alone, and to interact with others who have already accepted their sexuality.  

 

Books [back to top]

Books on Medicine are classified in the 610 section of the the Dewey Decimal System (DDS), and Social Services is classified in the 360 section. The Teen Room at TPL's Main Library has an extensive collection of books on teen health and teen crisis issues. Below are just a few of the books that we have in our collection...

Changing Bodies, Changing Lives (DDS call number YA 613.9 BELL)

"Changing Bodies, Changing Lives has helped hundreds of thousands of teenagers make informed decisions about their lives, from questions about sex, love, friendship, and how your body works to dealing with problems at school and home and figuring out who you are. Packed with illustrations, checklists, and resources for the answers you really need."

The Teenage Body Book (DDS call number YA 613 MCCO)

"This is the essential handbook for honest, forthright, up-to-date advice in dealing with every dilemma, doubt, and possibility facing teenagers at the threshold of the new century, including: Overcoming "body image" anxiety; Drugs, drinking, smoking, and peer pressure; Sexual orientation and teenagers; Coping with depression, anxiety, and stress; Teen pregnancy, birth control, and parenthood; Sexually transmitted diseases; The latest information on fad diets, sports medicine, and medical advances; How to find confidential and effective crisis counseling; The best websites for teens, and more."

Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens (DDS call number YA 305.235 WILL)

"This upbeat handbook offers advice on a variety of topics such as lying, money, manners, being popular at any cost, and feelings. Quotes from teens are scattered throughout. Introduction by Queen Latifah."

Diseases and People Series (DDS call numbers YA 614, 615, 616)

Drug Abuse Prevention Library Series (DDS call numbers YA 362, 613-618)

 

In Our Community [back to top]

When you're a teen, it can sometimes seem like no one understands -- or even cares -- about the questions and problems you're facing. But the truth is there are a lot of great organizations in our community with caring people to help you deal with anything life tosses your way...

Anchor House

(482 Center Street, Trenton, NJ 08611; 609-396-8329) A shelter, counseling, and services for runaway, homeless and/or abused youth ages 10-17.

Chester House

(509 North Clinton Avenue; 609-392-7901, extention 17) Young men, ages 14-17, who are homeless now have a place in the City of Trenton to receive housing and supportive services such as education, training and health care. This 10-bed housing facility is operated by the Trenton Education Development Corporation (TEDCO).

Children's Home Society of NJ

(635 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611; 609-695-6274) Provides broad-scale help for unplanned pregnancies, infant foster care, adoptions, parental and child counseling, and youth employment.

First & Third Group

(HiTops: 21 Wiggins Street, Princeton, NJ 08540; 609-683-5155; email: hitopskids@aol.com) A support/educational/social group for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and questioning youth and their allies. Meetings are held at Hi-Tops on the first and third Saturday of every month from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. All are welcome.

Lifeties

(2205 Pennington Road, Trenton, NJ 08638; 609-771-1600) Three-pronged program to help adolescents in crisis: Rainbow House for teen mothers with HIV-infected infants; Triad House, a group home for young victims of abuse; TILT, a teaching program to ensure a smooth transition from out-of-home placement to independent living.

Mercer County HIV Consortium Resource Center

(447 Bellevue Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618; 609-278-9555 or toll free at 1-800-550-6755) Provides referrals to individuals affected by HIV and AIDS.

Planned Parenthood of Mercer County

(437 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608; 609-599-4881) Provides reproductive health services, education, counseling, and advocacy.

Union Industrial Home for Children

(864 Bellevue Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618; 609-695-1492) A residential program for pregnant and parenting teen mothers and an employment program for non-custodial fathers. Committed to developing stronger parents, stronger children and stronger communities. Public and private partnerships enable UIH to deliver culturally competent social, educational and vocational services which empower individuals to become nurturing parents of stable, healthy families and contributing members of society.

 

Telephone Hotlines [back to top]

CONTACT 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 609-896-2120 or 609-585-2244

Domestic Violence Hotline of Mercer County: 609-394-9000

New Jersey AIDS/STD Hotline: 1-800-624-2377

Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline: 609-989-9332

National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-621-4000

Youth Emergency Service - Trenton Area: 609-396-6722