The values of the Annex Teen Clinic were developed through an extensive process of discussion, revision, and collaboration. This work was done with Annex staff, volunteers, board members, and youth council members.
These values guide our decision-making processes and the delivery of our services. Through the application of our values, we will develop and maintain healthy relationships with youth and their families, our organizational partners, collaborators, and the community as a whole.
Whole Sexual Health:
Healthy sexuality encompasses a person’s whole health including mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We co-create a community where everyone has the resources they need to thrive, diverse and intersectional identities are centered and celebrated, and systems support young people’s ability to take charge of their sexual health.
Youth Leadership & Voice:
Young people’s voices are heard at the Annex. Our providers value bodily autonomy, personal perspectives, and cultural and community knowledge to ensure young people get the sexual healthcare they deserve.
Racial Equity:
Sexual and reproductive health cannot exist without racial and social justice. People of Color– especially youth, women and trans People of Color– experience barriers to healthcare access that the Annex aims to remove.
Authenticity:
To have courageous conversations we must create a safe and welcoming space where everyone– youth, staff, board, and community partners included– can show up as their authentic selves.
Access:
The Annex builds trust by honoring community knowledge and the lived experiences of young people. Our services are safe and identity affirming for all. We aim to remove financial, geographic, cultural, and other barriers to access through creative partnerships and other innovative efforts.
Transformational Action:
It takes courageous communities to transform systems. We shift power dynamics to center young people’s self-identified needs and encourage policy makers, community leaders, parents, and caregivers to competently and comfortably talk about young people’s sexuality.
Healing-Centered & Compassionate Care:
We are a space for healing, justice, and compassion. We acknowledge healing as a process not an endpoint and understand compassionate sexual health care as a core component to that journey.
