
What we’re about
Welcome to The Connections Collective that is put on by NAMI SMC (The National Alliance on Mental Illness, San Mateo County). The Connections Collective is a supportive and inclusive space specially crafted for individuals navigating the unique challenges of their twenties. We understand that reaching out, making connections, and forming friendships can be daunting, especially when faced with the complexities of mental health conditions.
In this welcoming community, we recognize the struggles that some may face, whether it's battling anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life. The Connections Collective aims to be a lifeline for those who find it challenging to put themselves out there, offering a safe space for individuals seeking genuine connections and understanding peers.
The Connections Collective has monthly meet ups where we do fun activities together such as bowling, escape rooms, game nights, mini golf, cooking classes, and many more. The group is made to connect with other people in their 20s, have fun and provide a supportive environment for people to feel comfortable talking about what they're going through. We aim to foster a sense of belonging, support and connection.
We hope you join us in building this community together!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Thursday Nightlife & 20s Social at the California Academy of SciencesCalifornia Academy Of Sciences, San Francisco, CA$30.00
Join The Connections Collective as we explore NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences!
Every Thursday, CalAcademy hosts NightLife, a 21+ evening event where you can explore the museum after hours, enjoy live music, and see wildlife in a whole new light, without the usual daytime crowds. You'll get to roam the entire museum freely, check out the exhibits, and connect with other 20-somethings looking to make new friends.
This event is designed to support the unique experiences of those in their twenties, especially those navigating mental health conditions. We know reaching out and making new friends can be challenging, so we’ve created an event that makes it easy to relax, connect, and enjoy a fun activity together.
Event Details:
NightLife is from 6:00-10:00pm with the last entry at 9:00pm. Since I know there might be a decent amount of people coming from the South Bay, let's plan to meet there at 6:45pm to allow time for travel and traffic.We’re aiming for the 7:30pm planetarium show, but keep in mind that those tickets can sell out quickly. If you aren't able to make it right at 6:45pm, no worries - I can send you your ticket so you can meet us inside when you arrive.
After we have explored all we want to, there are lots of fun restaurants around that we can go to for a quick bite and to hang out.
Learn more about CalAcademy NightLife here: https://www.calacademy.org/nightlife
Ticket Price:
Tickets are $25 + $5 for a planetarium pass, making it $30 total. The planetarium is a 75-foot immersive dome that takes you through outer space and Earth’s natural systems. It is a really cool experience that is 100% worth the extra $5.Registration:
Since this is a ticketed event, please try to RSVP as soon as possible. I will be purchasing the tickets, and they do sometimes run out which is why RSVPing early is important.Your spot isn’t confirmed until you Venmo $30 to @oliviaheffernan13, which covers your ticket and planetarium pass. Be sure to do this when you sign up.
Once at the event, everything else is free unless you choose to purchase food or drinks. If cost is a barrier, please reach out—we don’t want finances to prevent you from attending!
Parking & Transportation:
If you're coming from the South Bay, please feel free to use the message board below to coordinate carpools.The best public transit option is to take BART and transfer to Muni. You can find all the transportation and parking details here:
https://www.calacademy.org/getting-hereWhat to Bring:
- A valid photo ID (NightLife is 21+)
- Comfortable shoes for walking around
- Warm clothes because SF can get pretty cold at night
- Optional: money for drinks or snacks inside
Before the Event:
I’ll send out my phone number before the event. Whether you venture solo or bring a friend, this will be a very low-stress experience and we’ll make sure everyone feels included and welcome.If you have any questions, feel free to message me on Meetup! I'm looking forward to exploring with all of you!