Message from Cece

 The common thread in this month's stories is volunteers. Every Resource Center program and event relies on volunteers. With them, we are able to leverage the time and talents of paid staff so that we may do more and serve more. For example, volunteers help prepare lunches in the hot meal program and provide artistic instruction for the Youth First art program. Even though volunteers are unpaid, donor support helps make all this possible. Here's how: Donor support helps provide salary for a full-time volunteer coordinator, Deborah Cavazos. She oversees training for volunteers, and coordinates volunteer placement with more than 50 Center staff. Each year, volunteer hours equal the equivalent of approximately 10-11 full-time employees. That's a savings of over a million dollars to the Center and a wonderful return on your donor investment! 

Additionally, volunteers become ambassadors for the Center, telling friends who might benefit from our services, or bringing in other resources the agency needs. It is a blessing to walk in our facilities and see people of different ages, races, genders and gender identities working together and with staff to serve our clients and further our mission. We are grateful that so many people choose to devote their time and talents to Resource Center.

Regards, Cece

Health: Alternative Spring Break volunteers 

It's a fact-the Center can't serve over 1,900 people with HIV/AIDS without the help of committed, dedicated volunteers. That's why the Center's staff and clients are grateful that 24 volunteers, including 20 freshmen, from the University of Missouri's Alternative Spring Break program, assisted with the Center's pantry and hot meals program the week of March 24. Students from UM have spent part of their spring break week helping out at the Center on and off for around two decades. This year's students were members of MBMI, the Mizzou Black Men's Initiative. Jonathan McElderry, the director of UM's Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, says MBMI is "a leadership development and support organization for Black freshmen males into the collegiate environment. We allow students to give back and learn that the world is greater than the bubble we live in at Mizzou."  

Community: GEAR awards
GEAR (Gender Education, Advocacy and Resources), the Center's program for the transgender community and the first formalized transgender program sponsored by a major LGBT organization in North Texas, held its eighth annual award ceremony and dinner March 29. Theresa Sparks, founder of the Transgender Day of Remembrance and chair of the San Francisco Human Relations Commission, delivered the keynote address. Sparks urged the attendees to be the "very best trans person you can be...because what you see in the face of others is a reflection of what they see in yours." GEAR also recognized two members of the transgender community and two allies for their support of the program. Kathleen Sprinkle and Wendy Marsden received the Katherine Walton Award, in recognition of exceptional leadership and devoted service to the transgender community. Dr. Patrick Daly, who volunteers at the Center's transgender health night, and American Specialty Pharmacy received the GEAR Ally Award.

 

Advocacy: Out2Enroll Event
As a longtime advocate for LGBT healthcare issues, The Center worked with local organizations to organize an Affordable Care Act (ACA) information session and enrollment event at the Interfaith Peace Chapel March 23. Attendees heard from White House LGBT liaison Gautam Raghavan and members of the group Out2Enroll on the importance of the LGBT community enrolling for healthcare coverage in advance of this year's March 31 deadline. Discussions are underway to hold a similar information event later in the year in advance of the 2015 healthcare enrollment deadline.

 

Give: Grant from Celanese Foundation

In recognition of the Center's leadership and commitment to service, the Celanese Foundation, the corporate giving arm of Irving-based Celanese Corporation, has given the center a $15,000 grant to be used for general agency programs and services including nutrition, seniors and youth. Celanese employees, including senior corporate officers, have volunteered at the Center's nutrition programs as part of the company's Global Impact Week since 2012. The Celanese Foundation focuses on initiatives to improve the fundamental living conditions of human beings around the world. 

Support Resource Center
Make a donation here. Your financial support helps us make a difference in the lives of thousands of North Texan's who rely on programs and services provided by Resource Center. 

  

SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Resource Center events.

  

Hippity Hop Gaybingo 

With Easter on the way, we're celebrating the holiday with a twist. Whether you're partying in bunny ears or a track suit with bling, commemorate the fashion, style and music that made hip-hop famous!

Support this month's charitable raffle sponsor, Big D Classics, by purchasing their raffle tickets for a chance to win an iPad Air, valued at $500.

When: Saturday, April 19; Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas 75219

Purchase tickets to Gaybingo here.

 

  

Check the Center's website calendar here for a complete list of events.