MESSAGE FROM CECE 

 It may be warm outside, but there is cool stuff happening at Resource Center, thanks to your support!  As you can read here, the impact of our work reached as far as Australia last month. Our staff is consistently engaged in opportunities for learning the latest about HIV/STD prevention and other issues significant to the communities we serve. Members of Youth First, the Center's LGBTQ youth program, showed their impressive art talents at the ilume GALLERIE, and communications and advocacy manager Rafael McDonnell was invited to the White House in recognition of the Center's advocacy efforts. Thank you for supporting the impactful work of the Center, ranging from health services to youth programs and much in-between.

Regards, Cece

HEALTH: Staffer attends international AIDS conference

Sammy Wonzer-Nesbitt, program coordinator for the Center's United Black Ellument (UBE) program, attended the 2014 International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Over 10,000 advocates, prevention leaders, and scientists from over 140 different countries came together to discuss new research initiatives as well as HIV prevention. Wonzer-Nesbitt said there were several things he took away from the conference. "The international community would like to see AIDS eradicated by 2030.  Prevention must fight HIV on multiple levels, not just through sex education. We must also understand the reason 'why' HIV penetrates social-sexual networks, instead of how," he said. Wonzer-Nesbitt attended the conference thanks to an academic grant from the University of North Texas. He says he will use the information he learned at the conference to "re-energize (his) thinking as to how to be more innovative in combating HIV in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area" through UBE.

Resource Center's Sammy Wonzer-Nesbitt, UBE program coordinator (L) image from International AIDS Conference. (R)

July was a big month for the Center's Youth First program. From July 22-24, the program held its first Art Camp. With support from donors and community members, participants made panels for an "Equality Quilt" and completed paintings called "Portraits of Hope." Some of the art made at the camp was featured in an exhibit at the ilume GALLERIE August 1-9, and members of the Center's Young Professionals Advisory Council held a reception amidst the art August 1. Youth First staff and volunteers were also invited to set up a display at the Lady Gaga concert July 17 at the American Airlines Center. Concert attendees learned about the various programs offered at Youth First, including Friday Family Dinner, anime and art clubs and the bimonthly gender identity nights. Gaga has been a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights, in her music as well as speeches and interviews.

Resource Center's J. Michael Cruz, Youth First program manager and guest.

 

ADVOCACY: Staffer invited to White House for pride event   

On June 30, Center communications and advocacy manager Rafael McDonnell was one of 400 people from across the United States who were invited to the official White House Pride Month commemoration. McDonnell said the White House invitation is in recognition of the Center's leadership and advocacy work on LGBT employment and healthcare issues. Other invited guests included politicians, activists, several newly-confirmed gay  and lesbian federal judges and celebrities including Laverne Cox from "Orange is the New Black" and Sam Champion from The Weather Channel. President Obama and the First Lady attended the event, and the President announced he would soon sign an executive order to add gender identity to the federal government's employee nondiscrimination policy. That order was signed July 21.  

Resource Center's Rafael McDonnell and Laverne Cox (L), The President and Mrs. Obama at the White House. (R)

 

MEMBERSHIP: Alfredo Flores & Cesar Medina are making a difference 365 days a year
 

"The Center makes it super easy! Once a month they just draft our account. We're honored to be members of the Center's 365 Club!" Alfredo & Cesar     

 

 

As a 365 Club member, your monthly contribution provides predictable and reliable income to help sustain Center programs such as our nutrition programs, HIV/STD testing, dental clinic, counseling, Youth First and Gray Pride programs.

Join the 365 Club and receive an invitation for an exclusive behind the scenes tour from CEO Cece Cox, and discounts on Center events!

Visit myresourcecenter.org or contact Dean S. Wilson at 214-540-4424 or email dwilson@myresourcecenter.org to add your name to the list of community leaders making a difference in the lives of our clients every day!  

  

SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Resource Center events.

 

   

 

   

Join Resource Center's Lifewalk Team on October 5 at the 24th Annual Dallas AIDS Lifewalk.
Registration at 11 a.m., walk starts at 1 p.m.

Click here to join team Resource Center   

AIDS ARMS Lifewalk benefits thousands impacted by HIV/AIDS in the Dallas community. Resource Center is a beneficiary of this event. 

 

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