February 2015

 MESSAGE FROM CECE 

It's easy to be busy. It's harder to be productive. I hope you, the people who support Resource Center with your gifts of time, talent and money, are excited to read what the Center produces. With your help, we have created meaningful programs and services. Resource Center is a trusted provider of services, including HIV prevention and care, programs for youth and seniors, mental health counseling, education and advocacy. Thank you for giving meaning to what keeps us busy - improving lives in North Texas and beyond.

Regards, Cece

 

TOAST TO LIFE: SAT., FEB. 28, 7-11 p.m. The Empire Room

 

 

It's almost time for the spellbinding blend of magic and fun benefiting Resource Center! The 2015 Toast To Life, "Voodoo on the Trinity" is Saturday, February 28. Thank you to everyone who has contributed! Through the generosity of donors like you, Toast To Life has raised over three million dollars for the Center since 1998.

The multi-talented Lady Bunny will serve as DJ for the event. For 30 years, Bunny has been an emcee, singer, songwriter, and actress. Her DJ skills have graced clubs from Miami to New York, and at Toast To Life she's bringing them to Big D. Purchase tickets to Toast To Life here.

Contact the development team at development@myresourcecenter.org or 214-528-0144 to become a sponsor, donate an auction item, or purchase an event ticket today.  


HEALTH: A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR HIV TESTING

Thanks to community partners and social outreach, the Center's HIV testing program had a successful 2014 helping people take control of their HIV status. Dallas County continues to lead the state in HIV diagnoses, making it vital for people to learn their status. For the year, the Center's testing programs conducted just under 5,000 HIV tests-with a positive rate of just under 3%. Around 4,800 people received tests for syphilis with a positive rate of 7%. The Center's UBE (United Black Ellument), Valor Latino and FUSE programs are reaching out to underserved populations, encouraging people to get tested. Drop-in and by-appointment testing is available through the Center's Nelson-Tebedo Clinic - a fixture on Cedar Springs Road since 1989. Come by and get tested - and bring a friend!

 

ADVOCACY: MARRIAGE RALLY  
On January 9, the LGBT community came together at the Legacy of Love monument in Oak Lawn in support of marriage equality. Earlier that day, a three-judge panel from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans heard arguments in marriage equality cases from three states - Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. The Center's Rafael McDonnell was among about a dozen speakers at the rally, which was co-sponsored by the Center. It's not clear when the judges will issue their ruling, but Cathedral of Hope will hold a rally on that day at 6 p.m.    

 

COMMUNITY: NEW LEADER AT YOUTH FIRST     
As of January 12, the Center's Youth First program for LGBTQ youth ages 14-22 has a new manager as well as a familiar face. Johnny Humphrey joined the Center as events manager for Gaybingo Dallas. He will continue as program manager for the Center's transgender program GEAR and women's program JEWEL and add Youth First to his portfolio. Humphrey has been with the Center for three years and has also participated in the Center's cultural competency training programs. "I'm looking forward to working with the youth, the parents, the volunteers and staff at Youth First to strengthen the services and programs our LGBTQ youth need," he said. Come meet Humphrey, and learn about the Center's Youth First program at the Young Professionals Advisory Council Mixer, February 9 at Kitchen LTO at Trinity Groves.

GIVE: 365 CLUB
Become a sustaining donor, and make a difference 365 days a year. As a 365 Club member, your monthly contribution provides predictable and reliable income to help sustain Center programs such as nutrition programs, HIV/STD testing, dental clinic, counseling, Youth First and Gray Pride.

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

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

GIVE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COUNCIL 
"We joined the Young Professionals Advisory Council because the safety and security of North Texas' LGBTQ youth is important to us. It takes a village, and we're proud to support. We've also enjoyed the social aspect of the group. We look forward to connecting with more members at future mixers and events." - Joel Hockman & Clint Hopkins

Approximately 15,000 LGBT youth live in North Texas, yet there are minimal resources available for meeting their unique needs. Youth First is the only local LGBTQ-focused youth program that addresses the challenges LGBTQ youth face with family members, peers and fellow students.

Serving youth and young adults ages 14-22, Youth First equips them with the skills they need to lead an open life. Family ties are strengthened, peer support networks are built and mental health is supported through activities that build confidence and address the specific issues that LGBTQ teens face during their critical, formative years.

Who is the Young Professionals Advisory Council?
Resource Center created the Young Professional Advisory Council after absorbing the Youth First programming in 2013. It's a unique giving circle for young professionals (45 and under) who are passionate about providing opportunities for life skills, leadership development, peer support, and educational advancement to LGBTQ youth in the Dallas area.

What does the Young Professionals Advisory Council do?
The Young Professionals Advisory Council raises money to support the Youth First program at Resource Center. All of the funds raised through membership are allocated to the Youth First programming, and members are encouraged to produce fundraising and friendraising events throughout the year to raise additional funds. Events range from house parties and mixers to last February's wildly successful The Hearts Party.

Visit the Young Professionals Advisory Council's page here or contact Dean S. Wilson at dwilson@myresourcecenter.org or 214-540-4424 for information. 
SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Resource Center events.   

 

 





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

ABOUT RESOURCE CENTER:
Resource Center, a United Way Agency, operates the John Thomas LGBT Community Center, Nelson-Tebedo Clinic, Youth First and United Black Ellument. For over 30 years, the Center has provided programs of interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community members and critical assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS and their families. The programs of Resource Center promote understanding of the LGBT community and aim to eradicate the spread of HIV and AIDS. 
  
MISSION:
Resource Center is a trusted leader that empowers the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities and providing transformative education and advocacy.