May 2015

 MESSAGE FROM CECE 

On the eve of my son's eighth birthday, as he danced in his pajamas, he breathlessly exclaimed, "I'm so excited to be eight, I don't know if I can go to sleep."

On April 23, I felt the same sense of boundless joy at Resource Center's groundbreaking ceremony for the Center's new building. More than 150 donors, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate this milestone and share how Resource Center has made a difference in their lives and in North Texas.

We have achieved 74% of our campaign goal and ask that you help us reach the finish line so that we may serve the many needs in the LGBT and HIV communities. To do that, click here and give generously .   

    

Best regards, Cece

 

GIVE: GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW CENTER

It's finally underway! The Center held a groundbreaking ceremony April 23 on a new community center serving the LGBT and HIV communities of North Texas. The two-story, 20,000 square foot building will house the continuum of care LGBT programming from youth (Youth First) to seniors (Gray Pride), a mental health counseling partnership with Southern Methodist University, community meeting rooms and administrative offices. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas Councilmembers Adam Medrano and Jennifer Gates, other local elected officials, religious leaders and major donors also participated in the groundbreaking. Attendees also heard from people who have benefited from the programs and services that the Center has provided over the past three decades. The building should be open by spring 2016.

View images from the groundbreaking ceremony here. 

 

HEALTH: WALMART FOUNDATION GIVES $25,000 FOR CENTER NUTRITION PROGRAMS  
The Center has received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation in support of the Center's nutrition program for people living with HIV/AIDS. Established in 1985, the Center's nutrition program serves people living with HIV who lack the financial resources to support their nutritional and medication requirements. The program includes a food pantry that distributes an average of seven tons of milk, meat, fresh vegetables and canned goods every week. In addition, volunteers at the Center serve over 600 hot, nutritious lunches Monday through Friday to Center clients. Thank you, Walmart Foundation!  

  

COMMUNITY: YOUTH FIRST HOLDS "GREAT GATSBY" PROM       
LGBTQ youth from across North Texas experienced a taste of the Jazz Age April 17 at the Shout Out! Prom 2015. The event was co-sponsored by the Center and Cathedral of Hope, and featured a "Great Gatsby" theme. Approximately 80 youth attended, some traveling over an hour to attend the free event. Over 30 prom dresses and a handful of suits were donated by Southlake Carroll's gay-straight alliance, who held a prom clothing drive so youth could feel comfortable in the clothing they wanted to wear. Thank you to all the community support for the event for helping to make the event possible including the Transgender Education Network of Texas, the Dallas Bears, United Court of the Lone Star Empire, and the Leather Knights.

Click here to view all the fun event photos.

ADVOCACY: CENTER PARTICIPATES IN FREEDOM ADVOCACY DAY AT STATE CAPITAL
On April 13, the Center's communications and advocacy manager Rafael McDonnell participated in Equality Texas' Freedom Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Austin. The event was an opportunity for LGBT Texans to talk to their lawmakers about a variety of legislation affecting the LGBT community. For his part, McDonnell spoke to lawmakers about the effects so-called "license to discriminate" bills would have on lesbian, gay, bisexual  and transgender Texans. He also discussed proposed cuts to HIV prevention funding, and why the cuts would adversely impact public health.

GIVE: 
 
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COUNCIL- T'Anya Carter is committed to LGBTQ youth in North Texas!

"I'm from Gary, Indiana, and there were a lot of kids like me that could have benefited from a safe place like the Center's Youth First program. It's an honor to be a member of the YPAC!" -T'Anya Carter

Click here for information about how to get involved with the Centers' Young Professionals Advisory Council!
 
365 CLUB/MEMBERSHIP- Michael Meaders and Everydayjock.com are making a difference 365 days a year!
 
"The Everydayjock.com team and I are committed to the work being done by Resource Center. Proud to be a sustaining donor through the 365 Club." - Michael Meaders

Click here for more information about the Center's monthly giving program, and to add your name to the list of leaders making a difference in our community!
  
PLANNED & ESTATE GIVING
Click here to check out the new planned giving page on the Center's website!   
SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Resource Center events.   

  






MORE EVENTS BENEFITING RESOURCE CENTER 


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.