July 2015

 MESSAGE FROM CECE 

 June 2015 surely will go down in history as the most exciting Gay Pride month of all, culminating in the Supreme Court's ruling granting marriage equality across our country. Even while we were celebrating, the Center was hard at work, advocating for the law to be implemented in Texas as some county clerks were refusing to issue marriage licenses. With your support, the Center will remain vigilant and continue to meet other pressing needs in our community for youth, seniors, transgender individuals, mental health and HIV services, and so much more. Our work continues, and we are grateful for your support.       

    

Best regards, Cece

 

ADVOCACY: MARRIAGE EQUALITY COMES TO TEXAS

Just after 9 a.m. on June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges changed the lives of LGBT people across the country. The ruling brought about marriage equality from coast to coast, and the Center was a large part of the events held to commemorate the occasion. CEO Cece Cox spoke at a news conference outside the Dallas County Clerk's office to remind people that even though marriage equality had been won, issues such as employment and public accommodations nondiscrimination as well as the need for youth and seniors services remain - issues that Resource Center remains committed to addressing. Cox also spoke at a rally at the Cathedral of Hope attended by an estimated 2,000 people to reiterate the same message.  

 

HEALTH: UBE TEAM LEADER FEATURED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCES  
June was a busy month for P. J. Moton, team leader for the Center's United Black Ellument program, representing the Center at two major conferences and demonstrating UBE's leadership in the community. He was a featured presenter at the 2015 Saving Ourselves Conference in Memphis in early June. "My presentation entitled 'Shame and Vulnerability in HIV Prevention' explored the guilt and trauma experienced by people working in HIV prevention," Moton said. Later in the month, Moton participated in the Black Gay Men's Leadership Convening in New York City, organized by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) and Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Moton added, "I participated in strategic planning with young Black gay leaders from across the country. Columbia, amFAR, and MAC AIDS hand-picked participants to join this meeting." The MAC AIDS fund has been a strong supporter of the Center, particularly of the nutrition programs, including the food pantry and hot lunch program for the Center's HIV-positive clients.

  

COMMUNITY: YOUTH FIRST: CREATIVE WORKS SUMMER PROGRAM         
It's not the summer camp you attended! Thanks in part to a grant from the City of Dallas' Office of Cultural Affairs, the Center's Youth First is kicking off its Creative Works Summer Program in July with activities open to LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, ally) youth ages 14-22. First up is Art Camp, July 6-10. Youth will learn about various art genres and artists and participate in a guided tour of the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. Art experience is not necessary. The following two weeks, July 13-17 and 20-24, are Theater Camp. Attendees will learn all about theater, including acting and improvisational techniques, set design and tour various performance halls. Acting experience is not necessary! The camps conclude July 27-31 with Leadership Camp. Youth First is partnering with CitySquare to complete a ServiceWorks project. ServiceWorks is a groundbreaking, national program that uses volunteer service as a strategy to help youth and young adults develop skills they need to prepare for college and careers. Youth will gain leadership and project management skills that will empower them to achieve career and educational goals and make positive changes in their communities. For more information, contact Youth First at 214-879-0400.

GIVE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Who is the Young Professionals Advisory Council?
Resource Center created the Young Professional Advisory Council after absorbing the Youth First Texas 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 the Young Professionals Advisory Council does?
The Young Professionals Advisory Council raises money to specifically 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. These events range from house parties and mixers to the wildly successful The Hearts Party.

Click here for information about how to get involved with the Centers' Young Professionals Advisory Council!    
 

Two paws up for the Dallas Bears!  

On Saturday, June 27, the Bears gave the Center's Youth First program $37,000 as its primary fundraising beneficiary over the past year. The Bears also awarded Youth First the John "Spanke" Studer Community Service Award for the program's efforts to support LGBTQ youth. Thank you, Dallas Bears!

 
5 FACTOR SPONSORSHIP -
Become a sponsor of the Center's 5 Factor this September! Your event sponsorship helps the Center to honor five of North Texas' most noteworthy people or groups, and in turn provides valuable support for Center programs and services. Contact Cameron Hernholm, chief development officer, at 214-540-4421 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
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.