August 2015

 MESSAGE FROM CECE 

The lazy days of summer don't really hit Resource Center. Our talented and passionate staff is working across the various programs of the agency to improve health, provide a safe and nurturing place for both youth and seniors and to prepare for fall events with you, such as 5 Factor. Your support makes all this possible, as the Center meets the growing and changing needs of our community. Thank you!     

    

Best regards, Cece

 

ADVOCACY 
WORKING WITH U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY

 

On July 28, the Center organized a meeting with members of the LGBT community and the Dallas field office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Last month, the federal government announced new policies on how the agency will treat LGBT detainees. ICE will also collect data on how many people flee their home countries because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The Center has a long history of working together with partner organizations and governmental agencies, and the meeting was the first step towards establishing an ongoing dialogue on LGBT issues at the local level with ICE. Together we can make a difference! Contact us to become involved in our advocacy work by calling 214-528-0144 or send email to rmcdonnell@myresourcecenter.org.   

 

HEALTH     

PROMOTING SEX WITH BENEFITS,CONQUERING THE SPREAD OF HIV 

For many years, Resource Center has been a long-standing staple within the community committed to the fight against the transmission of HIV and STDs. In 2012, the Texas Department of State Health Services implemented a condom distribution initiative to counteract the rise in HIV cases statewide; especially in response to newly diagnosed cases found in Dallas County. At that time, it was reported Dallas County held the highest rate of newly diagnosed cases of any county in the state.  

  

Through this initiative the Center's Nelson-Tedbdo Clinic added the condom distribution program to help change the way the community thought about and engaged in safe sex behavior. In order to make a broad impact, program staff regularly distribute condoms to local bars, bathhouses and community events with a focus of reaching targeted populations that include gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. Targeting populations at high risk for HIV transmission increases the availability, accessibility and acceptability of condom use.  

  

The individually branded condoms distributed include contact information promoting free HIV and syphilis testing services at the Clinic. During the first half of the year, program staff distributed a total of 61,015 condoms resulting in many new clients visiting the Clinic for testing services. Since the program's inception, it has proven to be a successful aspect of the Clinic's outreach activities in identifying new cases. Using free condom distribution as an intervening approach to decreasing the rate of HIV transmission carries several benefits. It provides the community with the resources to act proactively regarding their sexual behavior and health, but also provides testing clients with access to Resource Center's lifesaving HIV support services in large part due to community supported funds. If a testing client should receive a result of HIV positive, your gift in combination with the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act provide these new clients with access to crucial HIV support services like medical case management and nutrition programs. To learn more about the Center's Nelson-Tebdo Clinic testing and other HIV support services you help support click here.   

  

  

  

COMMUNITY 
CELEBRATING GRAY PRIDE         

Living out your golden years should be a time filled with bliss, enjoying retirement and all the things you worked so hard to build in your youth. The reality for older adults living in our community is spent worrying over many issues such as access to appropriate housing, health care and finding supportive public and private services. LGBT seniors often are denied access to these essential support services due to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Last month representatives from Dallas Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) delivered an informative presentation regarding aging issues to the Center's Gray Pride group.    

 

As part of Gray Pride's commitment to providing impactful programming for LGBT seniors, DAAA's presentation highlighted the many community resources available to seniors living in Dallas County. Community resources include: caregiver assistance, benefits counseling, and minor home repairs offered with the goal of alleviating some of the burden seniors may carry during their lifetime. Retirement and aging continue to be a much-discussed issue facing our nation. Gray Pride in conjunction with the Center's advocacy aim to inform and be a voice in developing more inclusive policies affecting LGBT seniors and the community. As a supporter of the Center, you can join advocacy efforts to make retirement a golden experience for living seniors and for future generations to come. Email graypride@myresourcecenter.org  or call 214-528-0144 for details about the program or to receive event calendar information.

 

 

GIVE 
RESOURCE CENTER RECEIVES 4-STAR RATING IN SOUND FISCAL HEALTH 
 Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities has bestowed a second consecutive 4-star rating to Resource Center for achieving sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Receiving a four out of possible four star ranking indicates that Resource Center complies with fiscally sound practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities. Only 20 percent of charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Resource Center out performs most other charities in the country. In the competitive marketplace of charitable giving, donors are demanding more accountability and transparency from non-profits as to how their hard-earned dollars are being used. Charity Navigator's rating system shows you as a donor how efficiently they believe the Center will use your charitable dollars, how well we sustain programs and services over time and the Center's level of commitment to good governance. These ratings are provided to donors and social investors so you can make informed giving decisions. This exemplary designation demonstrates to the public that the Center is worthy of your trust. Charity Navigator's favorable review of Resource Center can be viewed here.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GO "BACK-TO-SCHOOL"  

TO BENEFIT YOUTH FIRST - AUG. 20   

You're invited to join a special group of community-minded people like yourselves, whose generosity helps support the only local LGBT-focused youth program in the area. The Center's Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) will be hosting a special after-work recess in an effort to raise critical funds for the upcoming school year benefiting the Center's Youth First program.


This Back-To-School fundraising event will be held Thursday, August 20 from 6-8 p.m. at The Goss-Michael Foundation located at 1405 Turtle Creek Boulevard in Dallas. Individual tickets are $50 per person. Guests and sponsors will enjoy complimentary beverages by Stoli, light bites, valet parking by Pinky's Valet and view amazing works of art on display at the gallery. Event chairs are Chelsie Paine-Reynolds and Jill Reynolds. Event sponsorship and tickets can be purchased here. 

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER: 

To kick-off the start of the school year, young professionals may purchase a ticket to this event along with a one year membership to YPAC for only $125! Receiving half-off the original event ticket price. This offer can be redeemed here.  For membership and additional info contact:  Dean S. Wilson at dwilson@myresourcecenter.org or 214-540-4424.          

 

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.