The heart and soul of Center programs has always been its community-funded programs. What are The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s “community-funded programs”?

They are programs that arose because community members identified a need and helped design an answer for the need. They are programs that receive little or no government funding but are instead supported by the generous donations of community members who are dedicated to creating and sustaining programs that care for those in their community who need them. They are the powerful result of our own San Diego GLBT and allied community members caring for their own community.

Most of what you think of as Center programs are community-funded. In fact, two-thirds of our programs are community, not government, funded. The Hillcrest Youth Center, Senior Services, Family Matters, Latino Services, the Youth Housing Project, the Women’s Resource Center, Coming Out and Discussion groups, and the Bohnett Cyber Center all came into being, not because there was a government grant available or because someone far away suggested we should have them, but because our community itself identified a need, designed a solution and continues to make certain that the services are available for those who may need them.

Senior Services provides our community’s seniors and equality trailblazers with Lunch & Learn events, meditation classes, art classes, yoga, support groups, referrals for legal, health care and social services, and an opportunity to continue to participate in the community they helped to envision and build.

Family Matters brings San Diego’s GLBT families together for support, educational forums and social events. From parenting support groups to children’s playgroups and family-oriented events, to clothing and toy swaps, Family Matters is a vital resource for GLBT families. Family Matters creates a place where GLBT families can feel welcome, learn and grow together as a family, and continue their work for equal opportunity and recognition for all families.

Latino Services provides culturally and linguistically appropriate resources for both bilingual and monolingual GLBT community members. It offers case management and HIV prevention case management, support groups, social groups, immigration referrals and much more. Their newest program, Mi Familia, offers Spanish-speaking support and information to Spanish-speaking parents of GLBT children. Latino services at The Center sends the powerful message that Latino men, women, couples and families do not have to sacrifice their cultural heritage for their sexual orientation, but instead can be embraced for all that they are.

The Women’s Resource Center held 30 workshops, 126 group meetings and 20 community events last year. More than 700 new women came through the doors of The Center for everything from social events to cancer support groups.

The Hillcrest Youth Center is a drop-in center for 14- to 20-year-old GLBT youth. There they can find life-skills training workshops, tutoring, counseling services, health education, discussion groups and social activities. The Youth Housing Project provides safe, supportive housing and case management for 23 formerly homeless youth, ages 18-24.

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Lester Machado, The Center also offers another way of connecting with your community and making a difference in someone else’s life – the Youth Apprentice and Mentorship program. This program helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The program depends on adult volunteers who are committed to spending at least one year supporting, guiding and helping youth develop effective social and workplace skills.

Employment mentors teach program youth about different occupations and industries, model responsible behaviors and help youth develop stronger workplace skills that will improve their employability. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about youth residing at the Youth Housing Project, mentors can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career and personal goals.

Every hour you volunteer with and every dollar you donate to these community-supported programs is a gift to thousands of community members.