Director's Column: Center Accomplishments Need Your Support

A simple question over 5 years ago, led to a needs assessment, the development of a core group of volunteers, and ultimately the beginning of the LGBT Resource Center for the Seven Rivers Region. Each year the Center has been in existence, the board of directors has set goals and strived to continue to help the Center reach its full potential. After the many LGBT themed stories, headlines, and court proceedings of the past year alone, it is evident why the Center is a vital resource to the Seven Rivers Region. Through the Center questioning youth and adults can receive helpful information, resources, and support; for many it is the first time they feel that they can truly be themselves. We have come far but there is more to do to help ensure the Center remains available for those that are questioning, in need of resources, seeking support, or to find temporary shelter in a safe place where they can simply be themselves free from discrimination, judgment, or hate.

The shared realization that the Center matters has carried the Center forward and helped drive each new accomplishment. In August of 2008, the Center welcomed me as its first Executive Director, allowing for an expansion of the Center’s services, hours, and accessibility. Here are just the highlights of what has been accomplished in this year with the support of the board and the help of dedicated volunteers. For a more complete list visit: http://7riverslgbt.org/accomplishments.htm Other Center Activities from August 2008 to August 2009

Statewide cooperative ventures:

Other Center Activities from August 2008 to August 2009

  1. Recruited, trained, and supervised 14 volunteers to help staff the Center, and assist at events/fundraisers
  2. 5 young women and 2 Adult Leaders attended the Young Womyn's Empowerment Conference in Milwaukee.
  3. Welcomed the GALAXY program to our center as it transitioned from its original home of (number) years with the YWCA.
  4. Hosted rallies, special events, and helped local youth organize and hold marches in honor of Gay Rights.
  5. Planned, organized, and developed fundraising events, activities, to support the Center and its vital programming.
  6. 6 youth and 2 adult Leaders attended the HIV Institute in Appleton, WI, to learn leadership skills and how to be effective peer educators/advocates.

Cooperative Area Activities

  1. Served on the planning committee for the Transgender Healthcare Conference at UW-La Crosse.
  2. Hosted a luncheon with Dr. April Herndon speaking on The Intersex Rights Movement. Representing our service area and many organizations (Couleecap, Houston County Women's Resources, New Horizons, Gundersen Lutheran, Amenity Electrolysis, Caledonia Public Schools, Central High School, UW-L, University of Minnesota at Winona, and the general community) 18 people attended.
  3. Presented at Brookwood High school in Ontario as a part of the school's Wellness day to 179 students and 11 staff members who participated in watching the movie Trevor and had discussion about LGBT diversity, acceptance, and personal responsibility to make our communities and schools safe
  4. Represented the LGBT community at other local meetings, events, and trainings to ensure representation of the LGBT community.
  5. Assisted other community members with re-starting a La Crosse Chapter of PFLAG-to provide needed education and support for friends and family of LGBT folk.

Center sponsored or supported groups have increased from 3 per month to 9 per month:

  1. GLENDA-a group for LGBT folk dealing with alcohol or drug issues, meets twice per month
  2. Drop In Group-a weekly group for 18+ LGBT/Allies to some meet others and participate in fun activities
  3. Monthly Out & About-a monthly outing for LGBT people to experience different places, points of interest, activities
  4. GNO-Guy’s Night Out- a monthly meeting for male identified people to make connections
  5. Parenting Group-Available for LGBT parents
  6. GALAXY-for LGBT, allies, and questioning youth meets twice per week
  7. Transgender/Gender Queer Gathering-meets monthly
  8. Lesbian Potluck-meets monthly
  9. PFLAG – Center initiated the revitalization of the La Crosse Chapter, which meets monthly

The Center has many accomplishments to celebrate and more to look forward to as we continue to realize the vision of our founders. We have been applying for grants, holding fundraisers and special events, to continue the Center’s mission. As you are aware the economy has been challenging for individuals, businesses, and yes the Center, too. This is where we need commitment from individuals like you to help us remain open 6 days a week, provide vital groups for LGBT youth/adults, and be a proactive voice for the community.

You are part of the Center! Join our activities, visit the Center, and do your part by completing this pledge card and returning it to the Center. Choose the level of support that works with your budget and help the Center to maintain its budget.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and I look forward to continuing to work with and for you as the Center moves forward. It is through our collective effort the Center will become all it can be.

In solidarity,
Rosanne St. Sauver Executive Director