winter 2013 voice - aqua foundation for women – directory,” says kristofer fegenbush, pride...
TRANSCRIPT
VOICEWINTER 2013www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Would not it be wonderful for all women in our community to live longer, happier and healthier
lives? Now, with continual advances in medicine and burgeoning technology, they can.
Over 75 women and men gathered at The Pride Center recently to learn
about the newly launched LBT Women’s Health Directory at www.LBTHealth.org Over a year in development, planning, interviewing and outreach, the Directory offers a user friendly, online database of culturally competent health care providers in South Florida.
Thanks to the benevolence and generosity of a grant from The Aqua Foundation for Women, The Pride Center was able to spearhead a community collaboration to provide a useful, life saving tool for women in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Robin Schwartz, Aqua’s Executive Director praised The Pride Center for it efforts of “collaboration amongst organizations.” Later, she said she was most proud, “it’s going to save people’s lives.”
The Pride Center organized
work among Women in Network, SunServe and BLAST to develop and market the resource. The Center hired Ellen Slavin to help coordinate these efforts. “The collective efforts of so many contributed to this directory,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Pride Center Deputy Directory. “We now have a resource highlighting professionals
New LBT Women’s Health Directory Launches
Live Long and Prosper:
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Leading the Charge New Pride Center Executive Committee boasts talent and expertise
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Follow us! | www.facebook.com/ThePrideCenter | @PrideCenterFL
By Kevin Murdoch
2013 will bring change to The United States and to The Pride Center. The 2012 election represented one of the most volatile political elections in our
country’s history. It illustrated the great divide in our country, but also set the tone for change. For the country and for The Pride Center, the next four years will hold exciting advances for members of the LGBT Community. The Pride Center recognizes these possibilities and believes the Center plays an essential part in setting the stage for change within our community.
With that in mind, the Board for the Pride Center is proud to announce our 2013 Executive committee.
•Ilene Berliner – Board Chair•Jim Walker - Vice Chair•Chris Caputo - Secretary •Craig Engel – Treasurer
“This is a very exciting time for the Center”, says Robert Boo, Executive Director. “It has been many years since the Center had a Board Chair representing the LBT women’s community, and I am very pleased that Ilene has accepted the position. She has provided consistent, quality leadership to the Center over the years.”
Ilene Berliner, a native New Yorker, is no stranger to South Florida, having attended the University of Miami after High School.
By Jay Mandel
Inside This Issue:
LIFE Program Graduation
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
HotSpots Holiday Celebration
Founders Reception at Gallery One
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New Board Chair, Ilene Berliner
Pride Center StaffRobert Boo, Executive Director,
[email protected] Fegenbush, MSW, Deputy Director,
[email protected] Weissman, Business Manager, [email protected]
Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director, [email protected]
Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, [email protected]
Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator, [email protected]
Listron “Blue” Mannix, Minority Testing Initiative Manager, [email protected] Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, [email protected]
Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, [email protected]
Andres Santofimio, CRCS Counselor, [email protected]
Emilio Aponte, RESPECT Coordinator, [email protected] Taylor, Health Coordinator,
[email protected]. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, [email protected]
Michael Childers, LIFE Goes On Coordinator, [email protected]
Donna Woessner, Women with Pride Coordinator, [email protected]
Ellen Slavin, LBT Women’s Health Initiative Coordinator, [email protected]
Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Ratliff, Information Analyst,
[email protected] Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist,
[email protected] Dickey, Health Counselor,
[email protected] Cruz, Health Educator,
[email protected] Sheppard, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Douglas, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Wilson, Testing Specialist, [email protected]
Bryan Bowlby, Development Assistant, [email protected]
Dr. David Fawcett, CouplesSpeak Clinical/Program Consultant, [email protected]
Dr. Lincoln Pettaway, CouplesSpeak Evaluation Consultant, [email protected]
Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Facilitation Consultant, [email protected]
Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant, [email protected]
Robert Miller, Facilities Assistant, [email protected]
Ilene Berliner, ChairJames Walker, Vice ChairChris Caputo, Secretary
Craig Engel, CPA, TreasurerTed Adcock
Mitchell BloomMark Budwig
Irwin DruckerBrenda HartleyGeorge Kling
Lea P. Krauss, Esq, P.A.Leslie Tipton
Richard Safaty
Board of Directors
The Pride Center VoiceProduction Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush, Kevin MurdochCreative Director: Mark PauciulloContributing Writers: Charles Dickey, David Griffiths, Frank Gurucharri, S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Jay Mandell, Listron “Blue” Mannix, Kevin Murdoch, Andres Santofimio, Bruce Williams, Robert Boo and Kristofer FegenbushPhotographers: Steven Shires, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, Eddie Garcia, Robert Saunders, Denise Spivak, Terry DeCarlo, Donna Woessner, Clarence Collins, Samantha McCoy and Kristofer Fegenbush
Every New Year brings hope and optimism that old slates get to be wiped clean and started
afresh. The elections are finally behind us, so we can move forward to more emergent topics. The Supreme Court has announced its intention to finally tackle the subject of marriage equality and the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). I remain optimistic that the Justices couldn’t possibly justify the decision to deny equal rights to citizens of our great country. But I also wonder how or if the Supreme Court would keep the decision at the state level which
wouldn’t always help our cause. Only time will tell.
In 2013 the Pride Center will continue to grow and evaluate the needs of our community and how we can fill that need. Our work in the transgender community continues to grow. Transgender rights are civil rights. There are only 13 states and the District of Columbia who have passed laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Florida is not one of those states. The Center will continue to provide a safe and welcoming space to our transgender community.
We continue to improve and strengthen our services to the LBT women’s community. During 2012 we launched the LBT Health Directory, established funding for our Women with Pride Coordinator, elected Ilene Berliner as our new Board Chair and recently received a new grant for 2013 from Aqua Foundation.
Our HIV Prevention and education programs continue to grow with funding from the Department
of Health. We will continue to implement strategic, effective, cost-efficient, high-impact HIV prevention programs to address Broward County’s HIV/AIDS epidemic, among the worst in the nation. New grants will continue and expand our PALS Project services, including the LIFE and CHOICES programs. These grants will allow us to expand work in HIV testing, condom distribution, and traditional and internet outreach. We also will launch targeted outreach, education, testing and prevention work among LGBT business and LGBT-affirming communities of faith in 2013.
2012 was a great year for the Center and 2013 looks to be even better. We will celebrate our 20th anniversary. China is the traditional gift and platinum is the modern anniversary gift to give. I’m going to break with tradition and ask that you give us your time, your attention and your support. I wish all of you a happy and healthy new year!
A Letter From Robert Boo, Executive Director of The Pride Center at Equality Park Looking Forward
The Pride Center’s Mission is: “We provide a welcoming, safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” For 20 years, the Pride Center’s programs and services have met the distinct socio-economic, health, social and safety needs of the LGBTQ community. More than 17,000 adult and youth attended activities at the Center over the past year. We host more than 60 regularly-meeting groups each month. Support, social and educational groups focus on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery, health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted 26,262
residents and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention, education, support, holistic health and counseling. Stop in and learn about all we do: a community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives; family outreach days; unique exercise classes for women, seniors, men and more; financial investment series; art gallery openings; adult educational opportunities through Pride University; Bingo; “Coffee and
Conversation” events for seniors; music events; a variety of health fairs; and a spectrum of creative symposiums, speakers, forums and events for the entire community. We own six acres of property with 30,000 square feet of office space that provide homes for programs and services, as well as synergy among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier point of connection for our community.
About the Pride Center
The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskmety Trust.
The Pride Center2040 N. Dixie Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305Mail Correspondence to:
P.O. Box 70518Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518
(954) 463-9005Fax (954) 764-6522
Email: [email protected]: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
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+Live Long and Prosper continued from pg. 1
+Leading the Charge continued from pg. 1Her career background includes real estate, information technology, and finance. She was President of Prudential Prime Realty in New Jersey, and Managing Recruiter at Datalink Inc. in Manhattan and Dax Technologies in New Jersey. She was active in many LGBT organizations in New York including Empire Pride, Uncommon Women, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal. After moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2004 Ilene became involved with GLCC/Pride Center first as a Founders Circle member. She most recently served on the Executive Committee as Vice President. She is an Account Executive for Creative Ad Images and works with businesses across the community on marketing and promotional campaigns. Ilene also served as Chairperson of the Pride Center Governance committee and is involved with many women’s movements. She also was a co-founder of The GLBX.
“I’m ready to take on the challenge of change and move forward,” says Ilene. She believes it’s important to open The Center’s doors to more women that need a safe environment. She will work to provide more women’s services especially those related to women’s health and HIV testing.
Jim Walker, new Board Vice Chair, has never been a stranger to volunteering. “My partner Lee and I moved here two and a half years ago and we knew hardly anyone. Getting involved with the Pride Center has been a great place for us to volunteer as well as to find community. There is a place for everyone at the Center, it really belongs to us all.”
Jim Walker is a native Floridian but most recently from the Washington DC area. He and his partner, Lee, moved down to South Florida in 2009. Both Jim and Lee were very involved in various LGBT organizations in DC and wasted no time in getting involved in South Florida. Jim was on the board of Equality Maryland as well as serving on the Executive Committee of the Board of GLAAD. He joined the Board for the Pride Center last year. He and Lee were most instrumental in putting together last year’s most successful fundraiser, an Evening in Paradise. They opened their home to over 300 people and raised almost 60K. Most recently, he completed the SmartRide with The Pride Center by riding 165 miles for those living with HIV and AIDS.
Chris Caputo, new Board Secretary, is the founder of MetroMediaWorks, an internet development and marketing firm serving South Florida. He is a recent MBA graduate of Florida Atlantic University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from New York Institute of Technology. In addition to serving on the board of the Pride Center, Chris is an active member of the Pride Centers Marketing Advisory Team and the Varsity Club. He is also involved with the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange chapter within the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. When he’s not engaged in one business or volunteer effort or another, Chris also finds time to run and cycle.
Despite being the youngest member of the Executive committee, Chris’ experience and
leadership skills are exceptional. His focus at the Pride Center has been to use technology to more effectively to provide visibility to the services the Center offers. His work with the Marketing Advisory Team has yielded an enhanced website, more consistent branding for the Center and a stronger internet presence. He also has been instrumental in building the Varsity Club, a group focusing on the younger professional looking to get involved.
Craig Engel, CPA, recently was appointed as Board Treasurer after serving on The Pride Center’s Finance Committee. A South Florida Native, Craig grew up in Miami and graduated from Killian High School. Craig earned a degree in Accounting from Florida I n t e r n a t i o n a l University. He has lived in Fort Lauderdale since 1993, began a career in public accounting in 1985 and launched his own practice in 1992. An avid lover of animals, Craig has a home in Victoria Park with bird aviaries, live-reef fish tanks, waterfalls and hundreds of animals. Animal rescue agencies and animal lovers throughout Florida have recognized his home as a sanctuary that respects and protects animals and nature for many years.
Craig recognizes his job as treasurer as the person working to keep the Center ‘in the black’so it can continue to be able to provide the much needed services required in our community. He loves being involved with this great organization and knows his efforts are
all going to a worthwhile cause.The installation of a new Executive
Committee also marks the retirement of two long-serving members of the Board: Richard Stoll, recent Board President, and Jack Johnson.
“The Pride Center and the community cannot thank both Richard and Jack enough for their vision, passion, dedication and energy,” says Boo. “Richard’s tenure as Board President has seen the Center enhance services, diversify revenue streams, expand programs and plan for the future.”
“Each Executive Committee brings very unique strengths to the Center,” says Boo. “This incoming team boasts extraordinary skills that will benefit the community and take the Center to the next level. I look forward to working with them over the coming year.”
who understand and will treat LBT women with respect and compassion. Spread the word! We’re committed to improving access to healthcare for women.”
Even with continuing debate in Washington about universal healthcare, South Florida women now can choose culturally competent, empathetic, medical, dental, mental health and alternative practitioners. The providers offer a wide arrange of services, payment plans and options to help ensure all those in need receive the proper and dignified care they deserve. No longer does an individual have to feel shy, embarrassed or “in the closet,” to share what could be vital information with a doctor - the most important partner in her health and well-being.
“This directory has been vitally needed within the LBT women’s community,” said Denise Spivak, President of Women in Network, who coordinated the design of the website. “LBT too often have not sought out medical care for reasons that include discrimination, lack of understanding
and lack of insurance. This directory will hopefully make a profound difference in the way that LBT women view health care.”
A lovely buffet at the launch event, provided by Courtyard Cafe, complimentary beverages and lively conversation kept all in rapt attention as full color, glossy palm cards were on each table, while a computer slide show promoted the many features the LBT website offered.
What was most heartwarming was to see a vast array of people that evening, including Toni, a volunteer at the Center. When asked why she attended, she responded simply and eloquently, “to help give back.” She also said she was fortunate to be in good health, after life saving surgery a few years ago.
Currently, there are over 300 health professionals available within the directory, in each of our three adjoining counties. Buddha said, “Health is the greatest gift.” For more information, visit www.lbthealth.org.
Vice Chair Jim Walker, Secretary Chris Caputo and Treasurer Craig Engel
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I frequently say with pride to newcomers who walk in the door, ‘Welcome to our multi-million dollar home. We are thrilled to be here. Don’t be strangers.’”
Nelson Rogers knows a thing or two about The Pride Center. He has volunteered with The Center for almost 14 years.
“In the Spring of 1999, I visited the (then) GLCC on the rented third floor of a building in the 1600 block of East Oakland Park Blvd to ask about volunteering,” recalls Nelson. “I wanted to continue to give back to the community, but this time, to the gay community in Fort Lauderdale. Their warm welcome and encouraging words helped me decide to move from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.”
After teaching high school biology, health, sex education, and psychology in central Illinois for six years, Nelson had moved to Miami in 1969 where he continued to teach for 26 more years. Nelson found a new home in Fort Lauderdale and at the local LGBT community center.
“I was trained for the switchboard to give out information on the Thursday morning shift about gay life in south Florida,” he recalls “I also started facilitating the ‘Men Talk’ group
Monday nights, which I continued to do and enjoy for the next two years. The same two years I volunteered as the secretary to the president of SAGE and served on the Board of Directors. I added working the flea market switchboard/reception desk when it first started in the building on Andrews Ave.”
During his 14 years with the Center, Nelson says he has enjoyed meeting a variety of fun,
kind people. “When I can help them
adjust to being new in the community, working through something in their lives, or learning about HIV and getting tested, I have good feelings of accomplishment and of making a difference,” he says. “Some of my volunteer partners have become my friends over the years and some have passed away. I have seen the addition and
the expansion of many programs, groups, staff, and services. I worked with six or seven Executive Directors, and many staff members, all of whom now have started after I did. “
“Everyone is still as welcoming, encouraging, and appreciative as that first group years ago,” says Nelson. “We are very fortunate to have the Pride Center as the hub of our community here in South Florida.”
Nelson Rogers helps provide a home to the community for 14 years
Volunteer Spotlight
LIFE Program GraduationOver 100 people attended the graduation celebration for the most recent cycle of the 18-week LIFE Program with The Pride Center’s PALS Project. Attendees heard inspiring, emotional stories of the changes made in the lives of participants. AHF helped sponsor the evening’s dinner..Photo by Barnett Comens
WIN Monthly MeetingThis popular annual event gives WIN members and friends a chance to do some early shopping and gives local vendors and craftspeople a chance to sell their wares. “It’s kind of like Small Business Saturday on steroids in one room,” says President Denise Spivak. WIN meets the first Monday of every month at The Pride Center.Photos by Denise Spivak
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Did you know?+ The Pride Center distributed over 18,500 condoms to community members over the last month alone. That’s a lot of safer sex!
+ The Pride Center along with Black Gay Pride South Florida will host our annual Kwanzaa Observance and Leadership Awards ceremony honoring the contributions of people of color and their allies. Join us on Thursday, December 27 at 7 pm at the Center.
+ Over 1000 visitors and 85 vendors attend our Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month.
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JOHN GRAVES SOCIETYJohn C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of
Broward
CORNERSTONE SOCIETY
Gil Corwin
PILLAR SOCIETYAnonymous
Jan Carpenter & Dale RussellMona Pittenger
LUMINARY SOCIETYJ. Michael Heider, DDS &
Thom CarrKenneth M. Goss
Former Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl & Ted Adcock
John RamosRichard Schwarz & Tom Massey
STAR LEAGUEDoug Candler
James JagielskiGeorge A. Kling, MD
Estate of James RampeAttorney Arthur B. Smith
Jim Stepp & Peter ZimmerSunshine Athletic Association
Doug Tinklepaugh & James Rickard
Estate of Lawrence Zinman
EQUALITY LEAGUED.C. Allen & Ken Flick
Hansen RealityVince Di PietroPaul Galluccio
Mark Gordon & Aldo BuonoEd Nicholas & Chris GriswoldChuck Nicholls & Mark Turner
Coleman Prewitt
VISIONARY CLUBAnonymous
Darcy BeemanIlene Berliner & Maura Lane
John BowlesMark Budwig & Nick Scalzo
Michael Dager & Harvey ShapiroChris Dunham &
Joseph Dominguez
Forest Trace Gay BridgeCal HarrisonTyler Healis
Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation
Robert L. Hubbard & Bill GreevesRobert Joshua
David Kyner & Richard BrayDr. Christopher ManhonW. Lynn McLaughlin &
David WebbDavid Moon & Eugene SmithMichael Preihs & Khoi LoungHerb Reis & William Coffey
SAGE Men’s Drop InJeffrey & Belinda Shover
Donald SchultzCalvin Steinmetz & Brian Boyle
Stork’s BakeryDave Stubbins
The Bears of South Florida, Inc.Dean Trantalis, Esq
Ted Verdone & John CurtinCharles Walker
Sumner T. White
Vision 2015 Contributors
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All of us live in the stories we create. We are not only the author of our personal story, but we are the main character,
the hero in our life story. We also are story tellers: we share our experiences with others as we sojourn through life.
As Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services (CRCS) counselors at The Pride Center, we are often sought out to be the consultants to others’ stories. We listen and give advice and suggestions to help the “author.” Maybe he is stuck in his story, and his hero is suffering. Let us tell
you about a few.He hadn’t had an HIV
test for a few years. The last time he was tested was right before he was sexually assaulted. After that experience, he withdrew into himself, and never spoke to anyone about it. His test result came back positive for HIV antibodies. He knew all about safer sex. But in the back of his mind was that night when he was out of town on business and he hooked up with an online sexual encounter. It was a disaster. He was sexually assaulted. Since then, he gave up on himself. As we discussed the reality
of what he was facing and what he needed to do, a look of shock spread across his face. His color drained away, leaving him ashen white. He realized that his entire life was altered. He had no clue as to what to do, where to go and felt totally lost and disconnected.
Another client came to our CRCS office, wanting some help with his substance abuse. He was feeling his depression was taking him down a very dark path. He would find himself isolating from his friends. He drank by himself, and when he did go to bars he often put himself at risk. He would not remember what he did, often walking home from areas that were dangerous. He was robbed at one point. His work life was becoming affected as his performance was impaired. He no longer had a car, his finances were a disaster and it seemed like he was losing more and more. He stated he was ready to either give up or get help. Working with him over the course of the year, he was able to get himself sober. He has been sober for almost a year. He has stabilized his job, obtained a car and has managed to stay a month ahead in his financial
situation. Today, with adherence to the plans
both men created with CRCS counseling, they have turned their lives from ones of desperation and alienation to ones of feeling empowered and connected.
These are real people; they are the heroes and authors of their stories. These stories are just the tip of the iceberg of the many issues, problems and life events that we see in the Pride Center’s CRCS program.
We help people problem-solve and consider different and better options as they navigate through struggles, trials and tribulations. We listen, stay attentive to details and guide those who feel lost, alone, alienated, confused and unaware. The satisfaction of helping someone with seemingly overwhelming issues is where we find our passion.
This is why we are here. It makes what we do worth all the effort. It’s not always easy to improve someone’s story so the hero gets a better outcome. Often our task is murky and cloudy. However, like the lotus, people learn to adapt and grow in muddy waters.
Blooming in Muddy Waters CRCS Counselors help clients grow
By Charles Dickey and Andres Santofimio
Toy Drive LaunchGelato Station hosted the launch party for the seventh annual Judy Shepherd Toy Drive sponsored by The Pride Center. Beautiful weather and tasty frozen treats set the scene for a successful donation day. Our very own Women with Pride collaborated with Women in Network and SAGE to collect 1000 toys through the drive this year to benefit children in our community.Photos by Lynn Glover
Count each day as a blessing, and the people you meet never take for granted. This is one of the many sayings that I
carry with me each day. In April, a tall handsome man with
a smile that lights up a room walked into my office. He announced that he recently relocated to Florida and wanted to volunteer as an HIV Tester and provide education classes. He sat in my office and shared his life with me. He painted pictures of war, love, heart break and--my favorite--the joys of traveling. Instantly, Clifford Downing made a deep impression on me, and I knew The Pride Center had to have him as an HIV Tester.
In May, Clifford attended the Broward County Health Department four day training to become a certified HIV
Counselor in the state of Florida. After he completed this course, he returned to my office with more enthusiasm and joy. Within a week, Clifford had started taking clients on his own and volunteering two to three times a week in the testing office and off-site. In July, Pride Center Testing was awarded additional funding to provide HIV Testing and condom distribution in alternative or “creative” locations that cater to men who have sex with men (MSM). Clifford was one the first people I thought of, and we hired him to assist with our new High Impact Prevention Program.
Clifford was always willing and ready to give a helping hand, to provide insight and wisdom. Better yet, he was a pleasant and positive person. You can understand my surprise when Clifford called me
recently to resign due to illness. Two weeks later, his partner called to inform me that Clifford had passed away. Now, I had seen Clifford on the Saturday before his passing. I could tell that Clifford wasn’t feeling well, but his voice and energy were still vibrant. I can recall his words “When I pass, I don’t want any tears, I want a party, people to be happy-dancing” and so we did. As we said our goodbyes on that cool afternoon and made plans to meet later that week, we didn’t know what would happen next… Rest in Peace, My Friend.
Even though Clifford Downing only relocated to Wilton Manors a year ago, his experience as a nurse in infectious diseases as well as his personal charm and humor touched many in the area. He enjoyed volunteering at the Pride Center as an HIV Counselor. Clifford devoted his life to assisting others on personal, professional and humanitarian levels. Previously, Clifford and his husband of 18 years lived in CT, MD and DC where his achievements benefited numerous health, community development and
research organizations. Earlier, Clifford traveled the world as a hdecorated ARMY nurse and as one of the first male stewards for Pan Am. He always lived life to the fullest, wherever he happened to be, and his friends enjoyed his personal and emotional attention greatly. He will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered. Clifford passed away on Nov. 5 at Miami’s Veteran’s hospital. His last wish was that our new political administration would finally, and equally, allow Federal veteran benefits to be extended to legally married same-sex partners.
Pride Center Testing: A Farewell to Clifford Downing By Listron “Blue” Mannix
World AIDS Day Candlelight VigilThousands gathered for the annual candlelight vigil in Wilton Manors to honor World AIDS Day. Organized by Broward House, this year’s vigil culminated at The Pride Center at Equality Park.
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DIAMOND LEVELAlan SchubertBob and Hal Bernier-PetersonGil CorwinArthur B. Smith, AttyIlene Berliner, Board Chair and Maura Lane
PLATINUM LEVEL ($10,000 and above)Anonymous (3)AIDS Healthcare FoundationAqua Foundation for WomenBobby Blair / Florida AgendaCommunity Foundation of BrowardEd Garcia DesignsLSeven SolutionsMona PittengerNorm Kent / South Florida Gay NewsPeter Clark / Hotspots MagazineThe Kenneth S. Hollander Charitable FoundationWells Fargo FoundationWill Spencer / CAMP Inc.DIAMOND LEVEL ($5,000 -$9,999)Arthur SmithChris Caputo, Board Member / MetroMe-dia WorksD.C. Allen and Ken FlickDavid McLaren and Joseph Laurino / Periodic ProductsDr. Dale Russell and Jan CarpenterGreg Hardy and Rick Soloway / Solutions InsuranceIlene Berliner, Board Vice-President, and Maura LaneJim Stepp and Peter ZimmerTed Schultz
GOLD LEVEL ($2,500 - $4,999)A Celebration of FriendsBayview CadillacBob YoungChris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez / Dunham InsuranceCoffee and ConversationDiplomat PharmacyDon BiehnDouglas Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle ConstructorsGary Yamnitz / City County Credit UnionGerald Byers and Rudy WengenrothHerb Reis and Dr William CoffeyDr. Howard R. CunninghamJoe Pallant and Danny Selvin / Pallant InsuranceLea P. Krauss, Esq., Board MemberLee Rubin and Jim Walker, Board Vice ChairLloyd Gill Mark Budwig, Board Member, and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark GraphicsPeninsula Assisted Living / Carlos Varela PerezRichard Safaty, Board Member / Freedom TravelRichard Schwarz and Tom MasseyRobert Eldredge / RWE Real EstateRobert Hubbard and Bill GreevesRonnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source SalonRussell Sassanie, MD and Michael Sch-neider / Take Shape Plastic SurgeryTracey Cramer / AmeripriseVictor Flores / Fast Printz
SILVER LEVEL ($1,200 - $2,499)Anonymous (4)Anthony Molluso and Bill VolbrechtAutoNationB Ocean Fort LauderdaleBernie Langeluttig and Dennis FitzkeeBill LinehanBill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride
Carpet CleaningBill WardBob Collier and Chuck HunzikerBrenda Hartley, Board Member / BankUnitedBrian Farley and Ron AloseBruce LaneBruce Presley and Chris HedlundBruce WaltherBruno Trambusti and Randy GrantCal HarrisonCarol MoranChantal IngersonCharles LoringCharmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA / Premier SmileCraig BenoitCraig Engel and Greg Briche Crown Wine and SpiritsDan Oropesa and DJ Harvey / Mack MultimediaDaniel Pye and Peter MangoneDaniel Wasinger and Howard CohenDarcy Beeman and Jenn BodnerDave StubbinsDavid Bebbington David King / Hospice of Broward CountyDr. David Kyner and Richard BrayDavid Moon and Eugene SmithDavid O. McConnellDavid Treece / Treece FinancialDolphin Democratic ClubDominick DestefanoDon BarlowDonn Rubin and Stephen Harmon / Alterra Home LoansDoug CandlerDouglas Pew and Donald CroxtonDrew Miller and Kevin MurdochEd Nicholas and Chris Griswold / East-side Property ManagementEllen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Manage-mentEric Reivik and Andy Harrison / PC LauderdaleErich KisselErnest Olivas / Nautilus Senior Home CareErwin Mayer and Didier MoritzFred Wahl and Fred MarzecGables Wilton Park ApartmentsGalleryOne Fort LauderdaleGary KemplerGeorge Castrataro, Esq.Dr. George Kling / Board MemberGeph Scarr / Scarr InsuranceGlenn L. GoldbergGregory Moore and Dr. Allan BarskyHank Stembridge and Theron WatsonHans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBaccoHarvey ChasserHoward Cohen and Daniel WasingeriBeria BankIrwin Drucker, Board MemberDr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate SmileJack JohnsonJack Kosko and John FitzgeraldJack Schlossberg and Greg FinemanJames A. JohnsonJames Cox / Remora General Contrac-torsJames JagielskiJan ZilmerJared Falek and Don ChorpenningJason KingJeffrey and Belinda ShoverJeffrey GrossJoe GuerreroJoe McConnell Joel Shulman, Esq.John BoltonJohn Jovanovich and Paul HoloweskiJohn Leyden and Tom ValentineJulia Landis and Shawn FanshierJustin ProffittKaren Caron and Julie Slater / Chic Optique
Ken KalenderianKen Keechl and Ted Adcock, Board MemberKen Moore and Hector ValdesKen Merrifield and Fred BergerKristopher FegenbushLaw Office of Cal SteinmetzLaw Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq.Leslie Tipton, Board Member / Church of the Holy SpiritSongLinda Wood and Dr. Kate KominarsDr. Louis Benevento and Patrick DuffyLynn Corning / Newman InsuranceLynn McLaughlin and David WebbMarc GrossmanMaria Kondracki and Jim DwyerMark Gordon and Aldo BuonoMark Haines / Mark’s ListMark Halacy and Thomas PollockMark Ketcham and Werner LutzMark Turner and Chuck NichollsMartin GouldMichael A. AlbettaMichael AlexanderMichael CamardelloMichael Dager and Harvey ShapiroMichael D’AgostinoMichael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty GroupMichael HiseyMick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors JewelryMiriam Richter and Michelle AltmanMitch Bloom, Board Member, and Paul Wardell / Wells Fargo BankNeill Hirst, MD and Greg HughesNorman BerkowitzNorthern Trust BankNorton Lyman and Kimio SatoPamela KirkpatrickPatricia NugentPatrick Harris and Wesley WalkerPaul Alpert Paul FasanaPaul Hyman and Bill BrackerPaul JenningsPaul Rolli and W. Bennett QuadePeter Hardy-Smith and Steven DevitoPeter Pileski and Bob AvianPride Institute Fort Lauderdale HospitalReginald BarnesRichard Nolan and Robert PingpankRichard Stoll, Immediate Past PresidentRobert BooRobert Collier, M.D. and Charles HunzikerRobert Judd and Russell NealRobert Kuhn and Steven GeyerRosie’s Bar & GrillSalvatore TorreSam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Afford-able Health InsuranceScott L. BennettStacy M. LenehanStephen Banigan and William Van ScoyStephen CoxStephen Schram and Richard Powers / PowersSchram ArchitectsSteve BarnardSteve Shires PhotographySteve WetzlerSumner T. WhiteTed EmeryTerry Stone and Mike BushTimothy HartTim Singer and Richard CascarelliTom and Steven Begert-ClarkTony Seguino and Dan AyersTony Timiraos and Arthur CrispinoTyler HealisVictor Zepka and Jim Kolkana / BoardwalkVince Di Pietro and Richard BergDr. Will Richardson / Natura DermatologyWilliam Jordan and Andres Rodriguez
Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the programs and services of The Pride Center. For more information, please contact Executive Director Robert Boo
The Pride Center Founders Circle
VIP TICKETS $100Includes Premium Seating &Admission to the Post-Performance Reception
VISITParkerPlayHouse.com�
Use Code: GLCC227
BRINGThis Ad to theParker Playhouse Box Office
CALL954-462-0222
Use Code: GLCC227
To BenefitWednesday, February 27, 20138PM Parker Playhouse
Exclusive VIP Tickets to meet Valerie Harper in “Looped” on sale today
You are cordially invited to the VIP Opening Night Performance and Gala Reception of “LOOPED” - an Exclusive Fundraising Event to benefit The Pride Center. See Valerie Harper’s hilarious Tony Award Nominated Performance and then attend a VIP Reception hosted by Ms. Harper and other members of the cast and creative team at The Atlantic Hotel. Buy your tickets today and use code: GLCC227
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HotSpots Holiday CelebrationOver 300 people attended the Fifth Annual HotSpots Holiday Celebration. The glamorous evening at the Museum of Discovery and Science generously benefitted Broward House and The Pride Center.Photos by Steve Shires
Transgender Day of RemembranceThe Pride Center and Broward County Health Department organized and hosted Transgender Day of Remembrance. Over 100 people attended this well-received annual observance highlighting those we’ve lost to hate crimes. Community collaborators included Women in Network and SunServe.Photos by Eddie Garcia
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Red Hot Dance PartyThe Pride Center and SMART Ride collaborated on the first
annual Red Hot Dance Party, a World AIDS Day benefit. Sponsors
included The Village Pub, Live Free Be Strong and Casablanca
Cafe. The event featured performances by Tiffany Arieagus
and Nikki Adams and music by VJ Marcio Santos.
Photos by Pompano Bill and Kristofer Fegenbush
SMART RideThe Pride Center’s SMART Ride team
raised over $71,000 for HIV/AIDS services in Florida. The SMART Ride
itself raised over $860,000. Every cent raised by this 165 mile bike ride from
Miami to Key West directly benefits vital HIV/AIDS services across Florida,
including those at The Pride Center.Photos by Eddie Garcia and
Kristofer Fegenbush
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Did you know?
+ We provided individualized internet based outreach on HIV prevention to over 1500 individuals over the past two months.
I had a conversation with a community leader I considered a friend who confided in me that she just “didn’t get the trans thing”. I was
asked why couldn’t I just accept the body I was born in and accept my “reality”, and told that she was not supportive of trans rights. To say that I was shocked and hurt would be an understatement.
What I realize through this kind of honest exchange is that not only do we not all get along--hell we don’t even understand each other. I have witnessed the leadership of the The Pride Center come under fire for daring to be inclusive, for leading community calls for diversity in the life of the Pride Center at Equality Park.
Having been born into the world poor, black, female, and attracted to womyn, and now existing as a working class black transman, “otherness” is something I’ve felt all my life. I try to be aware of the pain and alienation of feeling “less than” in others. So I find it hard to comprehend when those who have been alienated, turn around and alienate others.
I have been part of LGBT organizing for a while. One thing I know with certainty is that movements are framed just as much by allies who recognize injustice as they are by the oppressed who feel the sting of alienation. The bridge to equality is built by collaboration among
the oppressed who identify their worth and the “majority. ” Shared equality doesn’t mean that someone goes lacking because there isn’t enough, but that there is more than enough to be sufficient for everyone.
What would have happened to the history of human rights if leaders from the majority had not stepped outside their privilege and taken on the sting of others’ alienation?
What would have come of the anti-slavery movement if white people like John Brown had not declared to a young black child on his way to be hung: “someday you’ll be free”? What would have come of the desegregation movement if white men like Andrew Goodman and Michael Henry Schwerner had not given their lives in solidarity with James Earl Chaney, affirming every Americans’ right to vote?
Where would the fight for womyn’s right to vote be if male suffragists like Frederick Douglas had not affirmed that womyn should have certain unalienable rights? Where would the fight for LGBT marriage equality be if straight men like Mayor Gavin Newsome had not affirmed that there should be marriage equality for every loving couple?
That community “leader” willing to throw transgender people under
the bus for political expediency doesn’t realize that the “straight” folk who cannot accept trans folk are probably the same folk who would not accept gay marriage. We will never gain true favor with those to whom we have to sell-out.
The LGBTQQI community has the unique opportunity to model something very holy for our society at large. We can model a new paradigm shift that affirms the worth of every human being--their culture , their gender, and their age. When we let ourselves value everyone,
we build the bridge to unified community. We perceive strength instead of weakness and unity instead of separateness. The problem with privilege is not necessarily that it is not earned, but that it is expected by some and denied to others.
The Pride Center at Equality Park is committed to building the bridges that makes it a safe, welcoming space for all. We invite you to join us as we launch new Trans Initiatives for 2013.
Building Bridges Working toward Trans Inclusivity
by Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee
Pet FairThe Pride Center recently hosted its first Pet Fair and Flea Market. Highlights included an LGBT Pet Parade.Photos by Clarence Collins
+ Dining at Dapur will benefit The Pride Center on January 16. Eat at Dapur that day and know that a portion of your meal will benefit the programs and services of The Pride Center.
+ Our PALS Project’s CHOICES program provides a life-enhancing five week workshop for men living with HIV. Enhance your relationships, disclose wisely and improve decision making. Call 954.463.9011 to learn more!
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inter 2013Founders Reception at GalleryOneGalleryOne hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception under the stars and along the waterfront. Funds donated by Founders Circle underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community.Photos by Steve Shires
Profile: Daniel DardenneOccupation: Senior HIV Testing Counselor/Specialist Born: Belgium in 7/3/1942Hobbies and Interests: Volunteering, Swimming, Opera, Foreign Movies and Listening to Music
Daniel is 70 years old and has been fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic since 2000. He has been living with HIV for the
last 28 years. Daniel has worked at The Pride Center for the last seven years.
“Thirteen years ago, I was taking the worst combination of medication for Neuropathy and had difficulty walking and ended up on disability,” says Daniel. “Through a friend I found out about a study with the first 25mg pill. I was finally relieved of the constant burning, but not cured and was not able to resume my work in restaurants as a Maitre d’. Being stuck at home every night made me edgy and my new boyfriend at the
time told me to get my butt off the chair and do something with my life. Since I had no other experience he suggested that I volunteer where I was receiving massages. That was the beginning of my new journey. After working at The Wansiki Foundation and Care Resource for four years, I was known in the community to be a very hard worker and caught the attention of Paul Hyman who became the Executive Director of the then GLCC. He offered me a position that I immediately accepted and never regretted.”
“Being an HIV Testing Counselor, I meet a lot of people of all backgrounds,” says Daniel. “It is a constant learning experience which I love. Of course, there is always the difficult part to tell someone who has tested positive. But I know how it feels. When I was diagnosed, I was told I had 2 or 3 years to live. Being a Testing Counselor I believe I am able to comfort and reassure people that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. It is the reason
I often share my status when I interact with people.”
“Living with HIV 24/7, 365 days a year has had its challenge, but it is not impossible,” says Daniel. “I cannot name all the wonderful people who have helped me along the way, providing me with support and even knowledge. I will be forever grateful to them for the rest of my life. My work has kept me alive and I am in the company of talented and dedicated coworkers.”
“ I also test for the Center at LifeNet 4 Families where homeless people can get a meal, a shower, get their mail, and even a haircut,” says Daniel. “I work closely with social workers who help people get assistance. It can be a challenging place to work--to encourage clients to get tested, explain the risks and advise how to approach their partners about safety. But I was determined to provide effective services and now am well connected with the patrons.”
“I also recently started testing at The Club Fort Lauderdale, which is new for me,” says Daniel. “It has been disappointing to see so many people still taking risk. I am excited when people are willing to get tested. I even get a few guys who just want to ask questions about HIV/AIDS, STI’s and safer sex practices.”
“All these years I have listened to some difficult and sad stories, but I have accumulated a lot of knowledge,” says Daniel. “It has made me stronger and more understanding. I know I am a better person because of the people with whom I have come into contact. It is very different from standing in the restaurant where I worked 17 years serving people like President Nixon. The Pride Center is my family now and I am proud to be part of it. In my last Lab results my T4 count is the highest since 1999. I can only come to one conclusion: my work keeps me healthy.”
Spotlight: Getting to Know An HIV Testing CounselorBy Listron “Blue” Mannix
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The LIFE Program is an 18 week holistic health and risk reduction workshop of the Pride Center’s PALS Project. Recent graduates share their testimonials. To learn more about the PALS Project and its various programs--LIFE, CHOICES, CouplesSpeak, BUDDIES and more--contact 954.463.9011.
TJ GonzalezThe LIFE workshop allowed me to release a lot of the baggage that
I was carrying around and lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It also helped me to realize the struggles I was going through I was not going through alone. I met some really great men that will be my friends for a lifetime. I also want to thank my small group facilitators (Jeff G and Jeff W) for allowing us to express ourselves openly and for being a great support system. Thank you and I love you guys!!!
Kaiser SoomroLIFE meant life to me. I knew what I wanted to get from the LIFE
Program and I was successful in achieving that. Bits and pieces of knowledge and information that I needed to implement in my daily life. I feel like a grown up adult finally. I needed this regardless of my HIV status. I would recommend something like the LIFE Program to all gay men. Just being gay is sufficient to have psychological, social, and other distracting issues that may cause us to lose the right track in life. The LIFE Program provided me all the tools to deal with these issues. I consider LIFE my gay family that accepts me and nurtures
my personality. Thanks to all the volunteers and staff. Couldn’t be possible without all of you.
John Vocell My LIFE Program experience was so much more than I had
anticipated. From the first night jitters until the end of my cycle, I always felt welcome and a sense that what I said mattered. Being a long term, older HIV positive individual, I lived out of tune with what was happening in the HIV community. So from the get go I was experiencing lots of important information that would be a factor in my life from that moment on. Not only were my eyes opened socially and emotionally, but I also experienced the importance of taking control of my life medically and physically. For me this was
a life changing experience. I had never been more awakened to all of the inter-related factors that enabled me to make better decisions. The interaction and input received from the facilitators was amazing. Their knowledge and experiences shared with me led me to always feel comfortable in conversing or asking for advice from them. I am a better person for having been a part of this amazing program and feel blessed that it was available for me at this time in my life. My thanks to all of the Pride Center staff that presented this program for 18 weeks. It was certainly an act of Love on their part.
“LIFE meant life to me”HIV program graduates share impact on their lives
LBT Health Directory LaunchOver 75 people attended the launch of the new LBT Women’s Health Directory at www.LBTHealth.org , an initiative funded by Aqua Foundation for Women. The Pride Center’s collaborators included Women in Network, SunServe and BLAST. Sponsors for the evening included The Courtyard Cafe, New Moon Bar and Pandora Events.Photos by Kristofer Fegenbush
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Coming soon to The Pride Center: “Hoo-hoos, Coochies and Treasure Chests: Smiling Vagina Night,” a workshop on
vaginal health.Over the past year, the Pride Center and
its Women with Pride Coordinator, Donna Woessner, have been working towards expanding the Pride Center women’s services, resources and programming. In 2013, a new $10,000 grant from Aqua Foundation for Women will expand the variety, frequency and impact of events and workshops.
The Pride Center, in full collaboration with Women in Network (WIN), will launch an innovative Women with Pride Empowerment Series. The series will offer thirteen unique, fun and educational events in this community outreach, awareness, education and training initiative.
“We’re going to engage women to openly discuss topics normally shared whispering to our closest friends only,” says Donna. “We will explore subjects where all women will find relevance.”
Other topics in the series include: “Loving Your Body” (a body image seminar for all shapes, sizes and physical
disabilities with a Portrait Component and Fashion Show) and “The Truth about Cats and Dogs” (exploring gender identity differences and stereotypes among lesbian women, gay men, bisexual and transgender community members).
The series—and Donna’s work coordinating women’s resources—will continue to enhance the different options and opportunities for women to grow and learn about themselves and their community through The Pride Center.
“Through this series, we will help provide LBTQ women with the information, support and resources they deserve,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director. “We will build community awareness and understanding among those of differing sexual orientation and gender identities. We will increase the health of LBTQ women. We will create more resources on education, funding and social connections for LBT women who have children or are planning on starting a family. We will help reduce LBT domestic violence and increase safety.”
It is the mission of the Aqua Foundation for Women to serve as the funding catalyst for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender wellness and equality in South Florida.
They do this through grants, scholarships and other initiatives for women. They focus funding on innovative awareness and training programs, especially those that have a grassroots or community outreach component and projects that use innovative techniques or use collaborative methods to benefit the South Florida LBT population.
Robin Schwartz, Director of the Aqua Foundation, said at the recent LBThealth.org website launch party at the Pride Center, “It is worth all the money in the world… It is about saving women’s lives and making the lives that we have better. And actually, that is what Aqua is about; really pulling the community together.”
The Pride Center has a fully-equipped central office where local L e s b i a n , Bisexual, and T ra n s ge n d e r w o m e n can receive information,
referrals, support, and much more. There is a Monday Night Women’s Group that meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the front building, room 206 ($4 donation). For additional information about women’s programs at the Pride Center, please visit www.pridecenterflorida.org or please contact Donna Woessner by email at [email protected]
Dave Griffiths is the Publisher and Creative Director for HIM-magazine.com, a website dedicated to helping the gay community showcase their talents and overcome their challenges. HIM Magazine is “For the Man Who Invests In Himself!”
Great News for Women! New 10K Grant from Aqua Foundation will help expand Center services for LBT Women
By Dave Griffiths
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WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8aAA – Candlelight Meditation Group, Recovery, Tues, 8:30-9:30pAA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10aAA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30pAA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10pAA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45pBrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00pCoffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, 10:30a-12noonDouble Winners, Support, Wed, 5:45-6:45pGames Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4pGay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4pGay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30pMahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00pMan2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30pMonday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9pNarcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9pNew Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/Thu, 7-8pNew Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5pOvereaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p
Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9pPOZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p,Positive Connections, HIV Support, Tue, 6:30-8:00pSAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3pSex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7-8pSenior Exercise Class Health, Senior, Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:15-11:15aSenior Exercise Class Health, Senior, Mon/Wed/Fri, 11:15a-12:15pSenior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12nSmart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30-8pToastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15pWomen’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Wed/Thur,5:45p Sat, 3-5pPride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Thur, 8:30-9:45p
BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGSBallet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4pBereavement Group, Support, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 2-4pBroward Anti War Coalition, Support, 1st & 3rd Wed, 7:30-9:30pPOZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd Thur, 6:30-8pSenior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p
MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS Big Men’s Club: Chubbies & Chasers, Social, 3rd Sat, 1-4pPride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10pDolphin Democrats, Mthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30pLavender Speaks, Social, 3rd Thurs, 7:30-10pPride Center Memorial Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, 7-9pPride Center GLEE Club,Social, Bi-MonthlyPride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-2pPrimetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30pSAGE Computer Club, Educational, 2nd Wed, 4-6pSAGE Movie Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p S. F. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Support, 1st Sun, 2:30-3:30pTransgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30pTransCaringBrothers,Support,Women in Network, Social, 1st Wed, 7-9p
Groups at the Pride Center
For further information call Samantha McCoy at 954-463-9005.Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org Calendar of Events for meeting room assignments.
As we launch 2013, the Senior Advisory Council at The Pride Center seems to be wrapping up one year and bursting into
the next. Our recent Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner was enjoyed by a record number of nearly 200 people. Thanks to a lot of hard work by Council Members, The Pride Center employees, volunteers, community businesses, area agencies and our energetic attendees, our group of LGBT Seniors has grown from a dozen chairs gathered around a six-foot table to a crowd that filled every seat in a large meeting hall. The camaraderie, hard work, donations and monies raised this year alone by Seniors at The Pride Center have enabled us to:•Purchase two life-saving Automatic External Defibrillators for use at The Pride Center •Enlighten the community through programs such as: a Senior Gay Men’s Support Group; Colo-Rectal Seminars by Dr. Elie Schochet; Cancer Support and Services at Gilda’s Club by Shelley Goren; Veteran’s Benefits and Services by Owen Walker; Understanding Medicare by Gary Kempler; Fraud Prevention for Seniors by Leo Scarpati; Management of Diabetes by Broward Health; The Dangers of Prescription Drugs by The
Broward Sheriff’s Department; Betty Rosse’s Motivational Series; The always-inspiring......Naomi Parker; and Hospice Services by David King•Provide YMCA Enhance Fitness Exercise Classes that are utilized by over 70 Seniors three times weekly•Entertain our community with: a weekly “Coffee & Conversation” that draws nearly 100 people; bi-weekly Games Days; movies with Michael Childers of PALS; presentations by The Broward Center for the Performing Arts; theatrical performances by Seniors Acting Up; Pot Luck Dinners; a Silent Auction; and Bingo with Clarence•Sponsor and organize our Third Annual Senior Health Expo that boasted nearly 50 vendors and was attended by over 300 members of our community.•Purchase and donate several dozen chairs for use by The Pals Project, AA, the exercise classes and numerous other groups that meet in Building “B” at The Center•Offer AARP Drivers Classes at minimal cost to all members of the community and at no charge for area Veterans•Donate a significant amount of funds in support of The Pride Center’s Smart Ride Team;•Generously contribute to both the Judy
Shepard “Stuff The Bus” Campaign and The Holiday Toy Drive•Gather information and statistics to better serve the needs of the LGBT Community by participation in The Pride Center’s Face2Face Series, surveys conducted by the University of Miami’s Center On Aging, partnering in the presentation of SunServe Programming, and assisting with Florida Atlantic University projects.
None of the above would have been possible without a cohesive effort from such groups as SAGE, The PrimeTimers,
Women in Network and the Center’s PALS Project. This work was bolstered by Center leadership Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush, who are unrelenting in their support of senior activities and quick to acknowledge the value of our presence at The Pride Center. Sooooo......with The Pride Center as our arena and a great group of individuals to put on the show, we can proudly close the curtain on a very successful 2012. But stick around, because next year is lucky ‘13!
Record-Breaking Year Senior Services Expand ExponentiallyBy Bruce Williams, Pride Center Senior Advisory Committee Chair
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Ellen Krider, CFP®
Financial Advisor(954) [email protected]
900 S. Pine Island RdPlantation, FL 33324
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As 2013 starts with new promises, this is a time for us to take a breath, reflect on the past year and look ahead to new opportunities. We will celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2013. This really is quite an achievement! There are those that said
we wouldn’t last or make it thru difficult times many years ago. There are those that said we couldn’t possibly purchase a 5+ acre campus and make it work. But here we are. Many years later, many lessons learned, many errors made along the way but with the help of many people, we have created a vibrant and valued Center for the community. There are many smaller LGBT Centers across the county that look to us and dream of achieving our success, just like I look at the Centers in Chicago, New York and L.A. and dream of one day matching theirs.
For the past 19 years, the Center has provided a warm, welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ community and our supporters. We have accomplished so much in serving the changing needs of those we serve, but we must do more.
In 2012, we expanded and enhanced our
services in exciting ways to enrich lives. We provided HIV counseling and testing in more locations to more people than ever before. We launched a variety of new programs and workshops--from financial planning to trans support; from social media outreach to suicide prevention. We spearheaded the creation of an on-line, searchable tri-county LBT Women’s Health Directory of culturally competent providers. Our PALS Project continued to find new ways to provide needed support, education, training and service linkage to people living with HIV/AIDS. We hosted youth dances, LGBT family days, health fairs and a variety of new support, social and educational groups. This year, we directly served nearly 20,000 people.
One new program, CouplesSpeak, is a four-week workshop promoting holistic health, improved communication, relationship-building and risk reduction for couples, including sero-discordant couples. This innovative approach aims to lower HIV conversion rates within couples. This cutting edge program is like nothing else in the nation.
Our seniors programming continues to grow. Under our Senior Advisory Council’s leadership, we have expanded weekly events and experienced greater, more diversified participation. We have enhanced the educational speakers’ series, increased senior exercise class offerings, added drop-in social support programs and offered new avenues for vital health linkage at weekly get-togethers. Our annual LGBT Senior Health Expo was bigger and better than ever.
We launched Women With Pride to increase the empowerment, comfort, connection and safety of LBT women locally. The LBT community benefits from vital social and emotional support in a safe, welcoming space. We are providing increased access to creative, affirming, enjoyable educational and social events.
Expanding our ongoing Face 2 Face: Relevant Q-munity Conversations, we offered a new “Growing My Family”
series. Finally, after years of work, it now is legal for LGBT families to adopt in Florida. Our workshops help link people to resources, mechanics and information on foster care, adoption, surrogacy and alternative insemination/IVF. Our program supports those new to parenting and guides those who wish to welcome a child into their home.
Looking ahead to our future growth we continue to work on the master plan for Equality Park. We have assembled some very talented people who have dedicated their time and skills to strategically plan the future development of the campus. We are working with the County and City planners on all of the options available to us.
Over the years we have continually been asked to provide cultural and educational opportunities to the community. People want a place where we can come together for rallies, Arts & Entertainment, Celebrations of Life and Commitment Ceremonies. It really is quite exciting to see the potential for our future growth. Of course the funding and revenue streams will need to be established to achieve our goals but the vision is being created.
As our community grows, so too, do the needs of those who seek and use our help. Please consider providing an extra gift to the Center to help us meet our goals. Whether you send $20…$50…$100 or more, please know that someone in our family will be helped thanks to you. If not you…then who will help? Please send your gift--large or small--today.
My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a very happy, healthy New Year.
Why You Should Feel Good Supporting The Pride Centerby Robert Boo, Executive Director
SMART Ride Spaghetti DinnerThe Pride Center hosted a pasta dinner for local riders, teams, crew and volunteers as a thank you before The SMART Ride. Sponsors included CDTC, Stork’s Cafe and Lyons, Snyder and Collin. Attendees heard from staff and clients of CDTC and The Pride Center about the impact of their life-saving HIV programs.Photos by Toby Blades Harmer
Did you know?+ The annual GLBT Travel Expo will be at The Pride Center again on February 7, 2012. Last year’s event brought over 200 attendees.
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