December 2008

Greetings!

As the end of another year approaches...The days grow shorter and the air gets colder.  Many people seek the warmth of friends, family and community.

All year long, for 34 years, the LGBT Community Center has provided a warm, friendly, and welcoming place for all of the Northeast Ohio LGBT community.

Hundreds of people pass through our doors each week. Some come to reach out during times of personal crisis, some come to be a part of our community, some come for workshops and meetings and some come to be with friends or to make new ones.

At this time of year when we think about gifts and holiday celebrations, please consider a special gift that is not for a person only, but for our entire community. Please make a tax deductible gift of $20, $200 or $2,000 or any amount that you can give to ensure the Center continues to be home for our entire community.

Our resolution is the same as always: to be there for all the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals who need us. If you're able to help this year, we ask that you please be as generous as you can.

On behalf of the thousands of people who have been helped by Center, Thank You for your kindness, your compassion and for your much needed support.

Sue Doerfer, Executive Director

Donate Now!

Domestic Partner Registry for Cleveland

Cleveland City Council Votes to Create Domestic Partner Registry

On Monday Dec. 8th, Cleveland City Council approved the creation of a Domestic Partner Registry by a vote of 13 - 7.  Just a few weeks later we have learned that Cleveland's new Domestic Partnership Registry is in danger. There is an organized campaign underway to TAKE THE REGISTRY AWAY.

The time to take action is NOW.

Those opposed to the full inclusion of LGBT people won in Ohio in 2004. They won in California just over a month ago. Make no mistake, the same forces that dumped money into California and worked so hard in Ohio in 2004 are the same people behind this effort. We cannot let them win in Cleveland.

We know equality wins when pro-equality people talk directly to voters. In 2003 equality won in Cleveland Heights. In 2004 equality won in Cincinnati. In 2009 you can help make sure equality wins in Cleveland. But we cannot wait to start.
 

Join us for the first campaign canvass:
Sunday, December 21
1:30pm - 5:00pm
Cleveland LGBT Center
6600 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44102

We know it is cold. We know it is the start of Hanukah and just a few days before Christmas. We have a long road ahead to win this campaign and we cannot let those things keep us from starting this work.

If you are unable to attend the first canvass, but want to be involved in future efforts - and there will be many - please let us know!

For more information and to Volunteer please contact:
Sue Doerfer
sdoerfer@lgbtcleveland.org
216-651-5428 x12

Center receives Award from Transfamily

Best New Program of the Year Award

The Cleveland Center was awarded the "Best New Program of the Year" during the 2008 Transgender Day of Remembrance for the "Transformers" Group created by Christen DuVernay, Youth Activities Coordinator.

Trans-Formers is a social and support group facilitated by a professional counselor for Gender Variant Youth between the ages of 14-24. They meet from 6:30-7:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

For more information about this group call 216.651.5428 x16 or email cdurvernay@lgbtcleveland.org.

Last Minute Gifts

 Get your Last Minutes Shopping done with Center Merchandise!

Fabulous and Unique Gifts at

http://www.cafepress.com/lgbtcleveland

Gift the gift of belonging!  

A gift of membership to the LGBT Community Center is thoughtful gift that tells your loved one that you care about him/her AND the community!  Get a Gift Membership to the Center at www.lgbtcleveland.org.

Connecting & Reconnecting

A Mini-Retreat for Lesbian & Gay Couples

This retreat offers participants the rare opportunity to intentionally explore intimacy and connection with their significant other in a supportive and validating environment. 

Facilitated by an experienced, professional coach and licensed therapist, this experiential retreat for committed lesbian and gay couples will provide participants with the opportunity to explore the strength, pride, playfulness, love, and wisdom inherent in their relationships. 
Couples will engage in dialogue, awareness exercises, group processing/discussion, and gentle and appropriate contact between partners. 

In a culture that remains largely unsupportive and invalidating, lesbian and gay relationships are often built and sustained without the support given to heterosexual couples. Many of us have even experienced hostility because of who we love.      

This unique retreat is for healthy and committed lesbian and gay couples who are not in crisis. 

Saturday January 24th~1:00-4:00p

Call Renee Jennings @ 216-905-3032 or rjenningsLisw@gmail.com for more information or to register. Workshop fee is $50.00/couple and pre-registration is required.
 
Renee Jennings, MA, MSW, LISW designs and facilitates groups and trainings and specializes in Gestalt therapy and EMDR.  She also holds graduate degrees in clinical social work and theological studies.  Renee works with adults, children/adolescents and couples in her private practice in Solon, OH.

One Step Job Fair

Resume Help, Employers, Legal Advice

Anyone who has trouble finding a job, needing help with resume building, how to interview, issues with the law, or wanting information on job training can find answers at the One Step Job Fair. The first annual One Step Job Fair will be held Saturday, January 24th, 2009 from 10am-4pm at Pilgrim Church UCC, 2592 W 14th , Cleveland, Ohio. 

Hosted by Pilgrim Church, the LGBT Center, Prince of Peace Ministries, Nueva Luz, and the Cleveland -Marshall School of Law, the event is to ease access to both employment and help employers connect with qualified workers. Many large and small employers will be present to discuss employment opportunities. 

Lunch, free hair cuts from Aveda, clothing assistance, and help from numerous social agencies will also be provided. 

Deadline for sponsorship or for employers and agencies wanting a table, the deadline is December 20th, 2008. 

This fair is free and open to the public. 

Date: Saturday January 24th, 2009 10am-4pm 

Location: Pilgrim Church 2592 W14th 

On behalf of the Staff, Board and Volunteers of the Center, I would like to wish you a very Happy Holiday and a Peaceful New Year!

Sincerely,

Susan Doerfer
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland