Wed. April 18, 2012
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) honored Center on Halsted Tuesday afternoon from the floor of the United States Capitol where he spoke about the work of the LGBT community center over the past five years.
"On June 1, 2007, I was proud to join residents from my district and across Illinois on the corner of Halsted and Waveland as Chicago's first permanent LGBT community center opened its doors," Quigley said during his speech from the House Floor. (Full text and video below.) "Since that time, Center on Halsted has become the Midwest's largest LGBT community center and a model for similar organizations across our nation."
This June marks five years since Center on Halsted opened its doors in Lakeview. Since opening their doors, Center on Halsted has grown to become the Midwest's leading and most comprehensive LGBT community center.
Aa part of the recent growth, the Center recently received a $1.6 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to expand HIV services. The Center is also partnering with Heartland Housing to build the first affordable housing facility for LGBT Seniors in the Midwest. Construction on the new building, which will be located next door to Center on Halsted, is scheduled to begin in 2013.
(Read more about the Center on Halsted's 5 year anniversary in this Special Report by Anthony Morgano on ChicagoPride.com)
On May 12 the Center on Halsted is holding their annual fundraiser, theHuman First Gala, featuring Bravo's Andy Cohen as host and emcee and musical guest k.d. lang & The Siss Boom Bang.
Tickets for the Human First Gala are now on sale and start at $125. For more information or to purchase your tickets, please visit http://www.centeronhalsted.org/1stv.
Quigley honors Center on Halsted's fifth anniversary:
"Mister Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Center on Halsted on its five year anniversary of building and strengthening the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Chicago.
"On June 1, 2007, I was proud to join residents from my district and across Illinois on the corner of Halsted and Waveland as Chicago's first permanent LGBT community center opened its doors.
"Since that time, Center on Halsted has become the Midwest's largest LGBT community center and a model for similar organizations across our nation.
"Patrons of all ages, backgrounds and economic status participate in the wide assortment of public programs and social services offered at the Center.
"Its youth program provides leadership training and professional development to more than 1,800 young people across Chicago.
"Social service programs include rapid HIV testing, group and individual psychotherapy, legal help, job training and the Anti-Violence Project advocating for victims of hate crimes and domestic violence.
"Under the leadership of CEO Modesto Tico Valle and the great efforts of so many people, Center on Halsted has grown into the phenomenal organization that it is today, welcoming the LGBT community and making our entire community a better place."
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