Gay Central Valley is thrilled to announce that we have opened an LGBT Community Center & Office in the Tower District. We are located at 1055 N Van Ness Avenue, Suite C, Fresno, CA 93728. Our 24 hour phone number is 559-325-4429 or 559-325-4GAY.
As we are just starting out we are unable to be open every day. Our current schedule is…
WEDNESDAYS 12PM-6PM
FRIDAYS 12PM-5PM
SATURDAYS 12PM-6PM
SUNDAYS 9AM-12PM
During open hours, we are open to the public, and offer access to information and LGBT resources both local and national, including local publications such as News Link and the CCA Newsletter. We have reference materials relating to the LGBT civil rights movement as well as print outs of recent court decisions effecting the LGBT community.
We offer free condoms and HIV/AIDS information, courtesy of the Fresno County Department of Health. We have a lounge area to relax in, socialize, read or work. We have also started a collection of books and magazines to stock our LGBT Community Library. We currently have several LGBT classic novels (Dancer From The Dance, Rubyfruit Jungle, etc.) some anthologies, nonfiction titles, and back issues of The Advocate, OUT Magazine and Instinct, as well as other titles.
While we will eventually have a community computer available, currently we have two computers available in our office, with one typically free during open office hours. We also have a conference table with 8 chairs available to local groups and organizations for meetings. Meetings must be pre-scheduled with our office and are open even on days when our office is not open, depending on availability.
The Gay In The Central Valley Art Project which we started last year is displayed and we have the materials necessary for anyone to create their own addition to this creative project. The Art Project shines a light on what it’s like to grow up in the Central Valley as a member of the LGBT Community, as well as those who support us.
On Sundays we provide coffee and donuts or other treats from 9AM-Noon. Also on Sundays Kate Henry of Gay Central Valley is happy to provide assistance to anyone regarding social justice advocacy and grant writing.
On Sunday, February 13th from 2PM-5PM we will be hosting an Open House at the Community Center with complimentary food and drink, as well as a rainbow ribbon cutting ceremony. You can find a promotional flier in this edition of News Link with all the details.
Any groups wishing to have business cards, fliers, pamphlets, etc, available at the Community Center are welcome to do so. Items can be mailed to us at the above address, or dropped off during open office hours. We also have a large mail slot in our office door through which items can be left 24 hours a day. If there is anything you would like us to pick up for you please leave a message and we’ll do our best to do so.
We will also be regularly accepting donations. In another article in this edition of News Link you can read about our request for books, magazines, etc. We are also in need of LGBT art pieces, large stuffed pillows and/or bean bag furniture, shelving, brochure racks, office supplies including computer hardware and software, etc. If you would like to donate anything please let us know.
Gay Central Valley is an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We operate the websites www.gayfresno.com, www.gayvisalia.com, www.gayhanford.com, www.gaymerced.com and www.gaybakersfield.com . All those working for Gay Central Valley and its Divisions do so on a strictly volunteer basis. Everything raised through our nonprofit goes back into the community and toward operating expenses.
