"Complete equality and empowerment" "The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center exists to: EMPOWER people to lead full and rewarding lives without limits based on sexual orientation and gender identity, by providing the highest quality educational, cultural, and wellness programs to residents of Los Angeles County; HEAL the damage caused by discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, by providing the highest quality health and social services to residents of Los Angeles County in need; ADVOCATE full access and equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, by promoting our communities' needs at local, state, and national levels; and LEAD through example, by living our values, sharing our expertise, and celebrating the full diversity of our lives, families, and communities." Respect: We provide a workplace and service environment where individuality is seen as strength and all people are treated with fairness and dignity. Excellence: We dedicate ourselves to the highest quality in all our programs and services, and seek employees and volunteers who have a passion for helping others. Inclusiveness: We believe in the need for different perspectives and commit ourselves to representation from all members of our diverse community. Innovation: We vigorously support pioneering programs and advocacy to meet community needs. Integrity: We work together to advance the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's mission, and we honor and apply these values in what we do and say. Founded in 1971, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is the largest gay and lesbian organization in the world. With an annual budget of $33 million, the Gay & Lesbian Center offers the widest array of services to gay men and lesbians available anywhere in the world. In 1974, the Gay & Lesbian Center was the nation's first organization with the word "gay" incorporated in its name to be awarded federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Today, more than 250 dedicated employees, many of whom are recognized as both experts and leaders in their field, staff the Gay & Lesbian Center. The Gay & Lesbian Center welcomes an average of 18,000 visits each month from ethnically diverse youth and adults to its five different sites. The Gay & Lesbian Center is home to a comprehensive array of services. These services include youth programs and housing; legal aid and legal assistance programs; education and enrichment courses; primary and specialty medical care; employment training and placement services; programs for seniors; theater and cultural arts programming; computer training skills; Internet access in a state-of-the-art CyberCenter; civil rights and health policy advocacy programs; HIV prevention and education programs; and extensive HIV/AIDS related services. In addition, the organization houses one of the country's largest HIV/AIDS drug-related pharmacies in the nation. Three thousand volunteers provide support to the Gay & Lesbian Center by donating approximately 62,000 labor hours annuallyan amount worth more than $1.6 million in 1999 alone.
|