Progress towards Yuma’s first LGBT Center

On Wednesday night the ‘All Yuma Center’ announced an update in the city’s first LGBT Family and Youth Resource Center and upcoming projects.

In their monthly meetings, the group invites the community for conversations in health, relationships, and support.

“It’s really nice because when people come here for these meetings, they’re comfortable,” said Salvador, a board member of All Yuma Center.”They have a chance to express their feelings and their ideas.”

After the success of Yuma’s first Pride in May, members are hoping their incorporation paperwork will pass the state level in order to gain non-profit status and receive funding for a future location. The process could take up to six months but Co-President Douglas Jennings is feeling hopeful because of the dire need in Yuma County.

“We need it very very badly,” said Jennings. “The suicide rate in Yuma County is very high, and without a community center for people to feel the ‘same’ and to meet other ‘like-minded’ people, not just gay people, but ‘like-minded’ people, we need that space very badly.”

Jennings added the center would offer education, family support, and host possible events in Yuma County. For Stacy Park, a trans woman, she said the center wouldn’t be only for the gay community, but for family and friends who need support.

“Let’s say you’re 16-years-old and you just ‘came out’, if your family members need someone to talk to or understand some ‘idea’ in what’s going on, we’re here for you and the whole community.”

All Yuma Center is hoping for an LGBT Center in Yuma County early 2019. To learn more about the organization or future events, click here.