IV LGBT Resource Center celebrates grand reopening

The Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center is celebrating their grand reopening Friday. The center has expanded to a bigger location that can better meet the needs of the community.

” We have outgrown a twenty-one hundred square foot space. We needed something bigger in order to be able to continue to provide more services and activities, ” said Rosa Diaz, founder, and CEO of Imperial Valley Resource Center.

” All the rooms that are available now, it just opens it up to add even more services even more activities, ” said Brianna Jaime-Bruner , a volunteer. ​​​​​​​

The center was founded in 2015 by Diaz. She realized the Imperial Valley didn’t have a center where people with LGBT issues could receive help.

The center offers support groups, counseling services, HIV testing, and a safe environment for people in the community.

“If someone comes in with a need, and we don’t have that service, then we reach out to people who can come and provide that service,” Diaz said.

The organization’s new office space is located on Ross Street in El Centro will help expand the services they provide to the community.

” Safe, comfortable, and welcomed. When people come to the center, I want them to feel welcomed, ” Diaz said.

The Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center will celebrate their grand reopening in conjunction with a Selena Quintanilla tribute on Friday, March 28 , starting at 5:00 p.m.

The center welcomes the community and leaders of the community to the free event.