The Bridge LGBT Center "Bridging The Gap"

We opened our doors to all our LGBT communities and interested citizens as a drop-in center and referral source in March, 2006 at the UU Glens Falls Congregation in Queensbury, NY. The following list reflects many of the things we`ve done these past 1 1/2 years:

 

Mathew Shepard Memorial Walk to honor the memory of a young gay man who died a violent death due to his sexual orientation; A Public declaration of our stand against hate and discrimination.

 

Halloween Costume Party and Social for LGBTQ families and children

 

Valentines Day Dance and joint fundraiser for the UU congregation.

 

HIV screening via "Rapid" bloodless test and related educational programs began in June, 2006. As of March 2008 we now can offer STD`s and Hep-C screenings using a simple blood draw with results with one week and all done anonymously in a safe and secure environment. [All tests and procedures are done by a trained and caring staff member of the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York]

 

AIDS Walk Organizional Participant September 2006

 

AIDS Walk Organization Participant September 2007  

 

World AIDS Day events at the Hyde Museum

 

Advocated successfully for a transgendered female who was denied the use of the `gender appropriate` bathroom.

 

Service site for the Washington County Youth Court Program which one young member served her community service.

 

"Transgender 101" awareness training for students at Adirondack Community College from Fall Semester `06 and each semester since for "Human Sexuality" class 

 

LGBT sensitivity training for staff at the Essex County Mental Health Association

 

Referrals from Adult Protective Services and Family and Youth Services. Home visits and socialization efforts and advocacy with LGBT adults and youth

 

Worked with therapists for a high school student in need of advice and referral to legal services because of overt and frequent bullying; Subsequently referred to LAMBDA Legal.

 

ACC student performed 10 hours of volunteer time for The Bridge per course requirement. Fulfilled her full 10 hours.

 

LGBT and Bridge programs explained in April, `06 for Voices Of the Heart [VOH], Inc. staff, a local not-for-profit mental health advocacy and social support organization

 

Bridge Director offered a presentation to a conference in Lake Placid, NY titled "Suicide and Substance Abuse: The Silent Connection"; Panel: "Culture and Suicide",offering an LGBT perspective in today's rural communities in the Adirondacks. Sponsored by Senator Little, SAMSHA and the Adirondack Rural Healthcare Network.

 

On October 26th in Syracuse, NY we Presented an LGBT perspective at a conference sponsored by the Central New York State Mental Health Association: "Suicide Across the Lifespan Consortium" in which we again offered an LGBT Cultural Perspective. More specifically our presentation centered on the creation of "Safe Spaces" concept in professional office sites. 

 

Opened our second drop-in center at the Lutheran Church on Ganesvoort Rd. South Glens Falls, NY August 28th, 2007

 

 

Proud Members of:

 

{a} The New York State Council of Community Services, Inc. [http://www.ccsnys.org]

{b} Empire Pride Agenda`s Foundation: New York State LGBT Health and Human Services Network.

{c} Member of Northeastern New York HIV CARE Network; Ryan White HIV CARE Network Steering Committee.

{d} Member of the HIV Coalition of the Saratoga Region, Inc.

{e} Pass_ GENDA, an unincorporated group of transgendered people across NY who, with the lobbying efforts by the Pride Agenda, advocate for the passage of the Gender Expression Non-discrimination Act {GENDA}.

 

 

***The Bridge has had over 690 visitors sign in from March `06 to March `07 during our first full year, opening the regions first LGBTQ drop-in center.