Monday, January 24, 2011

The $25,000 Challenge: WE DID IT!

Thanks to your generous support, we raised $26,168 during our year-end giving challenge.  With your help, we surpassed the $25k goal.  Thank you!

On December 10th, Spectrum supporters Russ Zink and Sean Callaway issued a challenge to our community.  They set a goal of raising $25,000 in year-end gifts for Spectrum, and donated the first $2,500 toward that goal.  By December 31st, we were still $3,400 away from our goal, so we extended the deadline into January. Today -- just six weeks after Sean and Russ issued the challenge -- we surpassed our goal by over $1,000. 

Thanks to the magic of social media and email, we didn't spend a dime on printing or postage.  That means more money will go toward supporting our Youth Advocacy Project, which is promoting safer schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning middle and high school youth.

Thanks to Russ, Sean, and those of you who followed their lead in making a contribution to Spectrum. We couldn't do our work without you!

Monday, January 3, 2011

The $25,000 Challenge: Deadline Extended to January 15th, 2011

Happy New Year, everyone!  If you've been following our $25,000 Year End Challenge, you know that we have just $3,400 left to raise in order to meet our goal. Thanks to Sean Callaway and Russell Zink, who called for the challenge and contributed the first $2,500 toward our goal. 

Knowing that many people were away for the holidays, we are extending our deadline through January 15th, 2011. Gifts and pledges of all sizes are welcome. 

You can make a donation online or by phone at (415) 472-1945, ext. 209. Or, you can donate online now.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you in 2011!

Warmly,

Paula Pilecki, Executive Director
Spectrum LGBT Center
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Life After Loss: Grief Group Forming for LGBT Older Adults

Life After Loss: A Grief Group for LGBT Older Adults
Begins Friday, January 14th

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Spectrum LGBT Center
30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 160, San Rafael, CA 94903

Facilitated by Erin Gray, Marriage and Family Therapist intern
(Sup. Nancy Gump, MFT # 25530)

To participate, call (415) 491-5700, x 2037
There is no charge to attend.

Download the flyer (pdf)

When we love and lose someone, we are overwhelmed by pain and sorrow. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, mourning the loss of a partner can encompass an additional burden if there is little or no family, or support from the community.

Perhaps you felt that some didn’t approve of your relationship. Maybe you even kept it a secret. For these reasons, it may be difficult for you to trust traditional sources of support, and could benefit from being with others who had a common experience in life.

Spectrum’s Grief Group is for older adults 60 years of age and older who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and who are grieving the loss of a significant other. The loss may be recent, or it may have been long ago.

The group will run for eight weeks beginning January 14th. Participants will be asked to commit to attending all eight sessions.



We hope you'll join us for this confidential group. If you have questions, call Erin Grey, MFTI at
(415) 491-5700, x 2037.

A Good Divorce? What the LGBTQ Community Needs to Know

If you are embarking on the difficult journey of separating from your domestic partner, or divorcing your same-sex spouse, this free workshop is for you.

A GOOD DIVORCE?
What the LGBTQ Community Needs to Know

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Marin Justice Center Conference Room
30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 160
San Rafael, CA 94903
RSVP by January 14 to (415) 472-1945 x 209
Pilecki@spectrumLGBTcenter.org

Download event flyer (pdf)

For LGBTQ couples, divorce can be more complex and expensive, especially when children are involved. We will provide basic information about divorce and mediation process options, legal information
pertaining specifically to same-sex couples, tips on how to deal with a contentious situation, and how to talk
to children about separation and divorce.

Coordinated by Spectrum LGBT Center in conjunction with the Marin Justice Center

SPEAKERS

Suzan Barrie Aiken, JD, Collaborative Attorney & Mediator
Debra Bellings-Kee, MFT, JD, Divorce Coach and Parenting Plan Mediator
Kris Cirby, JD, Family & Children’s Law Center
Alexandria Quam Rios, Legal Self Help Services of Marin Superior Courts
Mitchell Wunsh, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid of Marin