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Front and Center connects you to compelling stories about the critical services we provide that address the vast needs of our diverse community. 

Please enjoy reading about this inspiring work!

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Center's Foster Care Project Transforms Lives of LGBT Young People



This year marks the first anniversary of the Center's LGBTQ Foster Care Project, a Center Families program that ensures New York City based foster care agencies treat LGBTQ children with dignity and respect and create welcoming environments for LGBTQ identified birth, foster and adoptive parents. Our model has led the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), to create standards of LGBT inclusiveness for local foster care agencies, based almost entirely on the recommendations from our program. Because of our efforts, ACS Commissioner John B. Mattingly honored Center staff member Tracey D. Little with the Commissioner's Child Advocacy Award. In bestowing the honor last week, the Commissioner said: "Your dedication and compassion have made a difference in the lives of countless children and young people -- not only this month but on every single day of the year. We thank you for your contributions to this critical work."

Thanks to Shanequa Anderson, LMSW, MPA, CASAC, Center Families Coordinator


Over 400 Receive Vital Support at Center's LGBT Immigration Fair



The Center has devoted the entire month of April to the issue of immigration and how it affects our community. We hosted our "Third Annual LGBTQ Immigration Fair," an event connecting LGBTQ immigrants to service providers that can address the unique challenges they face in finding health care, legal support, housing, and employment. The Center's Services for LGBT Immigrants' Social Action Group worked tirelessly to organize the fair, and their efforts paid off. Over 400 people walked away with life-saving connections. These events give a glimpse into the work we do each and every day to support LGBTQ immigrants. We were honored to be presented with an official Proclamation from the New York City Council, praising our program. As immigrant populations in this city reach and begin to exceed 40 percent of the population, the Center will continue supporting LGBTQ immigrants so they can bring all of themselves to this city and achieve their dreams.

Thanks to George Fesser, LMSW, Program Coordinator, Center CARE Wellness & Immigration Support


Rebuilding His Life through Sobriety with the Help of Center CARE Recovery
"Glenn" came to Center CARE Recovery in July 2010 saying that he felt very depressed because his dog died; the pet was a devoted companion for 13 years. The loss prompted him to seek treatment for drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. He had been using drugs and alcohol on and off since the age of 12. He was an unemployed hairstylist and had no friends or social support. Now in his early 40's, "Glenn" found himself at the lowest point of his life. He needed help and he found it at the Center. From the beginning, "Glenn" was committed to his treatment program. He came to his individual counseling sessions and support groups on a regular basis. He listened to feedback from counselors and other Center CARE Recovery members about how to cope with depression and the loss of his dog. He also received psychiatric treatment from our program. Within a few months, "Glenn" experienced dramatic improvements in his mood. Today, almost nine months since his admission to Center CARE Recovery, "Glenn" has maintained sobriety and his emotional well-being is strong. He has also kept his housing and applied for advanced training and education in cosmetology. He consistently attends several self-help meetings each week and has a new group of friends. "Glenn" has worked very hard to change his life. He feels better about himself and sees hope in his future. Two months ago he adopted a new dog.

Thanks to Michel David M. Soliven, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator, Center CARE Recovery


Center Helps Young Egyptian Transgender Man Find Safety
A young transgender man from Egypt sought help from the Center's Services for LGBT Immigrants Program in March. At the time of his intake, he was living with family members who were threatening to send him back to Egypt if he did not begin to dress like a girl. At one point he feared for his life, as death threats began to swirl around him because he was "bringing shame to the family." In just a few days he was forced to move out of his family's house and live on the streets. But after a phone call to his counselor at the Center, the Center CARE team was able to quickly connect him to a shelter in Brooklyn. Since he arrived at the shelter, he is sleeping much better and feels safe for the first time since his arrival from Egypt three months ago. We have also referred him to our partners at Immigration Equality and they have found him a law firm that has taken his asylum case at no cost. We provide this type of lifeline to people throughout the year.

Thanks to George Fesser, LMSW, Program Coordinator, Center CARE Wellness & Immigration Support

Front and Center Staff Spotlight Story

The Day I Helped Save a Life
By Roy Allen, Information & Referral Specialist

On a recent Sunday morning I was working at the front desk at the Center, and a young man came in and told me he thought he was going to kill himself because his boyfriend broke up with him. I was the only person at the front desk at the time and wasn't about to send him away and tell him to come back when our Youth Enrichment Services (YES) program was open. I asked him to tell me more. He said he was 14 and that he didn't see how he could live without his boyfriend. He seemed to be under the impression that his boyfriend was the only other gay teenager in the world. I told him that I knew how hard it was to go through your first break up, and that everyone feels like there is no way of ever getting over it. I also told him how lucky he was to be 14, openly gay and able to have had a relationship. I explained that when I was 14, the idea of actually having a boyfriend was completely out of the question. Coming out at that age could have put my life at risk. I also told him about YES and I could see that he was surprised to hear there was a place where he could socialize and be supported by other gay people his age. He left that day in much higher spirits and I was so happy to help him. The experience made me reflect on the power of the Center to literally save lives. I'm so grateful that this young person decided not to give up.

Front and Center Recent Media Highlights

RuPaul's Drag Race Finalists, Raja, Manila Luzon and Alexis Mateo Perform for Center Youth



On Monday, April 25, Raja, Alexis Mateo and Manila Luzon, the three finalists from LOGO-TV's RuPaul's Drag Race, visited the Center and each performed a song for participants of our Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program. Afterwards there was time for a meet and greet between the young people and the drag performers. Our YES participants come to the Center to be who they are in a safe and welcoming environment. Seeing fabulous, fierce role models like Alexis, Raja and Manila being who they are, sends a powerful message to our youth to hold their heads high, be proud of who they are, and thrive!

Center Featured in Advocate's "Forty Under 40"



Glennda Testone honored to receive a national spotlight in the Advocate Magazine's "Forty Under 40" report, featuring leaders from around the country who are "out, proud and changing the world." The article allowed her the opportunity to share information about the Center's role in helping LGBT people live their best lives. I'm proud to be a part of this coverage and grateful that the Center is a beacon of hope for our community. Congratulations to all of the other featured leaders.