Center News

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People call us an abomination. 

They quote The Bible and tell us ‘man shall not lay with man.’ Leviticus 18:22, I know the verse and chapter by heart because it is regularly slung at us (they forget the verses that tell them to love). 

They call us names; freak, faggot, queer, dyke (they mean to break us down and alienate us from our community and each other). They tell us that AIDS plagues our community for a reason (they mean to say that we deserve it and deserve to die). 

They tell us to keep it in the bedroom and stay quiet about it (they mean to shame us into hiding). 

This Center is a monument against that hatred. It is a beacon for every kid who needs to know there’s someone like them. This Center is a is a community of people who stand together and say stigma will not solve, we choose love over hate, help over harm. 

I’m asking you to give because I’ve sat in LGBT Life Center and cried with parents because they wanted help – not because their child was gay, but because they wanted to be better parents for their gay child.

There are so many causes and reasons to give – many of which you need to be affected by personally in order to understand how they help, but I promise you there’s not an LGBTQ+ person you know that hasn’t been uplifted by the work of an LGBT Center. Whether it was a direct service The Center provided or by making our community more connected, loving, and healthy, the work of this Center and all centers is displayed in the rapid progress we have made against hate, stigma, health barriers, and HIV/AIDS. 

Things are better than they were 40 years ago, but our work is not done. 

Please give generously today and help us continue to build a better tomorrow,

Happy holiday from our LGBTQ+ chosen family to yours,

Stacie Walls 

CEO, LGBT Life Center

Name/Nickname:  Willow Gibbons; no nickname.

Pronouns: She/her

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing Case Manager

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  The Home Depot, full-time garden associate (unofficial, unrecognized supervisor).

I’m here to help you with: PHP and STRMU (housing assistance); soon, I’ll also be managing the shelter we have here.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? Initially, I was working the front desk (at Robin Hood Rd.) as a volunteer, which I did in reaction to a latent, burgeoning, compulsive need to be more involved with my community (queer-folk generally, but also the more I came to understand where my privilege placed me, the more I couldn’t ignore those who are regularly ignored because of their marginalization). Eventually, after many chats with Casey Butler (whom I’m sure you’re aware of), she invited me to volunteer with the housing department, which I jumped on, admittedly with some nerves (I didn’t know anything about housing, and while I wanted to help people in a fulfilling way, I was unsure how much help I could be, and I certainly didn’t want to get in the way). I grew to like it, and the atmosphere was so nice, especially in comparison to Home Depot, so I inquired about open positions, submitted my application, got interviewed, and here I am!

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I can speak/read/write Japanese at a basic level. I also write very well, and have an above-average grasp of grammar, which usually garners more sighs than thank yous, haha!!

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team? I feel like I definitely hit on this in my above spiel, but to be concise: the warm, welcoming atmosphere full of people who genuinely want to help others, plus the opportunity to genuinely help those in need. I enjoy being nitpicky, and housing is a nightmare when you don’t know anything about it; so, working here, I get to be nitpicky, I get to creatively explore how to guide people through a process that most are ignorant of (myself included), and I get to learn. Ultimately, I get to go home knowing I’m making a difference.

Connect with us!

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Name/Nickname:  Cora Morrow (no nickname)

Pronouns: She/her

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing intake specialist

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  I worked for the YWCA as a Residential Service Assistant for the shelter. There I would complete the intake and provide support for clients leaving domestic/sexual violence throughout the stay in the shelter. I also worked as a Team Lead at Reebok where I would provide leadership to associates as well as complete other management tasks.

I’m here to help you with: Being the first point of contact our clients will have in obtaining housing assistance.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? While working with the YWCA, it helped me realize that I have a passion to help those who are part of communities that are overlooked and under-supported. After learning about the LGBT Life Center, I believed that I could bring this passion to the LGBT Life Center due to our focus being to assist those who are LGBTQ+ as well as living with HIV.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I really enjoy learning about history, specifically ancient history!

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team? Being a part of an organization that fully accepts people for who they are and feels like a family rather than a regular job.

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname:  Shelby, no nickname!

Pronouns: She/her

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing intake specialist

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? I came from Hampton Roads Community Action Program and I was a part of their Emergency Service Department where I did their Rent Relief Program. I also transitioned to their Community Navigation Intiative department as a teen advocate/advisor.   

I’m here to help you with: Housing intake (eligibility) and shelter of clients.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have always had a passion to advocate and help my community.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I love animals and eventually want to foster animals.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team? I am excited to learn and grow from the organization.

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname:  Lauren T. Furey and I go by Lauren (I use my middle initial too because there’s a famous chef in Florida named Lauren Furey).

Pronouns: She/her

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Senior Services Program Manager

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  I’ve been in the museum field for forty years and my most recent position was the Manager of Visitor Engagement at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News.

I’m here to help you with: I’m excited to move into the field of human rights, specifically LGBTQ+ seniors.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have always been an activist for the LGBTQ+ community, even before coming out myself (after two husbands). Three of my four children are part of the community. After my last position was eliminated, I thought it was the perfect time to move into the human rights field.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? Way back in college during my internship, I had to basically live like it was 1810 for four months including doing laundry in copper kettles over the fire, all meals cooked in a fireplace, and hand weaving fabrics! I’m also a professional textile artist, creating art quilts and clergy stoles.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team? I am thrilled to be entering a new field that can utilize my skills, talents, and enthusiasm! There are awesome folks here and I’m honored to be working with them.

To learn more about our programs and services for those 50 and better, join our Silver Pride emails: http://eepurl.com/hMA27n

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname: James McCaddin (Jim)

Pronouns: He/him

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Payroll Coordinator

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  Catering/Restaurant Management

I’m here to help you with: Payroll/Benefits administration and Finance department support (grant reimbursement packages, Mental Health Program, 340b Pharmacy program).

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have always been drawn to the non-profit sector as a volunteer and am excited to use my administrative skills to support the wonderful resources LGBT Life Center provides to the community.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?  I sing tenor in my local church and community chorus groups.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team?  I am excited to continue to learn and grow with the LGBT Life Center and to continue to support the wonderful staff I have come to sincerely care for over the past six months.

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname: Thomas Tracy (no nicknames….yet!) 

Pronouns: He/him

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Operations Coordinator

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  I come from a long career in the construction industry. I was in project management and logistics. I helped with the daily operations of many job sites; everything from contract management to finding and working with an array of different subcontractors and materials.

I’m here to help you with:  Everything! I am here to help you with the daily “operations” of the Life Center. Everything from IT questions, administrative processes, project management, planning, SOP’s, facility management, and helping to streamline workplace practices. You name it, I am here to help!

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have known about the Life Center for several years now, but I truly never realized just how much the Life Center did. I was looking for a change of pace a couple of months ago, and a friend who works at the Life Center told me they were hiring. Long story short, and here I am!

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? My middle name is Aloysius.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team?  I love the energy of the Life Center. I love all of the eclectic personalities that live here. It truly feels like a home away from home. The drive and gumption I have seen from individuals here so far have definitely re-lit a spark in myself that I have not felt in a while!

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Our new Housing Case Manager, Kendra, knows the importance of a hand-up, which led her to the career she’s in today.

Name/Nickname: Kendra 

Pronouns: She/her

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing Case Manager

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?  Prior to this position, I was a resident services assistant at the YWCA South Hampton Roads. My tasks included supporting clients that came into shelter services on a 24-hour basis.

I’m here to help you with:  Creating a housing plan, maintaining a monthly budget, and connecting you with any resources offered in the community and at LGBT Life Center.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work?  I first became heavily emerged in crisis work when I was an undergrad at ODU. My passion first began ever since I was a little girl. My mother was a single mother who relied on federal assistance, it has always resonated with me since.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I have been a part of marching band for 5 years. I was a part of the color guard team. 😊

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team?  I am excited to work with those who share the same passion and energy as me. I am excited to work as a collective team. I’m also very eager to make a difference to the individuals that I am supporting. I want to be able to do any and everything I can as they walk into a new empowering chapter of their lives. I am excited to make a difference!

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname: Michael P. Saunders, Master of Human Service. Michael, (family calls me Uncle P or Uncle).

Pronouns: He/him

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Medical Care Coordinator

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? New York City – New York City Health and Hospital Corp. Community Engagement Supervisor w / Covid Test and Trace Team.

I’m here to help you with:  Navigating health care, medications, transportation to medical appointments, and more.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work?  I have been involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education and service work for the past 30 years.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?  I am an amateur photographer.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team?  I am interested in getting a better understanding of how prevention and services run outside of NYC.

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.

Name/Nickname: Joshua Holder / Josh

Pronouns: He/him

Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Medical Care Coordinator

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? Therapeutic Alliance / ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and IIH (Intensive In-Home) Therapy. 

I’m here to help you with:  Navigating health care, medications, transportation to medical appointments, and more.

How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have always wanted to work with the LGBT community and wanted to get experience in the case management sector of the Human Services Field.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I like to cook.

What excites you about joining the LGBT Life Center Team?  Getting to work with my community and being able to feel like I am actually making a difference and helping people. 

Connect with us!

Twitter.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.