Empowering the LGBTQ and HIV communities since 1989.
Celebrating 30 year of LIFE
We could never have known where the last 30 years would take us.
Over the years, as HIV has changed, our work and who we serve has changed alongside it. Today, HIV is manageable, treatment works, and those living with HIV lead full, healthy lives.
In 2016 we asked our community what they wanted to see more of. The response was overwhelming on LGBTQ+ programming and services. And so we went to work on a plan to expand our mission, services and brand beyond the LGBTQ services we had started in 2011 when we established The LGBT Center of Hampton Roads. Today, we’re proud to support over 20 LGBTQ+ community discussion groups that meet at LGBT Life Center, a meals program that serves over 10,000 meals a year, permanent and rapid rehousing for LGBTQ youth, medical transportation, mental health counseling and an HIV and LGBTQ specialty care clinic in Norfolk.
30 years of local history
We’re incredibly proud of our nearly 30-year history in Hampton Roads. When we started in 1989, we focused on women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Over the years, as HIV has changed, our work has changed. Our organization has grown as well, and we’re ready to meet the diverse needs of our community. Today, LGBT Life Center’s commitment to a healthy Hampton Roads remains as strong as ever.
In 1989, CANDII (Children’s AIDS Network) and Full Circle AIDS Hospice Support were two individual agencies working in Hampton Roads to better the community and help those affected by HIV/AIDS. Each did their part to serve their respective clients and educate the community.
In 2006, a merger between Full Circle AIDS Hospice Support and CANDII formed AIDS Care Center for Education and Supportive Services. The two agencies came together with a common mission: to serve more individuals and families that are impacted by HIV/AIDS in Hampton Roads. At that time, the agency became ACCESS AIDS Care, uniting the two causes and bringing together two solid reputations to better serve our community.
Five years later, ACCESS AIDS Care, together with The Elton John AIDS Foundation, Advocates for Youth, and many wonderful LGBT advocates, opened The LGBT Center of Hampton Roads in June 2011.
In 2017, ACCESS AIDS Care and The LGBT Center of Hampton Roads expanded their mission and rebranded as the LGBT Life Center.
Every amount makes a difference.
$37.50
buys a monthly bus pass for a client to travel to medical and supportive services including support groups, testing services, and social activities.
$58
pays for facilitation of one of our 16 free support groups offered to all members of the Hampton Roads community.
$75
covers free HIV/STD screening and sexual health counseling for one client.
$114
provides one week’s worth of nutritious meals for a client.
$225
provides a “move-in kit” to one of our housing clients including cups, plates, sheets, and basic cleaning supplies.