Didn’t get a chance to see the Pride Interfaith Service this past Tuesday? Click here to see the saved streaming of the service!
Faith
We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center
We’re so excited to share the big news!
We’re Moving!
Check out all the details about our new location in our press release and watch this space for more details to come!
This amazing next chapter in our LGBTQ+ community members lives needs your support!
Please click here and donate what you can to help support the creation of our new space!
Click here to read our press release
Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project
DC Center Reopening FAQ
As we reopen, the DC Center is doing our best to meet the needs of our community while creating a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, and visitors. Please see below some of the information available about our space, our meetings, and other questions. We will update this information as necessary as the situation changes or we understand better what information people are looking for.
What are The DC Center’s hours of operation?
- Mondays through Fridays from 12pm to 6pm
- Saturdays from 11am to 3pm
- Sundays are closed
After 5 pm on weekdays or on Saturdays, please enter from the side of the building (facing U Street) and state that you’re coming to the DC Center to the security team, who will let you in.
Are support groups/meetings meeting in-person, virtually or hybrid?
Based on surveys and conversations with peer group facilitators and participants, we are offering a hybrid (physical with webstation for Zoom), completely virtual, and in-person only, at each groups’ discretion. The information is available on the event sign-up for each group (easily found via: thedccenter.org/calendar)
Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a hybrid (in-person with webstation) meeting option? (This list subject to change as groups choose to return to the DC Center’s offices)
2nd Fridays: WiTT from 8 – 9 pm
2nd Saturdays: GenderQueer from 1 – 3 pm (in-person only)
4th Wednesdays: Job Club from 6 – 7 pm.
4th Wednesdays: Ace/Aro Peer Support Group from 7 – 8:30 pm.
Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a virtual (Zoom) only meeting option?
Any groups not listed above are meeting virtually.
Can I just walk-in to participate in a hybrid support group/meeting?
Currently, the Center is unable to accommodate walk-ups for peer support groups. Registration in advance will be required for peer support group meetings. Information in this regard will be circulated among peer support group leaders and participants as well as be listed on the Center’s website. This is to help make sure the room is not over-crowded.
Are therapy meetings still being offered at the Center?
At this time mental health therapy groups and sessions are available virtually (via HIPAA compliant Zoom) or in person. Therapy locations will be chosen based on conversations between clients and therapists, based on comfort/safety and availability.
When is the Center expected to open back up and what are some of the processes?
- Monday through Friday 12 to 6pm; Saturday 11 to 3pm.
- CyberStations are available via three computers.
- Mental Health services are available either virtually or in-person based on client/therapist decisions.
- New and expanding clothing closet and food pantry for those in need of clothes and food.
- The Art Gallery is opening while the office is open.
Now that the Center is reopening again, what kind of opportunities are available for those in the community who would like to get involved?
- The best way to stay current with the Center’s activities is to subscribe to our newsletter via our website which comes out every week. This includes volunteer opportunities, information about art installation, monthly programs, and all different social media accounts to get news updates.
- Volunteers wanting to become a support group facilitator are provided with the necessary training.
- Joining a support group is the best way to stay connected to the Center and others in the community.
- There is an events volunteer list to help in events like help preparing to open before events.
- Members of the community can also join a board committee to help and learn how the Center works.
What will be the mitigation efforts to reopen the Center back safely?
- The DC Center asks that if you are feeling ill, please wear a mask in our space.
Are masks required at the Center?
- The DC Center asks that if you are feeling ill, please wear a mask in our space.
What kind of sanitation procedures will be implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19?
- A sanitation station that includes wipes/sanitizer and masks are available to community members.
- Air purification system will be provided for various spaces within the Center.
If rates of COVID continue to rise in DC will the Center remain open?
- Federal and local guidelines will be closely monitored and adhered to, up to and including closing the Center due to an increase in COVID cases in the DC area to ensure the safety of our employees and constituents.
DC Center reopens to the Public
The DC Center Reopens to the public Monday, October 4th!
The DC Center is excited to announce that we are reopening to the public effective Monday, October 4th. After providing services virtually nonstop since March 2020, we are overjoyed to welcome the community back into our space. We are going to be modifying how we provide services, please check out some of the information below to know how we’re keeping the community safe, as well as how we are asking the community to help protect the staff and others at The DC Center.
Hours of Operation
The DC Center will resume our normal office hours of 12 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. We are still located at the Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 105.
Expectations
As grantees of the DC government, The DC Center staff fall under Mayor Bowser’s vaccine mandate, so all staff are required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID testing. While we are not mandating vaccinations from our participants, we are asking people to wear masks that cover mouths and noses securely (disposable masks are available at the entrance to the DC Center), and self-screen for common COVID-19 symptoms (fever/shakes, recent loss of sense of smell, congestion, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, etc) and ask for assistance outside the DC Center’s offices if they aren’t feeling well.
FAQ
Services available
The DC Center will be making some changes to the way we operate, especially in how we have our peer support groups. Please click here for Hybrid Peer Support Group information. Otherwise services are listed below with a quick summary of changes in how we operate
Cyber Center: Reduced capacity, 3 people at once. If someone is waiting to use the services, we will discuss what makes sense with everyone trying to use the Cyber Center.
Mental Health Services: Mental Health Services will be remote for the time being. If you are interested in receiving services, you can email [email protected] to get started.
Lounge: Our lounge has been rearranged to help promote social distancing, as has our Meeting Room Space.
Clothing Closet: Our Clothing Closet has been relocated and better organized to help people more easily access it.
Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry is being restocked, as much of the donated food had expired during the pandemic.
Referrals/Service Linkages: These are happening in person or can be accessed by calling our Main desk at (202) 682-2245, or via email at [email protected]
Job Opening – Lutheran Church of the Reformation Washington, DC
Open Positions
Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Washington, DC
Applications due: September 15, 2021
Preferred Start Date: Immediate and negotiable
Director of Operations (reposting)
Lutheran Church of the Reformation seeks a creative leader and effective manager to serve as director of operations to help us worship God, serve our neighbors, and care for creation. The director of operations manages the facilities, office, and financial ministries. The director of operations supervises and collaborates with a great variety of people, communicates effectively with compassion, and manages projects with technical savvy. This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday) performed in the congregation office. The starting salary range is $55,000-60,000. Also included are health benefits, 6% retirement contributions, and three weeks of vacation in addition to a Christmas and New Years holiday week.
Administrative Assistant
Lutheran Church of the Reformation seeks a part-time administrative assistant to advance God’s mission and ministry. The administrative assistant prepares and publishes the weekly worship booklet, provides front office and clerical support, and assists with the Food Pantry distribution. This position facilitates a healthy, effective flow of information within the congregation and with its partners. This is a 32-hour/week position (Monday-Thursday) performed in the congregation office. The hourly starting wage is $20. Also included are health benefits, 6% retirement contributions, and three weeks of vacation in addition to a Christmas and New Years holiday week.
Visit the website www.ReformationDC.org/apply to learn about the congregation and see complete job descriptions, including compensation and benefits. Generous and competitive compensation package includes health, dental, and retirement benefits. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to the Rev. Michael D. Wilker at [email protected].
Lutheran Church of the Reformation is a dynamic spiritual community located in Washington, DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Reformation enjoys an active, diverse, and engaged congregation of 170 households. The Holy Spirit inspires and provokes us to keep reforming church and society. Since 1987, Reformation has welcomed and affirmed LGBTQ+ persons and their families. We work for racial equity and economic justice within our community and nation. The congregation has a large facility comprised of the sanctuary building, education building, and three row houses. We maintain several long-term space use agreements with approximately ten equally diverse, independent organizations that serve children and adults, including Hill Havurah, the Jewish community on Capitol Hill. Reformation also hosts many groups for other religious, cultural, and advocacy events.
Center Faith Interfaith Intersectional Forums in 2021
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Center Faith, the multitude of denominations that make up Center Faith are coming together to remember, reflect, share their stories, and celebrate the commonalities that bring them together.
On July 6th, Center Faith began their intersectional forums by answering the question “Why is it important to record our history?”
The video is available via FB videos
On July 27th, Center Faith began inviting different members of the faith community to reflect on the AIDS Quilt, where they were in their faith journey, and trace the changes from then to today by answering the questions “What was your community experience with the Names Quilt?” and “How did you faith and faith community support you during this time?”
The video is available via FB Videos
On 8/17, Center Faith discussed how the Names Project Quilt Initiated Interfaith Cooperation.
The video is available via FB videos
2021 Interfaith Virtual Service
Watch the archived footage of DC Pride’s 2021 Interfaith Virtual Service
We Are Closed In Observance Of Juneteenth
The DC Center will be closed on June 19, 2020 in observance of Juneteenth
and
to support the #StrikeForBlackLives. #BlackLivesMatter
If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:
DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org
DC Center – Closed Effective 3/16/20
Taking guidance and recommendations about social distancing from the DC government and the CDC, effective Monday, March 16th, The DC Center for the LGBT Community’s office will be closed. Staff are still working remotely, and will be checking emails and voicemails multiple times each day. Please reach out to [email protected] to connect with the DC Center, as we are still able to provide services and support.
If you are interested in attending support groups remotely, please reach out to your facilitator or [email protected] and we can provide options for remote meetings using conference lines.
The situation is changing rapidly, please refer to the CDC’s website and coronavirus.dc.gov for up-to-date information on what you can do to help prevent and slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The DC Center team will be meeting regularly to assess the situation and rest assured that we will open as soon as it is safe to do so, as we know that many of our clients and participants are vulnerable and will need support. If you are able, please consider donating and supporting organizations that provide food, medicine, and other support to marginalized populations.
If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:
DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org
UPDATE : DC LGBTQ Health and Wellness Festival
*** Hello friends,
In order to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the DC Center is closed effective Monday, March 16th. To protect the health and safety of everyone we have decided to postpone our health and wellness festival, we will no longer have the event on March 28th , a new date will be decided in the future. Please consider how you can help delay the spread of coronavirus by consulting sites such as https://coronavirus.dc.gov/ for more information. ***
Due to unfortunate circumstances, we have been forced to reschedule our Wellness Expo. Join us on Saturday, March 28th for our first-ever DC LGBTQ Health and Wellness Expo.
Please click here for the updated event information, and if you have previously registered there’s no need to re-register. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions please email [email protected].