Support Groups

Meet the Intern: Olivia

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Welcome Olivia (She/Her) to the DC Center! You can meet Olivia at the DC Center on weekdays. She is looking forward to promoting the importance of mental health awareness and providing resources to the community.

Birthdate, Astro Sign

August 22, Leo

Where are you originally from? 

I am from Wyoming and was raised Palm Springs, CA

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I wanted to becoming more knowledgeable and lend my support to the LGBTQ+ community.

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

The support and kindness that I’ve been met with since starting.

What is your music anthem? 

Black Sheep from the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

That no matter what the community faces, there will always be an influx of love, support, and prosperity.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there? 

I love exploring neighborhoods and finding their local bookstores and cafes!

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Bottoms; I love a good Coming-of-Age movie!

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?  

Emerald City Green

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

Chappel Roan; I strongly admire how firm to her beliefs are, how true to herself she stay, and she stands up for her boundaries.

DC Center’s Day of Thanks & Zoom Hangout

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Image has text about the upcoming Day of Thanks event

To allow staff and board members time to reconnect and recharge, we will be offering takeout meals for Thanksgiving this year. The meals are provided in partnership with Wegmans, and we are currently planning to have them available for pickup on Wednesday, November 22nd.

We are going to be providing approximately 40 meals for folks who register, as well as exploring whether to schedule a Zoom hangout on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re interested in either, please fill out this google form, and if you have any questions, please drop us a line at [email protected]

Also please acknowledge we are on Nacotchtank, Piscataway and Pamunkey Nations land.

RSVP HERE

ALL MEALS ARE SPOKEN FOR – if you want to be on the waitlist, you can fill out the form above and we will be in touch on Monday, November 20th with more information.

 

We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center

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Street view of the outside of the DC Center's New Space

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

 

  • thumbnail of the press release

 

 

Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project

DC Center Reopening FAQ

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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

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Relaying information about the DC Center's reopening

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]

 

 

Queer Women Working Through Trauma Therapy Group Oct 13-Dec 15, 2020

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Queer Women Working Through Trauma

The Queer Women Working Through Trauma group invites individuals to focus on processing trauma as a group through a variety of therapeutic techniques, learning to manage triggers and painful memories, and other behavioral processing activities. Participants will also focus on the mind-body connection throughout the course of the group, engaging in art and expression activities, mindful meditation/visualization, deep breathing, and other tactile exercises to help process through trauma responses while creating accessible coping strategies.

The group is held weekly for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 pm – 7 pm. The next cycle of the group will start on October 13 and will meet remotely via Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming cycle of the group or getting on the waiting list for the next one, please contact our staff therapist, Christina Cappelletti, LGSW, to set up a time for a telecounseling intake session: [email protected]. 

This group is offered at no cost to clients, thanks to a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

We Are Closed In Observance Of Juneteenth

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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

 

Meet the Staff: Ella

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Welcome Ella to the DC Center! As the health and wellness intern, she looks forward to getting to know the center and the people it serves. You can meet Ella at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. She is looking forward to working with the peer support groups and learning more about the mental and physical healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

January 5, 2000. I’m a capricorn sun and moon and a virgo rising!

 

Where are you originally from? 

I was born and raised in DC.

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I wanted the chance to learn more about working in mental health, and the Center’s work is so important! 

 

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

How kind and welcoming the staff is.

 

What is your music anthem? 

Space Cowboy by Kacey Musgraves

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

My friends and my girlfriend!

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there? 

Rock creek park, I love to take walks there and listen to a good podcast or audiobook.

 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Boy Erased– the book is also very powerful.

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?  

A nice olive green. Might put a few murals on the sides!

 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
Experimental musician Pauline Oliveros. She was out and open in a time when that was very uncommon, and her music is incredibly powerful.

DC Center – Closed Effective 3/16/20

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Image of the Coronavirus and the works COVID-19

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