Dear Friends, Colleagues, Neighbors and Loved Ones:
We invite you to join us in creating change. To saying no more to policies and laws that bully our children and loved ones to death, while driving away talented workers, philanthropists and businesses from our community each and every day. We invite you to say “yes” to caring about our community and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that nurtures diversity, equality, accessibility, innovation and thriving for all people – including LGBTQ+ children, adults, families and their allies – in Darke County, OH.
Founded in January 2024, the Center is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a Darke County where LGBTQ+ residents and allies feel safe, valued, welcome, and heard. Our goal is to advance equality, foster community connections, and link people with health and wellness programs, community resources, and leadership development opportunities. Our inaugural fundraising campaign is focused on securing funds to: apply for our 501(c)3 status, obtain proper insurance, secure and open our space, and launch our important community programs.
Make a Donation
We are actively raising funds so we can make this goal a reality. Your personal donation to our initial fundraising campaign will help us secure a location and prepare to open the space our community so desperately needs. According to the Ohio Suicide Prevention Plan, the LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County is exactly what’s needed to intervene in Ohio’s suicide and mental health crisis – It’s needed now more than ever. As importantly, according to a study from the Trevor Project, rates of suicide in LGBTQ+ youth decrease significantly when they access to an affirming space. Help us answer the call and create that space in Darke County by joining our monthly giving circle (which helps ensure we can always pay the rent) or by making a one-time donation (that allows us to support programs and services – like community groups and events – and obtain needed supplies).
Become a Sponsor or Program Supporter
As a business or organization sponsor, you can help us make sure we have the funds needed to support LGBTQ+ people and their allies and bring to life our vision of Darke County becoming a welcoming and inclusive community where all people, including LGBTQ+ people and their families, can live, work, play, go to school, and participate in the community. As a Business or Organization sponsor, you also receive:
- A logo and link on our home page
- A listing in our LGBTQ+ Community Resource Directory
- A window cling/decal to display in your store or organization
Support the Board Race, or Make a Gift in Honor of Someone You Love
Each of our board members are personally committed to raising funds. We’ve agreed to engage in a “race” to help ensure the Center can be opened and maintained. You can support a Board Member, or make a donation of behalf of someone you care about by making a monthly donation below.
Make An In-Kind Donation For The Center Wish List
You can help us create a safe space by donating tangible items for the space. Our current wish list includes:
- Coffee/Tea Bar: Keurig coffee maker, Keurig-type coffee and tea, cups, spoons, napkins, snacks
- Fun, Inspiration and Growth: Inspirational books, LGBTQ+ themed books, board games, playing cards
- Furniture: Comfy chairs, couches, board room table, bookshelves, coffee/side tables, lamps, coffee/tea bar
- Office: Printer with ink, paper, pens, markers
- Other: Toilet paper, paper towels, vacuum, broom, dustpan, trash bags, trash can, coolers
Partner With Us
If you’re an agency that provides health, wellness or community services geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, we’d love to partner with you to provide services at our Center space. Email us here.
Volunteer
If you’d like to join the Center’s team, please check out our current volunteer opportunities here.
Thank You!
We’re dedicated to transforming Darke County into a place where all people, including LGBTQ+ people, can be free to raise their families, go to work and school, participate fully and authentically in the community, and can fully thrive. We hope you’ll join us in bringing this vision to reality today.
Sincerely,
LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County Board of Directors
