LGBT Community Center of the Chippewa Valley

Recently, the LGBT Community Center of the Chippewa Valley marked its 10th anniversary by moving to its new home at 1305 Woodland Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A block off Main Street, it’s six blocks east of the former location since 2001, 510 South Farwell, in the Wilson Memorial Building adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral.

Founded in 2000, according to its website, “The Community Center’s mission is to provide Services and Create Programs To Promote Well-Being and Unity Among LGBT People in the Chippewa Valley Area.”

According to Board Treasurer Ann Hoeppner, the center’s expanded space—1,500 square feet—no doubt will help the organization better fulfill its mission. Handicapped-accessible and air-conditioned, it offers lots of potential. As well, because it’s not on church property, it may attract some who stayed away from the former quarters.

The center already offers a cornucopia of activities, and Hoeppner anticipates new ones will debut. She is Program Manager of rm2breathe, a statewide antitobacco program for LGBT people in Wisconsin hosted by the center. Board Vice President Jessica Janiuk is an Adult Facilitator of Q2, a support and social group for LGBTQ teens that meets Thursday evenings at the center.

Another important part of the center is the John A. Klinger Memorial Lending Library, which offers several thousand books, as well as current magazine subscriptions. Lavender Magazine is available there.

With its new home, the center is looking to increase membership, open to any person over 18 and out of high school. Dues are $15 a year per person for adults, or $25 a year per household. Scholarships are available for persons (students or limited income) unable to pay dues. The center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so membership dues and other donations are tax-deductible.

On October 10, 5-9 PM—appropriately enough, the day before National Coming Out Day—the center is hosting its Open House Celebration at the new space, featuring food, door prizes, silent auction, and social time. In addition, the annual meeting and election of new Board of Directors members will take place then.

LGBT Community Center of the Chippewa Valley
1305 Woodland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701
PO Box 383, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0383
(715) 552-LGBT (5428)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.thecentercv.org