The LOFT- The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center

The LOFT serves over 12,000 individuals annually through its diverse programs, services, and groups, embodying its mission to support the LGBTQ+ community. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, The LOFT has adapted to a combination of virtual, in-person, and hybrid programming, ensuring accessibility for community members with varying needs. The installation of advanced technology in our meeting rooms, funded by a 2022 grant, has facilitated seamless hybrid programming, blending the best of virtual and in-person experiences.Strategic Realignment and Enhanced Services:The LOFT has undergone a strategic realignment to reflect its mission and vision better, leading to significant achievements:Completion of 2024 Westchester Pride: Successfully executed the annual Westchester Pride event, celebrating diversity and fostering community spirit.NOTE 3 - PROGRAMS AND SERVICES- ContinuedGrant-Funded Program Launches: Successfully launched or will launch the following programs: the American Lung Associations Freedom from Smoking Tobacco Cessation series, Case Management services for LGBTQ+ seniors, TGNCNB Peer Support Groups in Bedford Hill and Taconic Correctional Facilities, Tobacco Use Prevention for LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults. Our extensive offerings include support groups such as LGBTQ+ Mental Health Peer Support Group, Trans Support Group, Young Adult TGNCNB Peer Support Group, and more. Creative expression and learning groups, including The Artists LOFT, Writers Workshop, and Queer Voices LGBTQ+ Songwriters Group, provide spaces for personal growth and community connection. Additionally, The LOFT hosts essential groups like Center Lanes TransParentcy, PFLAG Westchester, and VAS LGBTQ+ Survivors of SA Support Group, addressing critical needs within our community.Trans Services of the Hudson Valley:Our regional health program, Trans Services of the Hudson Valley, empowers transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people of color and offers vital support to individuals throughout the Hudson Valley.Groups:LGBTQ+ Mental Health Peer Support GroupTransgender Support GroupYoung Adult Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, and Non-binary (TGNCNB) Peer Support GroupOne Voice: LGBTQ+ HIV/AIDS Peer Support GroupGBTQ+ Mens Peer Support GroupLGBTQ+ 55+ Peer Support GroupLesbian Social Network20-Somethings Peer Support GroupBisexual Peer Support GroupLGBTQ+ BIPOC Peer Support GroupLOFT FamiliesSpirituality Discussion GroupACES Westchester Asexual Peer Support GroupGrief and Loss Peer Support GroupT-Time for TGNCNB POC CommunitiesLGBTQ+ Youth NightThe Rainbow Clubhouse, a group for families of young gender expansive children up to age 12.NOTE 3 - PROGRAMS AND SERVICES- ContinuedCreative Expression and Learning/Education Groups:The Artists LOFTWriters WorkshopQueer Voices LGBTQ+ Songwriters Group Queer PlanetQueer Community Book Club (QCBC) C.A.L.M. (Centered at LOFT Meditation)Additional Hosted Groups:Center Lanes TransParentcy GroupCenter Lanes Rainbow Squad PFLAG WestchesterAAAl-AnonMental Health Association of Westchester Driving Towards Resilience Program offering free mental health counseling, peer support, and crisis interventionVAS LGBTQ+ Survivors of SA Support GroupPrograms and Services:Silver Connections LGBTQ+ 55+ Senior Outreach ProgramThe LOFT HelplineRebuilding Rainbows-The LOFT LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence ServicesTransMission mini-grant assistance programIn Support Job-Seeking AssistanceFree HIV/STD Testing by HVCSPro-Bono Name Change ProjectPride in PoliticsThe LOFT LibraryDavid Bohnett Cyber CenterTechnology TutoringLOFT EDU Adult education courses for the LGBTQ+ communityLGBTQ+ ProfessionalsSex Positive WorkshopsOUTSPOKEN Magazine, Pride EditionWeekly Newsletter2 websites and social media channelsC.A.L.L. to Action coalition of LGBTQ+ grassroots organizationsCultural Competency Trainings provided to service providers, local businesses, law enforcement, and government entities.NOTE 3 - PROGRAMS AND SERVICES- ContinuedProgram Events and Social Activities:Westchester PrideHudson Valley Trans ForumSpringFestAnnual Holiday BrunchNon-Binary Night OutTransToberFestTransgender Day of VisibilityAnnual GalaTransgender Day of RemembranceBi Visibility DayNational Coming Out DayOUT WalkingLGBTQ+ Rock ClimbingAnnual Fire Island Senior TripGaymes NightOUT at the MoviesLGBTQ+ Knitting CircleConcertsLOFT Night OutArt Shows and Theatre productionsGrowth and Advocacy:Due to the profound increase in need from individual community members and the increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric, The LOFT has continued to rise to meet the need and has grown considerably over the past several years. The LOFT now has a staff of fourteen people, of which 8.5 are dedicated to delivering programs and services. The LOFT has expanded advocacy efforts and direct program services to meet the elevated need.Since 2019, The LOFT had been searching for a new home to fit the community's expanding needs. In 2020, The LOFT partnered with HANAC and Monadnock Development to create LGBTQ+ affirming and affordable Senior Housing, with The LOFTs new Center at the base of the building occupying 8,000 square feet. The LOFT will own its own space and deliver expanded programs and services, including a partnership with Circle Care Center, which will have a medical clinic onsite focused on LGBTQ+-related medical services.