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A Message From The Center's CEO
Cara Dessert
December 21, 2020

Happy Holidays to all!
-Cara Dessert (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Executive Officer
HELP STOP THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
You have the power to help your friends, family and community stop the spread of COVID-19 by adding your phone to California’s exposure notification system to get COVID-19 exposure alerts and to protect those around you.

Visit CA Notify to get started and once you activate CA Notify, it does all the work. All you do is keep your Bluetooth on and you will only receive alerts if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Your privacy is protected as your identity is not known and your location is not tracked. Learn more and get started here.
COVID-19 TESTING IN OUR REGION
With the cases of COVID-19 rising in San Diego, The Center would like to remind you of the resources available if you, or someone you know, is in need of a COVID-19 test. You can find a full list of testing sites here or you can dial 2-1-1. Most testing locations do not require an appointment and the test only takes 5-10 minutes, with results available within 2-4 days. Please stay at home as much as possible, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and do all you can to keep yourself and others safe so we all get through this together. 
IN THE KNOW WITH IAN

Over the past month, you have heard how many of our community members are experiencing real need and seeking Emergency Services and Support Programs in record numbers. The time is urgent for The Center to raise critical funds so these services can continue into 2021 and we have many ways you can help support this holiday season.

Three of our Leadership Circle members have made a very generous commitment to double donations made now through the end of the month! We are thankful for Kevin Tilden and Philip Diamond, MD, Maureen Steiner, and Randy Clark and Tom Maddox, MD, who will provide funds to this exciting match. Please consider making gifts and have your donation doubled between now and December 31st. 

If you shop on Amazon, like many of us do, please shop in the AmazonSmile program and select The San Diego LGBT Community Center as your beneficiary. All year-long, AmazonSmile will donate a small portion of your purchase to The Center. All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

-Ian Johnson (Pronouns: He/Him/His)
Director of Development
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT -
TONI ATKINS: A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR EQUALITY
Photo: Jeff Walters
The Center would like to take a moment to uplift this fantastic profile in The San Diego Union-Tribune on our own Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, who has served our community in the City Council, the California Assembly, and the state Senate. The San Diego Union-Tribune series highlights some truly phenomenal women from the San Diego area; as a fierce advocate and leader, Senate President pro Tempore Atkins is well deserved of this honor and The Center thanks her for her work.

Rebekah Hook-Held (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Public Affairs & Civic Engagement Officer
A FAVORITE EVENT RE-IMAGINED
The We Care 11 Holiday Drive is now an opportunity to donate to support The Center’s Youth Programs and a Toy Drive! Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 22, is the last day to bring a new, unwrapped toy to Sunnyboy Biscuits at 3749 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103 from 7am - 2pm to benefit the Imperial Court’s Toy Drive.

If you are able, please visit https://donate.thecentersd.org/WeCare to make a donation to support LGBTQ youth and The Center’s programs that support them. The Center extends a big thank you to #CenterSupporter and community leader Junior Buendia for his continued support of this event that raises funds for The Center and our Youth Programs.  
GET COVERED 2021
The Center knows that healthcare is very important for all, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to share that the deadline was extended for Covered California! The enrollment deadline for Covered California has been extended to December 30th for January 1st health coverage, due to surges in COVID-19 cases throughout the state. To enroll in Covered California, please visit getcovered2021.org or contact The Center from 9am-4pm at (619) 800-4252 or 4pm-9pm at (619) 800-4216.
FOOD RESOURCES AT THE CENTER
Click to sign up for your meal from Gossip Grill
HAPPENING AT THE CENTER VIA ZOOM
Please note The Center is closed
December 23 - December 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
CREATE COMMUNITY ON ZOOM
With the Stay-At-Home order continuing, The Center knows how important it is to stay connected. Join us and your community on Zoom for discussion and support groups, special events, and more - all tailored for you and your needs. Please visit our website, visit The Center's Facebook page, or call us at (619) 800-4252 from 9am - 4pm or (619) 800-4216 from 4pm - 9pm to find the right one for you.
SHARE THE CENTER'S E-NEWS!
We make it easy to share the word- just click this link and forward this E-News to a friend!  If your friends would like to sign up to stay informed, they can sign up here: https://thecentersd.org/about/weekly-e-news/
HELP IS AVAILABLE - YOU ARE NOT ALONE
If you are in crisis or considering suicide, you are not alone.
There are resources and help available for you:
  • Trans Lifeline: 1.877.565.8860 - For trans or nonbinary folx in the US
  • Trevor Project Lifeline: 1.866.488.7386 - For LGBT youth (18-24)
  • National Suicide Hotline: 1.800.273.8255 - For all ages & identities
  • San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 1.888.724.7240 - Free suicide prevention/intervention hotline in San Diego County
Copyright © 2020 San Diego LGBT Community Center, All rights reserved.


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