We take pride in the fact that throughout our rich 31-year history we have helped thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. I'm writing you today to ask for your support to help us continue this work well into the New Year.

The strength of Northeast Ohio's LGBT population is living proof that the Center is an important and necessary part of the community. The past year has been one of several successes, and the Center was on the forefront of these victories. Our groundbreaking A Family for Every Child program helped to halt the anti-gay House Bill 515, which proposed banning LGBT people from adopting or fostering children. In June, we launched two successful campaigns to ensure that the Federal Marriage Amendment would not pass at the federal level. Throughout the summer and fall we committed to registering as many LGBT voters as possible, making for one of the largest local get out the vote efforts in Northeast Ohio.

Please make an additional gift to the Center as part of our year-end appeal. Government funding for LGBT programs and services has been slashed to nothing, and although our allies in office could change that, it will take years before we see funding from federal and state sources. Individual donations comprise more than two-thirds of the Center's income and every donation drives our mission forward: * $15/month pays for one hour of staffing/operations at the Center * $25/month feeds both our senior program and our youth program participants for an entire month * $40/month pays for hour of counseling to community members (adults and youth) * $100/month provides ongoing diversity training and anti-bullying work

In addition to our advocacy and community-building work, the Center exists to be both a resource for and a driving force within the LGBT community. We are here to handle the crisis calls from people who have lost their jobs or homes because of homophobia. We make schools and workplaces safer by training teachers and employers to create welcoming, respectful environments where all people can thrive. We help individuals come out of the closet every day, which means more votes and volunteers to pass pro-gay legislation. We educate our elected officials on LGBT issues. We provide HIV and other STD prevention. We are a safe space for vulnerable youth who have no where else to go.

We need your ongoing support to continue this work. Thank you for the contributions you have made over the years and consider making a special gift or upgrading to a sustaining membership today. Your support will go even further; a generous donor has pledged a major gift of $3,000 if we are able to meet our year-end goal.