Current TCP Monthly Newsletter
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TCP updates: March 2023Hi friends and supporters! February was another busy month for TCP, with programs in full swing, fun open hours hangouts, and lots of new volunteers going through orientation. At the same time, we’ve been tracking the dozens of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in the state legislature and doing what we can to offer the community support and resources to get through this stressful time. I said this in my message last month, and I’ll say it again today: To our community: We are here, we stand with you, we care about your well-being. And we aren’t going anywhere. Next year is The Center Project’s 20-year anniversary, and we are keenly aware of the generations who preceded us in the fight for equity, inclusion, and basic human rights for queer people. Clearly, that fight isn’t over yet, certainly not in Missouri. Like our predecessors, we won’t back down or give up. We invite you all to join us in the important work of providing safe spaces and resources for LGBTQIA+ people in Mid-Missouri. Whether it’s volunteer time, funds, or other donations, we are so grateful for any and all support. See below for some ways to pitch in! Thanks for your partnership and support! Christi Kelly (she/her) (Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on all things TCP!) | |
Ways to Support TCP | |
As a small, all-volunteer nonprofit, we depend on the support and generosity of individuals like you! We rely heavily on individual donations and fundraisers to keep our programs and resources going. There are lots of ways to contribute!
If you’re interested in donating clothes to The Clothing Closet, email us at tcpclothingcloset@thecenterproject.org. If you’d like to donate snacks for Prism or other supplies for the community center, email us at info@thecenterproject.org.
Of course we’re also grateful for all our volunteers! Check out the volunteer section below for more details and current opportunities. | |
LGBTQIA+ Business Directory | |
Did you know we have a directory of local, LGBTQIA+ owned businesses on our website? From law firms and realtors to cleaning services, restaurants, entertainment and more … we love highlighting queer-owned businesses and connecting them to the community. Check it out! LGBTQIA+ Owned Business Directory If you’re an LGBTQIA+ business owner and would like to be included in the directory, click the Add to Directory link on the main directory page. We’re also currently doing a weekly series interviewing LGBTQIA+ business owners, live on Facebook. The next Live is tomorrow, Tuesday 3/7 at 1p.m., featuring Voycetress Media! Visit the TCP Facebook page for info about lives and recordings of past interviews! | |
Programs for all ages | |
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Rainbow Family Alliance (L) and Coffee with Queers (center and R) | |
Over the past year, it’s been amazing to watch the programs and events at TCP grow and expand, allowing us to serve even more of the community. Our programs now reach youth (Prism), parents and families (P4P and Rainbow Family Alliance), trans and nonbinary people (Gender Blender), and LGBTQIA+ adults (Game Night and Coffee with Queers). We also partner with Prime Timers Mid-Missouri, a group for mature gay and bisexual men. They recently held an event at TCP about safety. If you’re interested in joining us for community social time, check out Game Night (2nd Fridays, 6-10 p.m.; 18+) and Coffee with Queers (3rd Sundays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; all ages). Even more programs are in the works … stay tuned! | |
Volunteer Opportunities | |
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The Center Project is entirely volunteer-run and community-driven, and we’re always looking for more volunteers! If you’re interested in volunteering, join us for a volunteer orientation to learn more about TCP and the opportunities currently available. To sign up, search for the “TCP Volunteer Group” on FB or email info@thecenterproject.org. Here are some of TCP’s current volunteer opportunities:
We welcome all volunteers, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We are committed to diversity and equity in our leadership and programming. Black, indigenous, and other people of color; trans people (especially transwomen and transfemmes); people in rural areas; and people with disabilities are warmly invited to join us! | |
Remodel Progress | |
Spring is in the air, which hopefully means we’ll get scheduled for construction soon on our two big upcoming projects! Renovating the detached garage will give us more usable space, including breakout or overflow space during larger events and room for the youth group to expand. Rebuilding the deck will create a wheelchair accessible entrance and enhance our outdoor space for events and gatherings. We’ll keep you posted! Note: With the community center coming along, we’re opening the space to other groups in the community who need a spacious, comfortable, welcoming place to meet or hold an event. If you’re interested in using the space or would like a tour, please email us any time at info@thecenterproject.org. | |
News Roundup | |
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Our Mission | |
Our mission at The Center Project is to provide a safe, affirming space to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources. Historically, our programming has focused on LGBTQIA+ youth, families, and people living in rural areas; as we grow and expand our services and impact, we are committed to equity, justice, inclusion, and representation in our programming and leadership. TCP is an all-volunteer community center focused on serving the needs of LGBTQIA+ people in Columbia throughout Mid-Missouri. Located at 805 Fairview Ave. in Columbia’s beautiful First Ward, we are within walking distance of the bus line, downtown, The Loop, all 3 college campuses, and local food and shelter resources. |
Quarterly Newsletter
TCP Newsletter May 2022
Downloadable PDF
Monthly NewsJanuary 2022
January 2023 edition
December 2022 edition
November 2022 updates
October 2022 September
September 2022 August Recap
August 2022 July Recap
July 2022 Pride Month Recap
June 2022 Pride month News from TCP
May 2022 The latest updates from TCP