By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Western New York is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the New York State Health Department.
Winning the grant was significant for the coalition. It was one of only 22 organizations to receive the funding in a statewide grant process.
The coalition, established a few years ago, works to improve conditions for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gendered members of the local community.
Board president Ron Silverio, said the $100,000 state health department grant will allow the organization to create the first "Pride Center" in Buffalo. A similar center disappeared 25-years ago.
"There used to be, 25 years ago, a gay and lesbian community center in Buffalo," said Silverio. "But, since then, there has not been an organized a presence of the community in the sense of a center."
"This money gives us the opportunity to have a center and staff to support our communities needs," he added.
Silverio said the new Pride Center on Trinity Place in Buffalo will access to information about health care and mental health services.
"Making sure the young people have healthy role models - that gay families know where to find resources for people who are skilled in dealing with their specific needs," said Silverio.
The coalition estimates that there are about 40,000 gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gendered members living in the region.
The organization says it will use the grant to enhance visibility in the general community, to promote its issues and accomplishments.
Silverio said this is a time of "growth" for gay and lesbian groups through out New York State.