DC Center’s Day of Thanks & Zoom Hangout

Image has text about the upcoming Day of Thanks event

To allow staff and board members time to reconnect and recharge, we will be offering takeout meals for Thanksgiving this year. The meals are provided in partnership with Wegmans, and we are currently planning to have them available for pickup on Wednesday, November 22nd.

We are going to be providing approximately 40 meals for folks who register, as well as exploring whether to schedule a Zoom hangout on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re interested in either, please fill out this google form, and if you have any questions, please drop us a line at supportdesk@thedccenter.org

Also please acknowledge we are on Nacotchtank, Piscataway and Pamunkey Nations land.

RSVP HERE

ALL MEALS ARE SPOKEN FOR – if you want to be on the waitlist, you can fill out the form above and we will be in touch on Monday, November 20th with more information.

 

We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center

Street view of the outside of the DC Center's New Space

We’re so excited to share the big news!

We’re Moving!

Check out all the details about our new location in our press release and watch this space for more details to come!

This amazing next chapter in our LGBTQ+ community members lives needs your support!

Please click here and donate what you can to help support the creation of our new space!

Click here to read our press release

 

  • thumbnail of the press release

 

 

Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project

THIS POSITION IS FILLED. Case Management & Advocacy Specialist Position Available

Job Opportunity at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

The DC Anti-Violence Project of the DC Center for the LGBT Community is seeking a community-based trauma-informed mental health professional to provide case management services to and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse in the DMV area. The position also involves community leadership in facilitating community meetings/activities and in networking with and educating survivor services providers, to strengthen the appropriate and effective response of LGBTQ+ competent service provision to LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus. Familiarity with TheraNest or other EHR systems is also a plus. Experience in providing telehealth via Zoom HIPAA-compliant video platform is desired, as the position includes virtual and in-person service provision.

CMA Specialist Position summary:

Since 2002, The DC Center for the LGBT Community has implemented a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, uplifting and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of Washington, DC. The Case Management and Advocacy (CMA) Specialist position helps to achieve this mission by providing case management and advocacy support services to LGBTQ+ survivors of violence, crime, and trauma. These services are available free-of-charge to our community members due to grant funding from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG). The CMA Specialist will work with community members and clients individually via email, phone, HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person, and as a member of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team, supporting two licensed mental health clinicians in connecting BHS clients to needed services. The CMA Specialist will also facilitate the monthly meetings of the DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP) and related community based violence intervention, education and advocacy activities. The person who fills this position is also responsible for assisting on other related projects, such as record-keeping for the quarterly/ annual reporting and management of the OVSJG grant, outreach and education in the LGBTQ+ community, and assisting the mission, vision, and values of The DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP). There is limited funding available for professional development, and to assist with costs of renewing DC & MD licenses, if applicable. The CMA Specialist will assist with administrative needs as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager and report to the Executive Director. 

Special Skills:

The CMA Specialist must have at least 2 years’ experience working as a trauma-informed case manager and advocate with a diverse client population. They must have a demonstrated ability to work with LGBTQ+ adults, to work well as a team member, to problem solve and communicate at all levels verbally as well as in writing. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Must be self-motivated, ethical, and be able to build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and with key stakeholders in the larger victim-serving network of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have prior nonprofit experience and crisis assessment, intervention and referral experience. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus.

CMA Specialist Functions and Duties

  • Be the point of contact and initial assessment for requests for mental health assistance and triage the requests as appropriate for referral to BHS clinicians and case management and advocacy to relevant providers within the District networks of care
  • Provide trauma-informed and interculturally competent case management assistance to DCAVP BHS clients (LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence and abuse) in accessing appropriate organizations and providers for services beyond the parameters of mental health counseling offered by the DCAVP BHS Therapists
  • Provide email/phone/drop-in and virtual response to and follow-up with LGBTQ+ clients’ requests for advocacy, info & referral and warm-handoffs to wrap-around services in the District
  • Provide LGBTQ+ clients in crisis necessary crisis intervention, consultation and referrals to appropriate support systems (safety plans, hospitalization, referrals, etc.) as well as connection into BHS individual and group counseling services as appropriate
  • Build and maintain the BHS Providers List of LGBQ, TGNC, BIPOC competent, trauma-informed, culturally diverse mental health clinicians who are affordable and accessible for low-to-no income LGBTQ+ clients seeking long-term counseling services
  • Facilitate the monthly meetings of the DCAVP and manage the DCAVP listservs and social media outreach and advocacy activities, working in partnership with DCAVP community members to further the mission, vision, and values of the DCAVP
  • Write and coordinate DCAVP response for Community Impact Statements to support hate bias cases, in partnership with the the MPD LGBTSU and USAO, and public relations response as needed
  • Coordinate and/or represent the DCAVP at LGBTQ+ expert community collaborations and consultations with the partnering organizations in the continuum of services in the District (including VAN, VPART, HBTF)
  • Be the point of contact for requests for DCAVP collaboration and expertise on community programs and policy committees (such as the VAN, VPART, DCAVP, HBTF and others) and for requests for LGBTQ+ competency education and training for community organization professionals in LGBTQ+ issues and best practices for service provision
  • Build the District’s statistical knowledge base about crimes against and effective services for LGBTQ+ residents by designing client services and events evaluation processes and performing research and analysis of statistics culled from clients and feedback to assist in program development, funding requests and requests for informational statistics
  • Assist with keeping clinical statistical data, implementing and analyzing client evaluation feedback and writing quarterly reports and other grant deliverables for the OVSJG grant throughout the fiscal year, as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager
  • Assist in the management of the Direct Client Assistance program, a fund of resources to assist LGBTQ+ survivors in securing technology, internet connectivity, training and transportation to be able to consistently and safely access support services
  • Collaborate with DC Center staff to provide community-based education and outreach opportunities in line with OVSJG DCAVP grant requirements 
  • Keep a current schedule and accurate records of all clinical and non-clinical interactions in the systems in use by the DC Center and BHS team
  • Work well with a diverse staff team to facilitate an open, supportive and warm environment for all individuals who connect with The DC Center and represent the DC Center professionally within the community.

Salary range is $48,000-50,000.

Position includes health insurance, vacation and personal leave benefits.

Position is grant-funded on an annual basis (Oct 1, 2022 through Sept 30, 2023).

To apply, please send resumes and cover letters to supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

DC Center Reopening FAQ

As we reopen, the DC Center is doing our best to meet the needs of our community while creating a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, and visitors. Please see below some of the information available about our space, our meetings, and other questions. We will update this information as necessary as the situation changes or we understand better what information people are looking for.

 

What are The DC Center’s hours of operation?

  • Mondays through Fridays from 12pm to 6pm
  • Saturdays from 11am to 3pm
  • Sundays are closed

After 5 pm on weekdays or on Saturdays, please enter from the side of the building (facing U Street) and state that you’re coming to the DC Center to the security team, who will let you in.

 

Are support groups/meetings meeting in-person, virtually or hybrid?

Based on surveys and conversations with peer group facilitators and participants, we are offering a hybrid (physical with webstation for Zoom), completely virtual, and in-person only, at each groups’ discretion. The information is available on the event sign-up for each group (easily found via: thedccenter.org/calendar)

 

Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a hybrid (in-person with webstation) meeting option? (This list subject to change as groups choose to return to the DC Center’s offices)

2nd Fridays: WiTT from 8 – 9 pm

2nd Saturdays: GenderQueer from 1 – 3 pm (in-person only)

4th Wednesdays: Job Club from 6 – 7 pm.

4th Wednesdays: Ace/Aro Peer Support Group from 7 – 8:30 pm.

 

Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a virtual (Zoom) only meeting option?

Any groups not listed above are meeting virtually.

 

Can I just walk-in to participate in a hybrid support group/meeting?

Currently, the Center is unable to accommodate walk-ups for peer support groups. Registration in advance will be required for peer support group meetings. Information in this regard will be circulated among peer support group leaders and participants as well as be listed on the Center’s website. This is to help make sure the room is not over-crowded.

 

Are therapy meetings still being offered at the Center?

At this time mental health therapy groups and sessions are available virtually (via HIPAA compliant Zoom) or in person. Therapy locations will be chosen based on conversations between clients and therapists, based on comfort/safety and availability.

 

When is the Center expected to open back up and what are some of the processes?

  • Monday through Friday 12 to 6pm; Saturday 11 to 3pm.
  • CyberStations are available via three computers.
  • Mental Health services are available either virtually or in-person based on client/therapist decisions.
  • New and expanding clothing closet and food pantry for those in need of clothes and food.
  • The Art Gallery is opening while the office is open.

Now that the Center is reopening again, what kind of opportunities are available for those in the community who would like to get involved?

  • The best way to stay current with the Center’s activities is to subscribe to our newsletter via our website which comes out every week. This includes volunteer opportunities, information about art installation, monthly programs, and all different social media accounts to get news updates.
  • Volunteers wanting to become a support group facilitator are provided with the necessary training.
  • Joining a support group is the best way to stay connected to the Center and others in the community.
  • There is an events volunteer list to help in events like help preparing to open before events.
  • Members of the community can also join a board committee to help and learn how the Center works.

 

What will be the mitigation efforts to reopen the Center back safely?

  • The DC Center asks that if you are feeling ill, please wear a mask in our space.

Are masks required at the Center?

  • The DC Center asks that if you are feeling ill, please wear a mask in our space.

 

What kind of sanitation procedures will be implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19?

  • A sanitation station that includes wipes/sanitizer and masks are available to community members.
  • Air purification system will be provided for various spaces within the Center.

 

If rates of COVID continue to rise in DC will the Center remain open?

  • Federal and local guidelines will be closely monitored and adhered to, up to and including closing the Center due to an increase in COVID cases in the DC area to ensure the safety of our employees and constituents.

DC Center reopens to the Public

Relaying information about the DC Center's reopening

The DC Center Reopens to the public Monday, October 4th!

 

The DC Center is excited to announce that we are reopening to the public effective Monday, October 4th. After providing services virtually nonstop since March 2020, we are overjoyed to welcome the community back into our space. We are going to be modifying how we provide services, please check out some of the information below to know how we’re keeping the community safe, as well as how we are asking the community to help protect the staff and others at The DC Center.

 

Hours of Operation

The DC Center will resume our normal office hours of 12 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. We are still located at the Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 105.

Expectations

As grantees of the DC government, The DC Center staff fall under Mayor Bowser’s vaccine mandate, so all staff are required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID testing. While we are not mandating vaccinations from our participants, we are asking people to wear masks that cover mouths and noses securely (disposable masks are available at the entrance to the DC Center), and self-screen for common COVID-19 symptoms (fever/shakes, recent loss of sense of smell, congestion, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, etc) and ask for assistance outside the DC Center’s offices if they aren’t feeling well.

FAQ

Services available

The DC Center will be making some changes to the way we operate, especially in how we have our peer support groups. Please click here for Hybrid Peer Support Group information. Otherwise services are listed below with a quick summary of changes in how we operate

Cyber Center: Reduced capacity, 3 people at once. If someone is waiting to use the services, we will discuss what makes sense with everyone trying to use the Cyber Center.

Mental Health Services: Mental Health Services will be remote for the time being. If you are interested in receiving services, you can email supportdesk@thedccenter.org to get started.

Lounge: Our lounge has been rearranged to help promote social distancing, as has our Meeting Room Space.

Clothing Closet: Our Clothing Closet has been relocated and better organized to help people more easily access it.

Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry is being restocked, as much of the donated food had expired during the pandemic.

Referrals/Service Linkages: These are happening in person or can be accessed by calling our Main desk at (202) 682-2245, or via email at Supportdesk@thedccenter.org

 

 

Queer Women Working Through Trauma Therapy Group Oct 13-Dec 15, 2020

Queer Women Working Through Trauma

The Queer Women Working Through Trauma group invites individuals to focus on processing trauma as a group through a variety of therapeutic techniques, learning to manage triggers and painful memories, and other behavioral processing activities. Participants will also focus on the mind-body connection throughout the course of the group, engaging in art and expression activities, mindful meditation/visualization, deep breathing, and other tactile exercises to help process through trauma responses while creating accessible coping strategies.

The group is held weekly for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 pm – 7 pm. The next cycle of the group will start on October 13 and will meet remotely via Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming cycle of the group or getting on the waiting list for the next one, please contact our staff therapist, Christina Cappelletti, LGSW, to set up a time for a telecounseling intake session: christinac@thedccenter.org. 

This group is offered at no cost to clients, thanks to a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

We Are Closed In Observance Of Juneteenth

 

The DC Center will be closed on June 19, 2020 in observance of Juneteenth

and

to support the #StrikeForBlackLives. #BlackLivesMatter

If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:

DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org

 

Meet the Staff: Ella

Welcome Ella to the DC Center! As the health and wellness intern, she looks forward to getting to know the center and the people it serves. You can meet Ella at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. She is looking forward to working with the peer support groups and learning more about the mental and physical healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

January 5, 2000. I’m a capricorn sun and moon and a virgo rising!

 

Where are you originally from? 

I was born and raised in DC.

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I wanted the chance to learn more about working in mental health, and the Center’s work is so important! 

 

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

How kind and welcoming the staff is.

 

What is your music anthem? 

Space Cowboy by Kacey Musgraves

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

My friends and my girlfriend!

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there? 

Rock creek park, I love to take walks there and listen to a good podcast or audiobook.

 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Boy Erased– the book is also very powerful.

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?  

A nice olive green. Might put a few murals on the sides!

 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
Experimental musician Pauline Oliveros. She was out and open in a time when that was very uncommon, and her music is incredibly powerful.

DC Center – Closed Effective 3/16/20

Image of the Coronavirus and the works COVID-19

Taking guidance and recommendations about social distancing from the DC government and the CDC, effective Monday, March 16th, The DC Center for the LGBT Community’s office will be closed. Staff are still working remotely, and will be checking emails and voicemails multiple times each day. Please reach out to supportdesk@thedccenter.org to connect with the DC Center, as we are still able to provide services and support.

If you are interested in attending support groups remotely, please reach out to your facilitator or supportdesk@thedccenter.org and we can provide options for remote meetings using conference lines.

The situation is changing rapidly, please refer to the CDC’s website and coronavirus.dc.gov for up-to-date information on what you can do to help prevent and slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

The DC Center team will be meeting regularly to assess the situation and rest assured that we will open as soon as it is safe to do so, as we know that many of our clients and participants are vulnerable and will need support. If you are able, please consider donating and supporting organizations that provide food, medicine, and other support to marginalized populations. 

 

If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:

DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org