Capping a historic year, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) was recently named the Nonprofit of the Year by the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber cited several Center accomplishments that went into its decision, including the purchase of a new home at 1301 E. Colfax Ave. The purchase marks the first time in The Center's 33-year history that it has owned its own building.
"The Center has made amazing strides in 2009. On top of embarking on an ambitious capital campaign and purchasing a new home, The Center has created new programs for the transgender community, as well as for GLBT families and elders," said Ed Robinson, chairman of the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. "It did this while growing the Rainbow Alley program for youth, hosting its first 9News Health Fair and organizing the largest PrideFest in Denver history."
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In 2009, The Center launched a three-year, $3.5 million capital campaign that included $2.5 million for the purchase and renovation of the Colfax building, which is scheduled to open in May 2010. The Center also created new programs and services to promote healthy lifestyles, to engage GLBT parents and to provide support and educational seminars for older gays and lesbians.
In addition, The Center named a Transgender Advocate and was active in the April trial of Allen Andrade, who was convicted of first-degree murder and a hate crime against Angie Zapata, a young transgender woman in Greeley.
Past recipients of the DGLCC's Nonprofit of the Year award include the Colorado AIDS Project, Jewish Family Services and Community Shares.
"We're honored that the Chamber recognized all of the hard work of our staff and board in 2009," said Center Executive Director Carlos Martinez. "It's been a phenomenal year for us, and it's rewarding to get that acknowledgement."
