Our Mission is to:

• provide space & programs that welcome the entire LGBT community & our allies

• unite our community across lines of age, race, gender and economics

• give visibility to the history, culture and diversity of our community

• organize and plan our political and cultural future

• nurture new organizations and programs to meet emerging community needs

Description:
The Center provides San Francisco with a vast array of programs and services for LGBT people, their friends and families. Our programs are unique because The Center is unique! In addition to our own programs, we collaborate with many organizations serving youth, the elderly, parents and marginalized communities by providing legal, health, social, educational and cultural services that benefit the entire lifespan of LGBT people.



We focus our programming in the following six areas:

Economic and Workforce Development
Arts, Culture & Social Activities
Children, Youth & Families
Health & Wellness
Building Services
Community Development

History:
The Center grew out of a long process of community engagement and planning, beginning in 1993. Our Center provided permanent homes, a familiar place, offering nurturing and exciting initiatives to bring an end to isolation for LGBT people in the Bay Area, while providing a community model to cities across the globe.

The Center was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 1996
In 1997 a site was selected, the land was purchased and an architectural competition was held to select the design of the building
By October 1999, over $11 million had been raised - including pledges of $1,000 each from over 1,000 individuals - and construction began
In March 2002, we opened the first LGBT Center built from the ground up -- a 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility among the largest Centers in the world


The Center plays a distinct role in strengthening individuals and institutions in our community - our goal is not to duplicate existing services, but instead to enhance them, promote them, foster connections among them and make sure people can find them.

Contact person: Joseph Peralta, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 865-5555
Office fax number: (415) 865-5501

Address:

1800 Market St San Francisco, CA 94102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sfcenter.org

Directions:

We are located at 1800 Market Street -- @ Octavia. Please use public transportation to access The Center. Limited street parking available. Hours: Monday- Friday 12noon- 10pm, Saturday 9am- 10pm. Closed Sunday. The MUNI METRO LINES J,K,L,M,N, the F STREETCAR, or MUNI. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Van Ness or Church MUNI stop,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: F Market, 0 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes