The William Way LGBT Community Center announced it would build a partnership with The Attic Youth Center as part of its goals for 2012, and brought on five board members for new terms at the William Way’s annual meeting Jan. 21 at 1315 Spruce St.
The center’s membership elected four new board members and appointed a board member at the meeting.
Current board members Leon King II and Steve Brando were reelected to two-year terms, while Tricia Dressel and Rudy Flesher were elected as new board members for two-year terms. The four replaced outgoing board members Deb Francesco, Matt O’Malley, Eric Ashton and Joseph Dougherty.
Brando was named the new secretary for the board, replacing O’Malley.
The new board then appointed Jocelyn Block to a two-year term.
There are currently 14 members on the William Way LGBT Community Center’s Board with one vacant seat.
Members with ongoing terms include co-chairs Stephanie Gross and Jeff Sotland, treasurer Ann Butchart, Ted Greenberg, Amber Hikes, Adam Hymans, Moira Mulroney, Brad Richards and Laurie Ward.
Chris Bartlett, the center’s executive director, reported the successes in 2010 and 2011, including the renovation and expansion of the facilities (such as an ADA-compliant bathroom), increasing the visibility of programs and services throughout the region and creating two new successful fundraising events — Homecoming in June and IndiGogo in October.
Other achievements included expanded programming for seniors and hiring two full-time employees: executive assistant Paul Blore and director of development Michael Pomante.
Bartlett also reported on the center’s short-term and long-term goals and strategies for the next five years.
The center’s strategies include leveraging the center’s space and location to have a highly visible presence, partnering with other organizations to extend the center’s offerings and reaching beyond the LGBT communities for support and engagement.
Bartlett also outlined five goals for the center: to foster strong, vibrant LGBT communities; provide a continuum of services to meet unique LGBT needs; undertake a capital campaign to renovate the center into a state-of-the-art facility, internally and externally; establish a sustainable business model; and build a strategic alliance with The Attic Youth Center.
Butchart reported on the center’s finances, relaying that the center reported revenue of $861,150 for fiscal year 2011.
Building income accounted for $138,175, events for $62,509, individual donations for $515,242, grants for $92,000, programs and miscellaneous for $9,239 and $43,985 was released from restriction.
Expenses for the center in 2011 were reported at $651,113. Building expenses accounted for $63,851, general operating costs for $112,613, marketing and fundraising for $37,128, personnel expenses for $418,361 and program expenses totaled $19,160.
The 2012 budget anticipates $772,655 in income, planning for $121,580 in building income, $110,925 in event income, $278,520 in individual donations, $251,150 in grants, $7,480 from programs and miscellaneous and $3,000 released from restriction.
The 2012 budget also plans for $772,655 in expenses, including $89,335 in building costs, $96,370 for general operating costs, $43,200 for marketing and fundraising, $517,420 for personnel and $26,330 for program expenses.
The center also plans to spend $100,000 in 2012 on capital improvements, including upgrading staff PCs, enhancements to the center’s heating and air-conditioning system, upgrading the security system, roof repairs, new carpeting and windows and elevator maintenance.
The center reported total current assets as of Sept. 30 at $379,154, which includes bank accounts, endowment fund, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses.
Candice Thompson, director of center services, presented the program report, which focused on the center’s major program accomplishments. In 2011, the center’s art gallery showcased more than 40 local, emerging LGBTQ artists. Thompson also reported that the center achieved greater LGBT senior visibility thanks to efforts from the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging cultural competency trainings and added recurring seniors programs and participants.
Another major accomplishment reported in 2011 was the establishment of the David Bohnett Cyber Center Lab.
The center’s major program goals for 2012 include increased programming for live arts and intergenerational efforts. In addition to the new bridge program with The Attic, William Way is planning to expand collaboration with the Mazzoni Center on senior programming.
The next public board meeting is scheduled for April 24.
For more information, visit waygay.org.
