A very well deserved congratulations to the William Way LGBT Community Center for securing a $1 million grant from the state of Pennsylvania that will allow for an upgrade to the building that has been patched up since the community first purchased it way back in 1997. It’s a new phase and a new start for the center.
Wiliam Way has had many new beginnings and helping hands since purchasing the current building. First, construction was achieved thanks to a $300,000 grant from Congressman Tom Foglietta. Then, funds to finance an elevator amounted to about $450,000 by my count.
Government grants are an important part of any civic project, and, like other communities, we deserve to have our civic projects funded. It’s called economic equality, something the Independence Business Alliance knows all about. The John C. Anderson Apartments — LGBT-friendly affordable senior housing — would only be a pipe dream if it were not for government funds.
Still, it’s a crowded and competitive field out there and hard to secure funding, which means William Way should be congratulated for winning.
In every effort, there has to be a cheerleader who believes and overcomes obstacles, who perseveres through challenges. In this case, it is WWCC’s Executive Director Chris Bartlett. He steered the ship through rough waters and always maintained his demeanor. He shows true leadership and vision.
Now it is time for the community to come forward because this is only phase one. Much more is necessary for us to achieve Bartlett’s vision of a building that not only operates and functions but also is the heart of the community. Now is your opportunity to get involved.