Amber Roadcap, who was recently named executive director of The LGBT Center of Central PA, said that being a “helper” and “connector” has always been part of who she is.
“I hope that I show up with integrity, authenticity and joy to serve others,” she said, noting her passion for servant-leadership — an approach that prioritizes the needs and wellbeing of others.
She first learned about the concept after reading a book that she said has a “religious backdrop.” Although today she defines herself as spiritual rather than religious, Roadcap was raised in a Baptist church — where a youth pastor who was previously loved and respected by the community was rejected and encouraged to “get reprogrammed” after he came out.
“I was 16 at that time, and I was like, I’m not going there anymore,” she said, noting that she distanced herself from organized religion thereafter.
Seeing the church’s response to her community member opened her eyes to the need for LGBTQ+ advocacy. Roadcap, who describes herself as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, said that people sometimes place themselves into boxes based on society’s expectations before they have the chance to really explore their own identities — and she hopes the LGBT Center of Central PA can serve as a reminder of an alternative approach, as a safe space to explore and examine their sense of self.
She feels especially passionate about improving access to “self work,” which she said allows people “to really look at who we are, what we want to become, and how we can continue to work towards being the best version of ourselves.”
Before accepting the position, Roadcap, who has a bachelor of psychology from Penn State and a background in mental health, had been facilitating support groups for the organization. She was also working for Malvern Health — where she’d developed marking and business skills and promoted programming that centers on LGBTQ+ mental health. She’s also worked in crisis intervention and in a behavioral health system.
The transition to a small nonprofit after previously working for larger companies has been humorous. On any given day, she might need to complete tasks typically given to maintenance personnel, pen statements on behalf of the organization, talk with and support the community, brainstorm plans for branding and social media marketing, and address other needs.
Roadcap, who is currently working on a three-year strategic plan for the organization, said she’s in listening mode. She’s aiming to understand the community’s needs and gather feedback from those not yet connected to the center to determine what they would like to see happen in the space.
The LGBT Center of Central PA has been active for 20 years but just opened its first permanent brick-and-mortar location about six months ago, offering a new space to explore while the community visions together before new programs and initiatives are added.
“I’m really thankful for the infrastructure and the blueprint my predecessors left,” she said, adding that her own abilities and interest in connecting people to resources, collaborating with other agencies, and establishing systems to support mental health will help her guide the center into its next phase of life.
Programs coming to the center soon include a bereavement group, family story time, and more community events. Roadcap, who is a cyclist and birder and enjoys the outdoors, is considering how to incorporate trips outside into programming. She would eventually like to add a food and clothing pantry, since community members can now come to the center to do their laundry. She’s also heard a lot about a need for programming that specifically caters to adults in their 30s — who are in a different life stage than young adults and elders, groups who often receive more attention when developing programs.
“When we discuss our wildest dreams for the center — I would like us to be able to provide in-house behavioral health therapy, medical check-ups, and to have multiple housing options for our community,” she said, noting that she hopes to bolster mental health through increased interactions with the center and new services.
Roadcap recognized that it can be challenging to ensure that each specific person within the very diverse LGBTQ+ umbrella has the services, programs and community connections they need to feel safe, supported and seen.
“How do we serve the community as a whole when we have such a big community that has so many intersectionalities within it?” she pondered, adding that she’s constantly growing as she learns about each unique need.
“There’s so much going on in our world right now,” Roadcap said, underlining that the challenges the queer community is facing right now will not be dissipating any time soon. She also said The LGBT Center of Central PA is growing, which is cause for celebration and excitement.
“I hope that it can be a beacon and a safe space no matter where the wind takes us in a couple of months,” she underlined.
For more information on the LGBT Center of Central PA, visit centralpalgbtcenter.org.