Guzman secures $20,000 for LGBT Center of Greater Reading
Rep. Manuel Guzman August 24, 2021 | 11:42 AM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 24 -- State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that the LGBT Center of Greater Reading received $20,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Guzman said he was instrumental in securing the funding to expand on the mission of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading of creating, administering and providing services, advocacy and support to LGBTQ+ people in the greater Reading area.
“I am thrilled to have played a role in securing this money for an organization that provides such important services for our LGBTQ+ community,” Guzman said. “Everyone deserves to have a place where they feel safe and empowered, while having access to advocacy and social outreach programs.”
The LGBT Center of Greater Reading was founded in 2016 and recently was a recipient of the 2020 Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency.
"We are honored to receive a $20,000.00 grant from the Department of Human Services, and it comes at the perfect time," said Michelle Dech, executive director of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading.
"In addition to providing essential items to those in crisis through our Rainbow Relief fund, we are looking forward to launching a weekly open food pantry and a weekly hot meal kitchen beginning in November. This funding will support building those vital community services."
The LGBT Center recently announced its expansion to a satellite location in Reading's Centre Park district, doubling the footprint provided by the center's existing location at 1501 N. 13th Street.
“This influx in funding will provide the opportunity for the LGBT Center of Greater Reading to hone and expand on their mission of creating an environment where all are welcome,” Guzman said.