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May 13, 2013

THRIVE Group for LGBT 16-24 year-old’s BACK at the Pride Center in 1 month!

Category: Center Support,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 1:39 pm

THRIVE Group, the therapeutic group for young LGBTQ adults ages 16-24 years old is RETURNING to the Pride Center in just one month!  First meeting of the new cycle begins Thursday, June 13th and THRIVE Group has been formalized among the Pride Center’s many programs where it will now be held four time per year in 10 week cycles.  

THRIVE will meet for 10 weekly sessions on Thursday evenings from 6-7:30pm and focus on positive social interaction, health, and transitioning into adulthood.  We have previously offered THRIVE twice – and the feedback from THRIVE is clear: THRIVE Group helps members improve self-esteem, learn effective coping skills, explore young adult issues in a supportive environment and connects young LGBTQ adults to both each other and to other mental health and wellness resources in the area.  THRIVE is free, confidential and highly interactive.  New members are only accepted during the first 2 sessions of each cycle so if you’re interested, join right away!!!

Space is limited and an intake is required.  ”Intakes” are 1/2 hour meetings with either the Mental Health Specialist or THRIVE Group facilitator at the Pride Center that help give us a better picture of our participants and their specific goals and needs.  Intakes may be scheduled before THRIVE Group formally meets or up to the 3rd week of the program.

We’ll see you at THRIVE Group on Thursday, June 13th from 6-7:30pm at the Pride Center!

Contact us at programs@capitalpridecenter.org for more information.

May 7, 2013

Category: Center Support,General,Pride,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 1:06 pm

The Pride Center’s phone line is temporarily down. To leave a voicemail or text us, please use (518)-3CENTER. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

You can also send us an email to programs@capitalpridecenter.org with any concerns. Thank you for your patience.

May 3, 2013

Know Your Status – Get a FREE HIV test at the Pride Center 5/6 & 5/10!

Category: Center Support,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 12:31 pm

The Pride Center offers FREE, confidential, rapid HIV testing 4x per month.  Make HIV testing part of your health care routine – every six months, it’s time for a new test.  Testing at the Pride Center is offered in a judgement free, LGBTQ-friendly, warm environment.  Information about safer sex, healthy relationships, needle-exchange programs, and reducing your risk for HIV/STI’s are available along with free condoms, dental dams, lube and other safer sex supplies.  Stop by the Pride Center during testing Drop-in Hours next Monday the 6th or Friday the 10th between 4-7pm.

Drop-in HIV Testing is offered 4x each month:

1st &3rd Mondays 4-7pm
2nd &4th Fridays 4-7pm

Testing is also available by appointment.  Call the Pride Center at 518-462-6138 or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org to schedule an appointment or find out more information regarding our HIV testing program.

ATTN Youth: We will be offering testing during Capital PRIDE at both the LGBTQA Youth Dance on Friday, May 31st from 7-9:30pm AND the Alternative Prom at the University at Albany on Friday, June 7th from 7-10:30pm.

May 2, 2013

THRIVE Group returning June 13th!

Category: Center Support,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 2:10 pm

The Pride Center is excited to announce that THRIVE Group, the therapeutic group for young LGBTQ adults ages 16-24 years old is RETURNING to the Pride Center on Thursday, June 13th and has been formalized among the Pride Center’s programs where we will now hold THRIVE Group for 10 week cycles 4 times per year.  

THRIVE will meet for 10 weekly sessions and focus on positive social interaction, health, and transitioning into adulthood.  We have previously offered THRIVE twice – and the feedback from THRIVE is clear: THRIVE Group helps members improve self-esteem, learn effective coping skills, explore young adult issues in a supportive environment and connects young LGBTQ adults to both each other and to other mental health and wellness resources in the area.  THRIVE is free, confidential and highly interactive.  New members are only accepted during the first 2 sessions of each so if you’re interested, join right away!!!

Space is limited and an intake is required.  ”Intakes” are 1/2 hour meetings with either the Mental Health Specialist or THRIVE Group facilitator at the Pride Center that help give us a better picture of our participants and their specific goals and needs.  Intakes may be scheduled before THRIVE Group formally meets or up to the 3rd week of the program.

Contact us at programs@capitalpridecenter.org for more information.

Be sure and check out the Pride Center’s other Center Youth Groups:

Rainbow Nights – The Pride Center’s Schenectady LGBTQ Youth Group for 13-18 year olds will meet TONIGHT at 6pm at Proctors in Schenectady.  Rainbow Nights meets every 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 at Proctors.

Youth Group – Our Pride Center Youth Group meets every Friday night from 7-8:30pm.  If you’re between 13-18 make sure you come and check us out.  Youth Group meets at the Pride Center at 332 Hudson Avenue in Albany.

 

April 9, 2013

Joshua Dunning Powell LGBTQA Youth Scholarship DUE FRIDAY!

Category: Center Support,General,Pride,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 4:57 pm

This is your last chance to get your application in for the Joshua Dunning Powell Scholarship! The deadline is FRIDAY, April 12th!

Applications can be downloaded here. If you are a graduating senior who is going to be entering your first year of college, don’t forget to complete an application packet!

The Joshua Dunning Powell Scholarship is the largest scholarship fund for LGBT youth AND allies  in the Capital Region entering their first year of college!  Last year, the scholarship fund awarded cash grants to 4 local LGBT students in honor of their achievements and to help defray the costs of their college education. Since 2010, twenty awards have been given to local LGBT students, ranging in geography from Glens Falls to Hudson, and entering a range of colleges from Skidmore to SUNY Plattsburgh.

Again, the deadline is FRIDAY, April 12th.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please don’t hesitate to call the Center at (518) 462-6138 or email James Shultis, Youth Program Coordinator at jshultis@capitalpridecenter.org

 

April 5, 2013

Time for a test? Get a free, rapid, confidential HIV test at the Pride Center on 4/12 OR 4/15!

Category: Center Support — Capital Pride Center @ 5:02 pm

Has it been more than 6 months since your last HIV test?  If so, it’s time for a new test.  Drop by the Pride Center at 332 Hudson Avenue in Albany on either Friday, April 12th from 4-7pm OR Monday, April 15th from 4-7pm for a painless, free, rapid, confidential HIV test.  Results are available in 20 minutes and safer sex information and supplies are on hand for free!

HIV testing is offered at the Pride Center each month on the:

1st & 3rd Mondays 4-7pm
2nd & 4th Fridays 4-7pm

Testing is also available by appointment.  Get tested in a welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly, judgement free environment.  We have information about how to access syringe exchange programs; condoms, dental dams and lube for free; information about sexual health and family planning and other ways to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV and what supports are available should you test positive for HIV.

Questions? Want to make an appointment? Call 518-462-6138 and ask for Lauren or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org.

March 18, 2013

Free Rapid, Confidential HIV Testing TONIGHT and FRIDAY at the Pride Center!

Category: Center Support — Capital Pride Center @ 2:46 pm

The Pride Center of the Capital Region offers free, confidential, rapid HIV testing 4x per month, every month on site here at the Pride Center.  Our HIV testing program is administered by a trained professional, results are available in 20 minutes and free safer sex supplies such as internal condoms, external condoms, dental dams, and lubricant are available.  Get all of your safer sex questions answered in a non-judgmental format.

Our Drop-in HIV testing hours are:

1st & 3rd Mondays: 4-7PM

2nd & 4th Fridays 4-7PM

We also test by appointment.  Call 518-462-6138 and ask for the Mental Health Specialist, Lauren Ford, or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org to make an appointment.

Testing is recommended every three-to-six months so if you’re due for an HIV test, stop in TONIGHT any time between 4-7pm.

March 4, 2013

Pride Center Marks LGBT Health Month!

Category: Center Support,General,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 12:33 pm

March into LGBT Health Month with the Pride Center!  The Pride Center is committed to doing our part to promote the well being of all LGBT people. LGBT people can face a variety of challenges and obstacles in obtaining quality health care; and these challenges can be exacerbated when considered across race, class, gender identity and other factors.  Here is some information about some of our health-related programming.  Follow the link for more information.

Center Support at the Pride Center:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous: Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays (Mondays are Gay Men only) 7PM Garden Level
  • Narcotics Anonymous: Thursdays 7PM Garden Level
  • Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Wednesdays 6:30PM Garden Level
  • Men’s Peer Support Group: Mondays 7PM 1st Floor
  • Women’s Peer Support Group: Tuesdays 7PM Garden Level
  • Support Group for Family & Friends of LGBT People: Every 2nd Tues of the month at 7PM at the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Ave, Schenectady, NY.
  • FREE HIV Testing: 1st & 3rd Mondays 4-7pm, 2nd & 4th Fridays 4-7pm, 3rd Floor
  • Counseling: By Appointment Only, call 518-462-6128×12
  • Case Management Services: By Appointment Only, call 518-462-6138×12

The Pride Center can also help you find an LGBT friendly doctor, educate your doctor or therapist about working with LGBT people, assist with researching options and applying for health insurance, exploring options and understanding the process of hormone therapy and gender affirming surgery, accessing needle exchange programs, understanding sexual and reproductive health care, and a variety of other health and human services.

Call the Pride Center at 518-462-6138×12 or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org for more information.

March 1, 2013

ObamaCare Quiz

Category: Center Support,General — Capital Pride Center @ 1:37 pm

Two years ago President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the most significant reform of the U.S. health system since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s. Many of the law’s reforms are already making a difference in the lives of the LGBTQ community, and many more benefits are to come as key provisions of the law take into effect 2014.

The Center for American Progress created the following quiz to test your knowledge of the Affordable Care Act.  Think you know the law? Find out below!

1.       Relative to the heterosexual population, how likely are LGBTQ adults to be uninsured?

  • twice as likely
  • equally likely
  • half as likely

 

2.       According to a recent survey, what percent of the African American transgender community do not have health insurance coverage?

  • 15 percent
  • 19 percent
  • 22 percent
  • 31 percent

 

3.       How will the Affordable Care Act help close the gap in health insurance coverage for our community?

  • It expands Medicaid
  • It expands private insurance coverage
  • Both

 

4.       The law states that insurance exchanges may not discriminate on the basis of which categories?

  • Sexual Orientation
  • Gender Identity
  • Both
  • Neither

 

5.       83% of heterosexuals feel like they have great health. How much of our community do you think feels good too?

  • 84 percent
  • 80 percent
  • 77 percent
  • 67 percent

 

6.       What percentage of transgender adults report having excellent or very good overall health?

  • 84 percent
  • 80 percent
  • 77 percent
  • 67 percent

 

7.       Which of the following is NOT true concerning the health disparities facing people of color in our community?

  • Asian American gay adults are the gay minority group least likely to report experiencing psychological distress.
  • Lesbian and bisexual African American women are least likely to have had a mammogram in the past two years
  • One in every five gay African American adults has diabetes
  • One in every four Latino transgender people has been refused medical care due to bias

 

8.       Which of the following provisions was NOT included in the final health reform law?

  • Funding and support for community-based prevention programs
  • Equal health insurance benefits for same-sex partners for federal employees
  • Promotion of cultural competency and workforce diversity
  • Funding and support for community health centers

 

9.       How does the Affordable Care Act benefit those living with HIV or AIDS?

  • More affordable prescription drugs
  • You can’t get denied insurance because of your HIV status
  • You don’t need an AIDS diagnosis to qualify for Medicare
  • All of the above

 

10.    What provision is NOT currently included in the Affordable Care Act’s new Patient’s Bill of Rights?

  • Prohibits insurers from denying adults with pre-existing conditions starting in 2010
  • Provides coverage for people with pre-existing conditions through Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plans
  • Prohibits lifetime limits on insurance coverage
  • Requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 cents of each premium dollar on health care services than administrative costs

HIV Testing at the Pride Center Next Monday 03/04 and Friday 03/08 from 4-7PM!

Category: Center Support,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 12:46 pm

Happy Friday!

As you may know, the Pride Center offers free, confidential, rapid HIV testing.  Testing is open to ALL and reliable results are available in only 20 minutes!

Drop-in HIV Testing is offered:

1st & 3rd Mondays from 4-7PM

2nd & 4th Fridays from 4-7PM

Testing is also available by appointment.  Call 518.462.6138 or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org to request an appointment for an HIV testing.

HIV Testing at the Pride Center is offered in a warm, non-judgmental private space and administered by a licensed professional.  Safer sex supplies including condoms, dental dams and water-based lubricant are available along with information.

Information is power – stop by the Pride Center on Monday or Friday from 4-7PM  for a free, confidential, rapid HIV test!

February 7, 2013

Check out where the Pride Center’s Mental Health Specialist will be training health and human service providers this spring!

Category: Center Support,General — Capital Pride Center @ 10:43 am

The Pride Center of the Capital Region serves 10 counties throughout the greater capital region and connects with over 15,000 people per year.  Part of our work is in training health and human service providers about providing quality, inclusive, comprehensive and culturally aware services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people.  Lauren Ford, the Pride Center’s Mental Health Specialist, travels throughout our service area training hundreds of folks about concrete steps they can take in their agencies to provide better services to our community.  This spring, Lauren is traveling to:

-          The Capital District YMCA in Albany, NY

-          The Eddy SeniorCare Program in Schenectady, NY

-          The University at Albany: School of Social Welfare in Albany, NY

-          The Crime Victims and Sexual Violence Center in Albany, NY

-          St. Rose University in Albany, NY

-          Internships in Aging Program in Delmar, NY

-          NY Connects in Fort Edwards, NY

-          NYS Employee Assistance Program in Albany, NY

-          Parsons in Albany, NY

-          Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY

The Pride Center is in the process of scheduling further trainings throughout our service area for this spring.  Each of our trainings is tailored to the agency where we present to make sure the organization feels empowered to provide inclusive, welcoming service to members of the LGBT Community.

To request a training for your organization or group by the Pride Center of the Capital Region, please visit http://www.capitalpridecenter.org/speaker-request.cfm.

February 4, 2013

HIV Testing – Tonight and Friday at the Pride Center!

Category: Center Support,General — Capital Pride Center @ 2:11 pm

Hello!  It’s always important to know your status.  Free HIV testing is available here at the Pride Center TONIGHT from 4-7 pm. It’s free, confidential, and accurate results are available in just 20 minutes! Our HIV testing is available every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (the 1st Monday being tonight) from 4-7 pm and also the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month from 4-7 pm. During these times, you can just drop by the Pride Center and get yourself tested. If these times don’t work for you, don’t worry- you can always make an appointment to get tested. Also, we have free condoms and safer sex kits available when you get tested to stay protected.

Our address is 332 Hudson Avenue.  Call us at 518-462-6138 or email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org for more information or to set up an appointment

Have a great day!

January 15, 2013

Have you stopped by Women’s Group at the Pride Center lately? Meeting’s every Tuesday (that’s tonight!) from 7-8:30 PM!

Category: Center Support,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 11:16 am

Looking to make new friends? Get support and resources? Women’s Group at the Pride Center may be just what you’re looking for!  The Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Women’s Peer Support Group meets every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm at the Pride Center – 332 Hudson Ave, in Albany.  This peer support group gives space for LBT women to talk about coming out, sex, religion, dating, relationships and other issues.

Women’s group is open to LBT women ages 18+ and is facilitated by four awesome rotating volunteers at the Pride Center!  We hope to see you TONIGHT and every Tuesday at Women’s Group!

Questions? Call the Pride Center at 518-462-6138 or email programs@capitalpridecenter.org for more information!

P.S. The Pride Center also has a Men’s Group for 18+ Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Men that meets on Monday’s at 7 pm.

January 3, 2013

THRIVE Group for LGBTQ Young Adults 16-24 to Begin Next Week!

Category: Center Support,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 11:20 am

Starting Thursday, January 10th, we’ll have our first meeting of the second installment of THRIVE, our therapist-led mental health and wellness group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) young adults ages 16-24!

THRIVE Group focuses on positive social interaction, health, and transitioning into adulthood.   The group is highly interactive and incorporates arts-based, peer-led activities along with the support of a trained therapist.  This is the second installment of THRIVE Group, returning after the original 12 week run this past summer.  The first installment of THRIVE Group was very successful with several members of THRIVE Group providing feedback to the Pride Center that THRIVE Group lead to improvements regarding their emotional and mental health, self esteem and coping skills.  Others remarked that the best part of THRIVE Group was the space for peer-lead discussions about their lives and that they had felt THRIVE Group had helped them improve their social interaction skills.  We asked the members of THRIVE to scale their overall experience in THRIVE Group and every member with us at the final session indicated their experience was “very good.”

The group meets every Thursday from 6-7:30PM for 12 weekly sessions. We will be meeting on the 3rd floor of the Pride Center (332 Hudson Avenue, Albany).

THRIVE is free, confidential and interactive. Space is limited and an intake is required. Contact us at lford@capitalpridecenter.org for more information.

Please spread the word! We hope to see you there next Thursday the 10th at 6PM!

December 10, 2012

Like Us on Facebook Now through the 31st to Win Priscilla Tickets!!

Category: Center Support,General,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 12:56 pm

Hi there Capital Region! 2013 is fast approaching and do you know what that means? We have just 3 more weeks to reach our goal of 800 “likes”  by the end of the year! If you already like us on Facebook, please encourage your friends and family to like us as well.

With every new like we receive up until December 31st–that person will receive an entry into our PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT tickets contest!

Did we get your attention? Your chance to win two free tickets to PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT at Proctors Theater! PRISCILLA will be showing from February 12-February 17! Check out more about the musical here

Make sure you tell your friends/family to write ” I like the Pride Center because of ____”. Have them enter your name and you will also be entered into the drawing. A big thank you to Proctors for donating the tickets.

LIKE US TODAY!!!

November 26, 2012

Come Out to Our College Night Mixer TOMORROW Night!

Category: Center Support,General,Programs,Upcoming Events — Capital Pride Center @ 5:32 pm

We’re excited to say that TOMORROW NIGHT is yet another College Night Mixer in Rainbow Cafe! Looking to connect with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students from around the Capital Region? Here’s your chance! Once a month the Pride Center hosts college students and those looking to go to college (18+), to meet one another and chat about things that are happening in schools in and around Albany.

Our last college night in October was a great success and we had students who represented: UAlbany, College of St. Rose, Siena, RPI, SCCC, Hudson Valley, Sage, Union, among others. Want your school represented at this one? COME OUT!

Don’t miss this great event, it’s free and refreshments will be served.

When?
Tuesday, November 27th from 6-9PM

Where?
Pride Center of the Capital Region (332 Hudson Avenue, Albany)

Any questions, call the Pride Center at 462-6138 or email James Shultis, Youth Program Assistant at jshultis@capitalpridecenter.org

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK

August 21, 2012

Join Us for Our Mailing Party Today and Tomorrow!

Category: Center Support,General,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 11:29 am

We’re still looking for a couple more volunteers  today and/or tomorrow for our Mailing Party!

This mailing is for our Center Youth programming and goes out to schools throughout the Capital Region to let them know about our programs and trainings we do to make Capital Region schools safe for all students! If you’re not already familiar with our Center Youth offerings, check out our website to learn more!

You can stop by the Pride Center anytime today (Tuesday) between 4-8PM and/or tomorrow (Wednesday) 10AM-4PM! Light refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP at 462-6138 or email James Shultis, our Youth Program Assistant at jshultis@capitalpridecenter.org

We do hope you can help! Our programs are successful because volunteers like you contribute their time! Thank you!

August 20, 2012

Do You Know About Our Trans Pride Program?

Category: Center Support,General,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 11:18 am

Have you checked out the Trans Pride program at the Pride Center lately?

Trans Pride at the Pride Center is a program that promotes the well being of the transgender and gender non conforming community in a safe and empowering space. The Trans Pride program is dedicated to empowering transgender and gender non conforming people and their allies through social opportunities, community building, resource sharing, and advocacy.

Trans Pride encompasses three main programs at the Pride Center – our monthly Meet & Greet that takes place in the Rainbow Café on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm, the education and professional development training about transgender issues offered by the Pride Center to organizations and agencies, and our Discussion Group that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm on the 3rd floor of the Pride Center.

The Trans Pride Discussion Group offers a topic centered discussion on a variety of trans-specific issues ranging from legal issues to successful transition in the workplace to coming out.  the Trans Pride Discussion Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month – the next meeting will take place TOMORROW night – we hope you will join us.

For more information about the Trans Pride program at the Pride Center, please contact Program Director Curran Streett at 518.462.6138 or email cstreett@capitalpridecenter.org.

August 1, 2012

Can Case Management Services at the Pride Center Help YOU?

Category: Center Support,General,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 10:40 am

“I need assistance in understanding what my insurance company does and doesn’t cover.”

“I want to change my name and my gender markers on my license, but I’m not sure where to start.”

“I wish I had some help figuring out how to get and keep a job.”

“My Doctor is great, but they don’t really ‘get’ my concerns as a queer person.”

“I need some help figuring out what I want for my life and how to get there.”

Case Management Services at the Pride Center can help with all of these concerns and a lot more.  Our Services are offered by a licensed clinician who can offer service coordination in an LGBTQ-affirming environment.  Services are free for youth ages 13-21 and very low-cost for adults over age 21.  The first session is free to make sure that Case Management Services are a good fit for you.  Daytime and evening hour’s available, services offered by appointment only.  Email casemanagement@capitalpridecenter.org or call us at 518.462.6138×12 to make an appointment today!

July 6, 2012

Introducing THRIVE! A New Group for Young LGBTQ Adults!

Category: Center Support,General,Programs — Capital Pride Center @ 10:32 am

Starting Thursday, July 12th, we’ll have our first meeting of THRIVE, our new therapist-led mental health and wellness group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) young adults ages 16-24!

THRIVE will focus on positive social interaction, health, and transitioning into adulthood. We’re so excited to get it started, are you?

The group meets every Thursday from 6-7:30PM for 12 weekly sessions. We will be meeting on the 3rd floor of the Pride Center (332 Hudson Avenue, Albany).

THRIVE is free, confidential and interactive. Space is limited and an intake is required. Contact us at programs@capitalpridecenter.org for more information.

Please spread the word! We hope to see you there!

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