Community news and events January 12, 2023
Hello and Happy New Year from Diversity Richmond! As I settle in to my duties as Diversity Richmond’s Executive Director, I’m still riding the wave of excitement and possibility entering a new year brings. 
 
To some of you, I will be a familiar face, having worked for over a decade in service to Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community. And yet, as Diversity’s Executive Director, I will be introducing myself in new ways that reflect Diversity’s renewed energy around our commitment to live into our mission.
 
In the months to come, you’ll be hearing more from me about both familiar and new opportunities to engage us in service to our community. It’s still early in my tenure (only 87 days), but I’m already thinking about the five Ps:
 
●      Uplift and empower our People (staff, board, community)
●      Engage with intentional Purpose
●      Deliver Programs that are responsive and relevant
●      Offered in a Place that is welcoming and safe
●      Sustained by a diverse Portfolio of support
 
If that feels like a lot, it is! Our goals are ambitious because our community deserves the best partner and advocate possible. In my short time here, I am inspired by such an amazing staff and dedicated board committed to Diversity Richmond being a voice, a catalyst, a space and a resource for the LGBTQ+ community of greater Richmond. 
 
I am proud to lead this organization, and I, we, all of us, are energized to answer this call.
 
So, I’ll say it again: Hello and Happy New Year from Diversity Richmond!
 
Please feel free to reach out to me at lacette.cross@diversityrichmond.org.
Calhoun Community Center receives large donation

Diversity Richmond closed out 2022 by distributing the remainder of more than $140,000 of Amazon merchandise that was donated to us by the company last Summer to more of our community partners. Just in time for the holidays we donated gift items, electronics, home goods, kitchen gadgets and personal care items valued at more than $50,000 to The Calhoun Community Center to help families living in Gilpin Court. This is in addition to the more than $70,000 in merchandise we donated to CARITAS and PATCH RVA in November.   

In the last two years, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Amazon, we have been able to donate nearly $250,000 worth of new and like-new merchandise to support community partners serving people in need in and around Richmond.
Thank you James River Association!

These wonderful folks from James River Association chose Diversity Richmond to be the local nonprofit organization to support with volunteer assistance during the holiday season. With their help we were able to tidy up and organize our 15,000 square foot thrift store. We moved our linens into a new room and created a new small appliance room. We hope you can stop by soon and see how much better we look!
The Iridian Gallery at Diversity Richmond is pleased to announce the opening of SPECTRUM, a new solo exhibit from artist Dakota Summer Becker and What If, a new solo exhibit and retrospective from textile artist Robin Ryder on Friday, January 13th with a reception from 7-9pm. Light refreshments will be served with a cash bar.
All are invited to a free public concert celebrating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The concert is hosted by Dr. Patrick Carlin and features talented singers and musicians sharing inspirational songs and arrangements. Our Executive Director is the guest speaker. Dr. Carlin is a proud supporter of Diversity Richmond and the work we do in the community. Location and details are in the flyer below.
Thank you, Max's on Broad!

On Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 pm, Max's on Broad is graciously hosting a very special wine and cocktail dinner to benefit VA Pride. The ticket price of $100 per person includes a five course menu paired with cocktails and wine and a $25 donation to VA Pride! You can make your reservation by calling (804) 225-0400 or online.
Dreaming Home, A Conversation for LGBTQ+ Elders will be held on Thursday, January 19th from 6pm to 8pm in the Diversity Richmond Event Hall, 1407 Sherwood Ave RVA 23220. Register by January 13th by calling 804.925.2660. Email Dreaminghome@LeadingAgeVirginia.org.

Senior living options and your input on what you want for your own elder home will be discussed. What do elders value most when they dream of "home"? What senior living options are there and what are some things to consider about the different options? Which senior living options appeal to you most? The LeadingAge Virginia Dreaming Home project shares senior living options and allows diverse elders to reflect on which options connect with their values and desires. Elders that attended recent Dreaming Home workshops shared that they heard options that they had never heard of before! Are you a 60+ elder and interested in learning more? Would you like some time to reflect on what you value most about different senior living options? Register today!
PLEASE NOTE: THE CLINIC WILL BE HELD IN OUR EVENT HALL.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VACCINE, CALL (804)205-3501
Under the Rainbow

Diversity Richmond hosts an LGBTQ+ virtual hangout group for community members age 18+ called Under the Rainbow. This is a new space to build community and discuss different topics. If you have an interest in attending these meetings or would like to be considered as a possible team member to help facilitate meetings, please email us.

This program collaborates with the efforts of the Bi+ Discussion Group hosted by Metropolitan Community Church. Please visit MCC for meeting information.
Recovery & Support Groups
The following is a list of recovery and support groups that meet in our building on a regular basis. See our calendar listings for more information.

  • Sunday (Weekly) AA 11:30am-12:30pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Sunday (Monthly-first Sundays) Black Trans Men Who Cook 4pm-7pm in the Small Event Hall (Door # 4)
  • Monday (Weekly) AA QCFW 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Tuesday (Weekly) Cocaine 12 Step program 6pm-7pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Wednesday (Weekly) N.A. 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Wednesday (monthly- first Wednesdays) The Next Generation (Alternative Lifestyles support and Education group) 7pm-8:30pm in the Small Event Hall (door#4)
  • Friday (twice monthly- 2nd and 4th Fridays) Let's Talk 7pm-8:30pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Friday (monthly- first Friday) JRTS 7pm-8:30pm in the Classroom (Door #2)
  • Saturday (weekly) A.A. Serenity 6pm-7pm in the Classroom (Door #2) 
Diversity Thrift picks up your furniture donations for free! Email photos of your items and contact information to thrift@diversityrichmond.org and we'll get back to you to schedule a pickup. The store is open 10 to 6 daily for shopping. Donation drop offs accepted 10am - 2pm. Store sales benefit Diversity Richmond.

Follow us on facebook for store updates, featured items, and 25-cent sales.