This past Monday marked International Women’s Day which is how Women’s History Month began with one day, before graduating to a week, then finally to a month. It seems crazy that with all of the accomplishments of women throughout history to our culture and to society, that it took till 1987 for a month to be set aside to specifically celebrate women’s achievements.
Here in the Coachella Valley, and in Palm Springs in particular, there's a rich history of empowered women making enormous contributions in the fields of healthcare, education, and commerce. Check out some of their stories here.
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Then let us know how you will celebrate this special history month?
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Tell the women in your life how much they mean to you.
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Explore the history of the rights of women
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Become aware of the issues women still face today.
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Participate in advocacy for women.
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Support women led businesses and institutions.
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With our Virtually Red Weekend on March 20th and 21st almost upon us, we asked you what you most missed about Red Dress Dress Red? |
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The majority miss the outrageously creative costumes the most, but don't despair, you can still flex your creative muscles and put together your own outrageous red outfit. Then join our Virtually Red Weekend (March 20th & 21st) as we paint the Coachella Valley red while raising funds to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Community Food Bank @ The Center! For info on how you can join in the fun events check out our webpage here.
As more and more people begin the vaccination process, we look forward to a time when we can celebrate everything important in life, together again! The CDC has issued revised safety guidelines about public gatherings and we've included a link to them further down our newsletter.
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Most of the time when we think about counseling or therapy, we think of the one-to-one situation—just ourselves and the therapist. As we are now able to contemplate re-opening in the future, I have been thinking about our new physical space.
We have moved the clinic from a 4-office corner of the third floor to a 10-office (plus two large group rooms) on the entire second floor of our building. Whenever I take things into my new office, I make sure to peak into the new family-therapy room, with its L-shaped couch and two chairs, and lots of room in between. I’ve thought about this space a lot recently in relation to some of the work two of our clinicians have being doing. One was working with a couple and the other was working with their child. The clinician working with the young person met with them for several weeks, brought in the mom and kid for a few sessions, and then continued to meet with the child individually. Eventually both therapists met with the family in order to solidify what they all had been working on. The level of communication and trust with everyone involved was extraordinary. And the fact that all of this took place virtually struck me as even more amazing.
I can’t wait for the day where we can do our work in person and fill our new offices (and that family room!) with our clients. Whether its individual therapy, couples, throuples, or families, we are here for you.
Dr. Jill Hingston, LMFT, Health Psychologist
Director of Behavioral Health Services
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A VERY Special Anniversary! |
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A lot can happen in ten years, and we can’t imagine what things would be like if we didn’t have the loving people of our vibrant community supporting us along the way. Thanks to the incredible support and the unconditional love from our volunteers, staff and generous community, we are standing here celebrating 10 wonderful years of The Community Food Bank @ The Center! Last week we met with some of the food bank volunteers and staff to hear what they had to say. Click on the video below... |
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And now join us for a VERY Special FOOD DRIVE! |
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Join the event that puts the fun in fundraising!
Virtually Red FOOD DRIVE
Saturday, March 20th & Sunday, March 21st 2021 10 am – 1 pm
Let’s celebrate 10 amazing years of The Community Food Bank @ The Center
and the impact it’s had on the lives of so many! Throw on some red and
come on down to safely donate and get your photo taken in your car!
For more info about the Food Bank and its needs click here.
We will also be accepting check/cash donations onsite.
Let’s go Virtually RED!
For all other info about our Virtually Red Weekend events
click the button below!
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Eisenhower Health @ Home series |
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A Woman's Guide to Healthy Aging |
As many women over 50 know, some things just get better with age. However, aging also increases the risk for developing health conditions that can impact your quality of life.
Join Cari Sudmeier, NP, Women’s Health Via ZOOM to learn about a few conditions that are common among women as they age - and what you can do to prevent or treat them.
Wednesday, March 10th
4pm to 5pm
Meeting ID: 975 8966 497
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Wednesday, March 24th
4pm to 5pm
Meeting ID: 975 8966 497
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Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Relief is possible |
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that can affect muscles, bones and joints including conditions like tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. Sports Medicine Specialists undergo extensive training in musculoskeletal medicine and are highly capable in the management of these problems, bridging the spectrum from acute injury to rehabilitation.
Join Rajiv Tailor, MD, Sports Medicine Specialist to hear about the non-surgical treatment options available for MSDs.
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THIS Saturday LIVE Comedy! |
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You are invited to a FREE Live performance
by the students of our Stand-Up Comedy Workshop series
THIS Saturday, March 13th @ 4:30PM.
Join the merrymakers for a hour of Zoom stand-up sets
and support those who give the gift of laughter!
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Start the week with some
physical fun that utilizes your
best dance moves and puts a
smile on your face as you
exercise to great music.
Hosted by
Shaun Samaro
Mondays 10AM - 11 AM
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Queer Spiritually
each Monday!
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This group provides a safe place to discuss all aspects of what it means to be queer and spiritual. We explore, learn and support each other on our individual spiritual journeys without judgement, fear or expectations.
First and third Mondays
through April
10AM - 11AM
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Program EXTENDED
for 2 extra weeks!
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By finding our inner gifts and tools to access a quiet peaceful place using meditation techniques, we can better achieve our goals in life.
With this new 10-week program, Barbara Lippert will guide you to a peaceful place and access your own spiritual intuition and help better understand what can work best for you.
Mondays 2:30PM - 3PM
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LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout |
If you’re between the ages of 14-20 and need a safe space to connect with other LGBTQ+ youth, Zoom by for a minute or longer.
Hosted by Miguel Navarro
Fridays 2PM - 3PM
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Returning week beginning March 15th |
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Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine and Managing Emotions during a Pandemic resume after their short break! |
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In need of more connection? Join us Monday through Friday online in our Zoom Meetings, like Knit Together, Women's Chat, Men's Chat, and much, much more.
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The Community Food Bank @ The Center |
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Located at 610 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, The Community Food Bank @ The Center is open for distribution every Thursday from 5PM - 7PM.
We are currently in need of the following items:
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Rice, 1 Pound Package
- Dry Beans, 1 Pound Package
- Jars of pasta sauce
- Peanut Butter
Drop-offs welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 am to Noon and NEW Curbside drop off hours: Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Collecting barrels will be available in front of our food bank facility for easy, safe, self-service drive by - drop and go!
Also please consider purchasing online at websites like AmazonSmile® or from other online food suppliers of your preference, and deliver direct to The Center @ 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor. Palm Springs, CA 92262.
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Celebrate Today's Heroes Tomorrow! |
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We’re surround by unsung heroes each and every day. We need the public’s help to recognize these everyday heroes in our community. The Riverside and San Bernardino Chapters of The American Red Cross Inland Empire Heroes Awards will recognize someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or made a difference in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties?
If you'd like to join in and help celebrate these unsung heroes visit here.
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Vaccinations - who, when and where? |
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Vaccination sites remain quite full and vaccine supplies are limited, so you are encouraged to keep checking often. The County is working on opening additional sites and creating mobile units. |
Get tested for COVID to help our County! |
You can help decrease transmission rates by following public health guidance, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and confirming your status by getting tested for COVID at these locations, including sites in Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio.
Testing is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance.
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Health guidelines for FULLY vaccinated people. |
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The CDC have released the first set of public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people. This guidance will be updated and expanded based on the level of community spread of SARS-CoV-2, the proportion of the population that is fully vaccinated, and the rapidly evolving science on COVID-19 vaccines.
For the purposes of this guidance, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson).
The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings.
Fully vaccinated people can:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
- Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic
For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:
- Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
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Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
- Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
- Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
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Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Follow guidance issued by individual employers
- Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations
Click here to read the CDC's full recommendations. |
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Join the Timothy Ray Brown Memorial Campaign |
As you may know, Timothy Ray Brown – "The Berlin Patient" – passed away on September 29, 2020.
Timothy Ray Brown was an American considered to be the first person cured of HIV/AIDS.
To memorialize Timothy's life and advocacy for HIV/AIDS, a consortium of HIV/AIDS organizations have launched the Timothy Ray Brown "The Berlin Patient" Memorial Campaign (TRB Memorial Campaign).
The TRB Memorial Campaign has a goal of raising $15,000 to fund a memorial boulder and plaque in the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco and a memorial bench and plaque in the Wellness Center in Palm Springs.
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Support those who give!
Please help support the businesses who support The Center, the work we do, and who give back so generously to our community. Click here for a list of Business Partners with The Center. |
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Contractors State License Services (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For 25 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school.
Learn more about our amazing Corporate sponsor here.
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20th Annual Rainbow Challenge |
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Love Golf??? The Stonewall Golfers 20th Annual Rainbow Challenge, benefitting
The Center, is back and happening at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort
on May 1st & 2nd.
You can play to compete or just casual play; all levels are welcome!
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PALS seniors and future seniors, Planning Ahead before a health issue requires connections. Come join the conversations.
PALS Café:
Every Wednesday, 4 PM – 5 PM
March 10, 2021 – What Are Some of Your Guilty Pleasures During COVID?
Dial in: 699-900-9128
Upcoming Special Event THIS Saturday!
Saturday, March 13th, 10 AM - 11 AM
Building Bridges: Exploring Gender Dysphoria
with Jami Woods Ass't Professor of Psychiatry, Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion, UCR School of Medicine.
Seminar:
Saturday, March 20th, 10 AM - 11 AM
Living Well Through Assistive Technology
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Physically distant social fun! |
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Check out Gay Desert Guide's guide to physically distant events happening in the valley and beyond!
On Thursday The Roost Lounge invites you to spend an evening with the scintillating vocal stylings of Julie Garnyé. While on Sunday you can delve into Classic LGBT Writers: The Romantic Friendship of Shelley and Byron. Monday check out WildLights of Spring with The Living Desert.
Details of these events and more are on their Facebook page here. |
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Unleashing the hero in us all... |
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Every now and again it's amazing to hear of LGBTQ businesses thriving in unconventional spaces (though one could argue when are comic books ever conventional?). So it is with Kraven Comics. |
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Five years ago, Fernando Velez, publisher of the online gay lifestyle and culture publication, Kraven Magazine, was looking for a way to make it more heroic. When one of his writers, Raad, submitted a story about the misrepresentation and lack of the LGBTQ community in the comic book world, Fernando created a team of six heroes, representing the full breadth of the LGBTQ community and so Kraven Comics was born.
Through incredible artwork featuring their diverse transgender, bisexual, gay, and straight heroes, Kraven Comics tackle stories highlighting social justice, political issues, racism, women’s and children’s rights, wealth inequality, government abuse, and many more real world topics. The characters and stories are universal, showing how we, as humans, must defend love from hate at every turn and unite together in inclusivity.
So if you're in need of some colorful heroics where you can recognize yourself in the lead characters (and who doesn't need that these days?), then check out the incredible work of the talented team @ Kraven Comics here. |
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They were here, and they were ours |
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In this space we honor the memory of folks in our community who have passed.
Submissions received by 5PM Friday will be included in the next week's newsletter, for two consecutive weeks.
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The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert | 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236
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