Meet Bob, one of the thousands of LGBTQ New Yorkers finding connection through The Center:
 
"When COVID-19 came, I made a pledge to my children: 'You’ll never say goodbye to me over FaceTime.' It was out of the question to take the risk and The Center helped me make my decision by closing the building to protect the community. I’m well into my 70s and have been going to The Center’s social events for years. I never saw myself in need of their adult services, but when I had an issue with drug use I started asking for referrals and all roads pointed to The Center. Regardless of age, sociological differences or level of income, drugs—like the coronavirus—don’t discriminate who they can affect." 

"The Center has a recovery group for seniors which makes it especially nice to spend time connecting with people in my shoes. The smooth transition of our recovery groups to online has been a godsend. My recovery is a lifetime commitment to taking it a day at a time. I feel like I have armor and a support network that I could never have dreamed existed.
 
To me, Pride has always been an attitude: I know who I am. We used to whisper, tip-toe and hide in the closet. We’ve come so far. Of course I’ll miss celebrating with my friends, but until then, we know next year will be that much bigger and better." 
 
This is what Pride means to Bob. We take Pride in supporting our neighbors, friends and community. The Center has provided over 1,500 virtual adult recovery counseling sessions for people seeking connection during isolation since moving our services online. Please consider a generous gift to The Center to ensure we can be there for each other, now and always. Thank you!