Will The Center Close?
The Center has recently experienced a change over in management. Sandy Vopalka has resigned as director of The Center. Amber Miller has been appointed the interim director.
The Center is currently experiencing two important issues that need to be addressed immediately. The Center is lacking a structure for community support, involvement and oversight. The Center is also facing a critical financial situation that could close the doors permanently as soon as October 1st.
They are asking for members of the central Iowa LGBT community to join them for a meeting to discuss these two issues. This meeting will be held Friday September 23rd at 6:30.
The first item on our agenda will be the creation of a membership roll and a community board. This board will over see The Center through the restructuring process and be accountable to the membership. They hope that this will create a level of accountability and transparency that has been lacking in the past.
They will also need to discuss our current financial situation and come up with a plan to keep the doors open. The company that owns the building, Nationwide, has been more than generous with The Center in the past and has indicated a willingness to work with us. However the current situation is that they have no official lease and they have not been paying rent for sometime. It is required that they have a solid fund-raising plan in place in order to continue operating out of that place.
This is going out to all those who have been involved in The Center in the past. If you have wanted to be more involved but didn't know how, now is your chance. They have a unique opportunity to create the community center anew, as individuals and as a group. They urge you to come to the meeting, to fight for the things you believe in about The Center, but also to give voice to the changes we must make. The meeting is open to the public and they want as many members of the LGBT community to be there as possible. The stronger they are as a group, the stronger the new center will be.
If you are unable to come to the meeting or have any questions you may email The Center at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call Amber at the center (515)243-0313. However please understand that Amber is incredibly busy right now with this restructuring. Office hours will be spotty and we may not be available for all questions.
Date : Friday, September 23rd
Time : 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location : 1300 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309
