The Center West Move and Expansion: UPDATE

I just want to let the community know where we are at with our new facilities.

We have a large building that we can rent for a reasonable price. The owners of the building are very supportive and willing to work with us to enable us to be there. It will require some minor modifications to make it work for us. It is accessible and yet private with plenty of parking.

We have someone willing to set up a Coffee Shop for us. We have another organization that will share rent for use of the facilities on Sundays. There is plenty of meeting and office space. We can set up a game room with pool tables and other games. Plus there is space just to hang out, read, visit and be with friends. It has a separate area for teens and young adults.

It has a large enough room for events, dances, shows, etc. We can get a beer and wine license for special events and dances. We would also have alcohol free nights when those who don't want to drink or are underage can attend. Bingo-nights and drag shows are in the works.

We have raised several thousand dollars mostly from our PFLAG families and straight allies. We have some major donors who will help us out to get started. But, before that will happen they need to know that the LGBT community is behind it and will support it. We need the LGBT community to let us know that they do indeed want it and will support it.

How can the LGBT community do that?
1. By letting us know that you will support it and help out.
2. That the LGBT community will help it financially by contributing what they can to help get it going. We are not so much interested in having everyone donate large amounts of money, although we certainly wouldn't turn it down, as we are in having lots of LGBT people donate something. Even if it is only $5, $10 or $20 dollars, it will show that people are interested and will support it. If that happens I can ask our major donors for enough to make up the difference.

We don't need a lot of money to get started. Once we are up and running it should pay for itself and even provide for some additional obs for the LGBT community.

We are at the point now where we need the community response in order to be able to go forward. I have been told that this is what the community needs and wants. We have an opportunity now which may not come along again for awhile. So it's time to support it or forget it.
The choice is up to the community. Feel free to stop in and get more information or to talk about the dream.

Michael M. Coats, Director
The Center West
3601 Canyon Lake Dr.
Suite 4
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-348-3244
info@thecenterwest.org