Harriet Hancock Center Foundation
I was 27 when I discovered I was a gay man. I had no idea where to go meet another gay person...I had no gay friends, family or co-workers (or so I thought). I visited a psychiatrist for help...and she gave me the address of the center, which was located on Rosewood Dr at the time. My Mom went to the center first (she was very supportive of me) and checked out books for me to read. Then I visited the center, checked out more books, volunteered to answer the phones a weekend a month, met new friends, marched in the pride parade year after year and eventually escaped my fears of being gay. I'm now 43 and a well adjusted gay man with a partner for 15 years. I'm out to family, neighbors, co-workers and friends. I am so grateful to the center for being there when I needed it. I became a monthly financial donor many years ago and continue to do so and I attend fund raisers for the center when my schedule allows. It is awesome that Columbia has a place like this for gays/lesbians to go. All of us don't have easy "coming out" experiences...and we need the positive support of others, which often cannot be found in a night club environment. I thank the center for being there for me and for all the volunteers that keep the center going.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This organization helped me to meet other gays and lesbians, when I thought I was the only one in South Carolina.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Being out amongst a group of friends in pride marches, theater or picnics has helped me deal with the fear of being gay.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers are very friendly and quality people who are interested in making the world more accepting.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Well...if they had tons of money, they could setup housing for gay and lesbian teens who lose their home when unaccepting parents throw them out.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The HHCF provides meeting and gathering space for so many groups in our community that can not afford (or do not need) their own facility on a full-time basis. Their fiscal responsibility makes best use of limited funds to keep the building open, staffed (with volunteers) and maintained. The Center also serves as a tangible reminder of the LGBT place in the community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the wide range of people who have been helped through services of the Center. I know my small donation will be used effectively to keep the doors open.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire Ryan Wilson to run it! He is an amazingly energetic, intelligent and committed young man who is EXTREMELY diplomatic!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the diverse, friendly, passionate people who volunteer to keep the HHCF going.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
a real melting pot of fun folks.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make the lives of ALL LGBT South Carolinians safer, happier and more sercure through expansion of the current education, promotion and advocacy programs.
Ways to make it better...
there was more funding to staff the Center with a full-time employee so that more people could receive services.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding and expansion of services.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am proud to be associated with the HHCF!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
As an older gay man, I appreciate everything the Harriet Hancock Community Center does for not only GLBT folks, but the community at large. It has been a resource and a haven for those in need of both. Asd the Executive Producer, Writer and Co-host of the only gay themed radio program in South or North Carolina, the Center has done much to make it possible for Rainbow Radio: The Real Gay Agenda to be on the air here in Columbia and on the Internet as well as a streaming potcast.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way it has overcome the problems of many non-profits run strictly with volunteer help and become a valuable GLBT and overall community resource. It has become a place where more people and organizations will find a welcoming atmosphere.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would do nothing different as it is serving the overall community of Columbia, South Carolina.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing how this group of volunteers has and continues to help those who seek it, whether they be GLBT or not.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
For the most part, those that volunteer their time and energy's are knowledgeable and eager to help.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
probably get a bigger facility so they could provide more services, as well as enjoy the luxury of having a paid staff.
Ways to make it better...
ee enjoyed a steady, reliable stream of funding, either through donations or Grants as there have been times when it was been difficult to make ends meet on a monthly basis. These are problems almost all organizations are grappling with.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
as with all such organizations, finances, and a strady flow of those willing to selflessly give of themselves for the community as a whole.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
As President of SC Pride Movement, I'm a little biased about the Harriet Hancock Center. I have seen it grow and thrive over the past 3 years while living in Columbia, SC. The Center is home for many of us, a safe and comfortable place to meet, volunteer, and enjoy some social time with friends. I can't imagine life in Columbia without the Center!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the lives of the people in South Carolina who have used the resources the HHC provides.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let someone else take a turn at leadership.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that we've made a difference in the lives of not just LGBT people but changed the hearts of a few people around us.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated, dependable, and passionate about what they do!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
pay a staff member to help keep it open every day of the week.
Ways to make it better...
I could have been paid for my labors!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
a difficult southern political climate and the ever present struggle to find funds to operate.
One thing I'd also say is that...
THANK YOU!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009